Ally Heintz » July 2007 Journal Entries » AboutMyBaby - online baby scrapbooks, photo albums, videos, birth and pregnancy announcements

< > July 2007

Tue, Jul 31, 2007 9:32 PM
Ally had a better end of day. Blood pressure has been a little high, liver enzyemes have started to trend down, but still some work needs to be done with losing some fluid and having more urine output from those kidneys. Everyone do your pee-pee dance tonight!!

Ally is scheduled second on the OR list for tomorrow to have a partial closure of her abdomen. Right now she has a cut across her belly and up her chest, bascially and upside down "T". Tomorrow's closure will be working on closing the horizontal cut. We will leave the vertical cut open until maybe next Monday. The reason for this is that Ally has more skin lower on her belly then above. It's that whole tearing thing we are trying to avoid.

We also had a surprise visitor today in the PICU! It was Ally's first surgeon Dr. Katz who delivered her at birth and who has done many of her initial bowel repairs in the first 6 months of life at Bryn Mawr hospital. She was so excited to see us, as we were to see her. Dr. Katz now works in Pittsburgh as we had already known, but this morning as she was looking through x-rays, she noticed a familiar name, Ally! She also noticed on the x-ray much of her initial work was no longer there! Meaning only one thing to her...Ally finally had her bowel transplanted. Seeing that made her hunt us down to see first hand how Ally was doing. Dr. Katz will forever be a hero in our book, and after talking with her, she was more then gracious to help us anyway she could in the hospital or out. She even offered to do our laundry and watch Ashley!! Wayyyy to nice!
We told her to watch what she offers, because we could fall on hard times. It's always good to have such great docotors who know Ally close by, and today seeing Dr. Katz was a great comfort!

Not much else to report. Having Ashley here is tough. She is having a hard time with being here and does not look forward to being in the hospital during the day. So both our mothers have been busy today keeping Ashley busy away from the hospital. Right now Ashley is swimming at the hotel pool, which she thinks is way cool!

We are taking things one day at a time, and figuring out things as we go. The next few months will be tough.

Please keep the prayers and thoughts going, they are working!! Don't forget to pp-dance ;)

Shane

Comments:
Lynda Horn: Hello,
Jill, Shane, Ashley, and Ally. You probably do not remember me. It is Lynda Horn Your long ago night nurse before leaving PSA. I can't believe how grown up the girls are. But I have seen the change in all the pic's posted on the site. I do keep up with you guy's but it would be much nicer if I could see Ally again face to face. I love that she is home and doing alot better. Jill you have a new hair style. WOW! it looks great. Well I just wanted to say hello. I hope Ally remembers me, because I will never ever forget her. She is and will always be one of the babies dearest to my heart. I miss her so. Wishing your family nothing but the best, my prayers are with you and always will be. Lynda Horn

phil h: glad to hear things are going better and I hope all goes well tommrrow

Cris Matlack: What can we do for all of you beside the prayers? Will you need help moving in somewhere or??? You must let us know what we can do. PLEASE give us a list of gift certificates to food places or things you will need. Boyertown will miss all of you so much. Love to all.

Karlene & Steve Novotny: Our prayers are with you and Ally. God has given you a gift and we truly understand the magnitude of the procedure. You see I (Karlene) am being evaluated for a intestine and colon transplant and possible liver as well. I will always keep Ally in my thoughts and prayers and look forward to updates and pictures. God's peace

Kristin Hedgelon: Congrats on getting the call! We are praying for your sweet baby!
Friends of Steph Pusateri...the Hedgelons

Pastor Grill: Hi! Sister Millicent just contacted me and asked me to come to visit you. I would be honored to do that but need the access code. If you are willing to call St Andrew Lutheran Church 412 682-3342 and give me your cell phone number I would like to ask you for that code. (Please leave a message; I am out of the office most of the day). I hope to be visiting the hospitals late this afternoon and would like to have the opportunity to see you. We have added Ally to our prayer list Pastor Janet Grill

Carrie Hicks: I just learned about Ally this weekend. I will be praying
for those kidneys!

Sandy Maicher: I'm glad that Ally improved as the day went on....we will definitely do the pee-pee dance here in Birdsboro. Ally is a true fighter...and as always Prayers, Prayers and Prayers coming your way.

Nan Moyer: I have been getting updates on Ally from the very first day I began serving St. John's as the Parish Nurse. And, have been praying ever since. Will continue to do so. God be with you. Nan

Carol Meeker: You are never far from our thoughts and prayers. I have taught the

Pastor & Kathy Pearson: We are thankful for the good news! Our family version of the

Cheryl Nagle: Thru the last 3 years my husband & I and our church have watched and waited with the Heintz family. Now every morning I rush thru getting ready for work so I can look on this site for a progress report. Thank you for sharing with all of us. I am still a firm believer that our God has a plan thru all of this. I can see His hand everywhere uplifting when needed, calming when needed, loving always. Let your faith in Him grow through all of this. Keep Him always up front and close to you and God will see you through

Sandra DiCesare: We are all doing the pee-pee dance here in New Jersey, we will do any kind of dance if it helps Ally recover. Thinking and praying for all of you. Love and hugs sent to you all!!!!!

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Tue, Jul 31, 2007 3:01 PM
Today has been an okay day for Ally. Some things could be better but than again things could always be worse, so we will just take things the way they are! Ally's main problems today have come from being too positive in her fluid intake from yesterday. Her urine output has dropped off considerably and all that extra fluid seems to be finding it's way to her lungs. Her vent settings are about the same but her oxygen has been increased to maintain her sats.

Ally was started on a small amount of Lasix during the night. At that time her blood pressures were a little on the low side so they didn't want to diurese her too much. Needless to say all morning her BPs have been high and they have doubled her Lasix drip twice. Unfortunately at this point we have not really seen an increase in her urine output.

She has gone about 18 hours without recieving any blood products which is always a good thing. Her liver numbers were elevated significantly today but the docs are hoping this is just a delayed rebound effect from the transplant. Ultrasounds and repeat labs are being done now.

I also got another good look at Ally's abdomen today during her dressing change. All I can say about this is WOW!!! Transplant in itself is just an amazing feat but to see your child laying there with her abdomen open and to be able to clearly look at all her abdominal organs is just unbelievable.

Shane may update again later tonight we will see what the rest of the day holds. Ashley drug both of her grandmom's with her to the children's museum and they should be returning soon.

Please pray for Ally to be able to get off some of her extra fluid and please pray that her liver enzyemes start to trend down. Thanks for all the prayers and support that you all have offered up to this point.

FYI...The Corvettes for Kids Golf Outing for this upcoming Monday is cancelled! There were not enough people to hold the event. Please think about attending or donating to the main event "corvette car show" August 12th! This event is to help Ally and us with expenses in Pittsburgh that insurance does not cover.

Thanks.
Jill

Comments:
stacy and brian stauffer: Ally is always in our prayers. She is a little fighter. Try to keep positive. We think of the entire family.

phil haddad: glad to hear things are going well after surgery. Let's hope and pray that her blood pressure comes up

winky bergdoll: Psalms 35:9 And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord...
Prayers abound for Ally and her family.

Christina Hopkins: Shane and Jill,
I just wanted to let you all know that me and my church family will be praying for Ally and for the whole family. We know that Ally is a fighter and I know that God has something big in store for her. Just keep holding on to His hands...He will help you all through this!
Love you all....
From our family in Tennessee,
The Hopkins Family

Jack Barbary: All of us at Corvettes for Kids are praying for you. We will continue to keep Ally and the rest of your family in our thoughts and prayers. I am always amazed at what the doctors can do, keep the faith. Jack and Sue Barbary

stephanie: Hey Jill, just wanted to say hi. The ph lab says hello. They were excited about the transplant. I will keep them up to date. Hang in there. That is amazing about ther abdomen. I am just glad I learned all my stuff AFTER my transplant but now I get curious. Please contact me if I can do anything for you guys. I know Ally and I are different but we have to have some similarities. I hope if we are out that way in the next few months I can come finally meet Ally and Ashley too. Or when you guys make it back to the sweat zone! Take care, we are praying for all positives.

Keith Pemrick: Janine has filled me in on everything going on and I just wanted to let you know that Ally and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Best, Keith

Audrey Latshaw: Our family has been thinking of you and praying for Ally's recovery. She is such a special little girl who has touched so many people in the Boyertown community. I hope it helps to know there are a lot of people here at home who are thinking of you. Cale, Audrey (Hoffman), Katie, Ashley & Jake Latshaw

Janine Davidheiser: Jill, Shane and Ashley - our prayers and thoughts are with you all on Ally's recovery! First day news is encouraging and we know she's a fighter. Continue to keep your spirits high. Janine, Kurt, Kade and Kole Davidheiser

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Mon, Jul 30, 2007 11:00 PM
Today was a quite day of healing. Not much to report. To me no news is good news. All we want is Ally to rest and heal, and that is what she is doing.

So far she looks great. I always hesitate to say or write how she is, because I feel that will cause things to change for the worse. Ally is doing so well, that I think we have this huge sense of something is bound to happen hanging over us that we feel a bit uneasy. We know it is early in the recovery process, but you would be amazed at how well she looks. I'm so proud of her and what she has accomplished in her short 3 years of life. To be Ally's Dad and Mom is not easy, but we could not be more proud of how she's done that last two days!! Even though she was scared the other night before surgery, you could see the fight in her eyes letting us know she could do this.

As for what to expect next...it looks like Wednesday Ally will go back to the OR to close more of her abdomen. The rest will be closed next Monday. The surgeons want to be careful at closing her in stages, so that she can heal without any major or unexpected tears.

Thanks to everyone for your support the last few days. The words and prayers are greatly appreciated and give us a great sense of comfort knowing your helping us through this, even if you are miles away!

Sorry to anyone who has emailed or called, and we have not yet responded. I'm sure you understand that our days are extremely long, and not much time is available to answer right now. We will also try to do better with updating the site, but for now, expect updates to be later in the night. We currently only have access to the internet at the hotel, not the hospital.

Besides the long days with no sleep and Ally recovering, we are also now having to get our lives straight with where we will be living, and how we can best maintain our lives in Pittsburgh and back home. Currently we are quickly seeing how fast expenses add up just in the last few days with being here. We don't have much choice, but we are trying to be creative with parking cars, food, hotel, etc.

Many have emailed saying they want to help. If you have ideas we are always open to support. One way by helping Ally is to remember the two upcoming Corvettes for Kids events. Both these events are listed on the website, and all the proceeds will go to Ally's recovery here in Pittsburgh.

Also, please remember to keep Ashley in your thoughts and prayers. I think people tend to forget that she too has gone through a tremendous amount of pain, learning to cope with an ill sister. As parents we sometimes struggle with the balance between Ashley and Ally. We do our best, but some days we forget to stop and listen to everything Ashley has to say. I'm so looking forward to getting all this behind us, so that we can live a nice boring life just being a Mom and Dad to Ashley and Ally!!

We will update again tomorrow night.

Shane

Comments:
uni-brower: prayers are being said for the Whole Family--we are here to help-

Aunt Donna & Nana: Awesome answer to prayer, so happy to hear things are going well. Keep your faith, we think of you all the time. If we can be of help just let us know!!!
Love Aunt Donna & Nana

Lynn G: Jill & Shane,
Our family business has donated items to Corvettes for Kids for many years but this year takes on a special poignancy for us, since we love Ally dearly and have supported you all in prayer as, of course, we will continue to do. God bless you all . . .

Corvettes for Kids, Inc.: We have been keeping all of you in our prayers (Ally, mom, dad, Ashley, and grandparents)! You have been a wonderful family to work with, as have so many of the families from Corvettes for Kids. We anticipate helping in any way we can.

Luis & Cheryl: We're glad to hear Ally is doing well. Having gone through our own transplant issues, we can assure you that the post-transplant jitters will go away with time and you'll be able to enjoy Ally's recovery to the fullest. May God bless you and girls!

Luis & Cheryl: We're glad to hear

Laura Borden: You are all in my prayers. I was so happy to hear that things are going well.

Katie and Luke: We love you both very much and can't wait to come and visit you in Pittsburgh. We are praying for you every night.

Andrea Kershaw: Just know that your church family is praying and cares for your family very deeply. Ally is an incredible, strong little fighter. Ashley is a wonderful big sister. Hope you feel all of us with you during the long hours of waiting. We are with you.

Heather, Kevin and Girls: If you need anything call. Ally keep fighting we love you so much. Ashley I can't wait till you can show me around Pittsburgh, you will have to be our tour guide. Love Aunt Heather

Emberly K: Such great news to hear that Ally is recovering well. You are all in our daily prayers.

Amy A (A.I.): God bless you all!! Glad to hear the surgery went well. We are all praying for you and can't wait to see you! Let me know if there is anything I can do. Keep healing Ally!

Kathy Hyland: This is such great news! Take care Shane, you, Jill, Ally and Ashley are in my thoughts.

THE DUNN'S: May God continue to watch over you all and keep you safe. You are in my families prays daily. God Bless you all!!!!!!

The Bingeners: We continue to pray for strength for Ally and your family. I spread the word to the MOPS group so you have a ton of moms praying for you!!

Jen Harmer: I am so happy to hear that things are going well. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Pastor & Kathy Pearson: God our Father, we give thanks for Ally's recovery thus far. Continue to be with her in these early days of the transplant. Watch over her as she goes to the OR to begin closing the wound. Be the strong rock for Shane and Jill, Ashley and all the family who give their strength and support. We pray in Jesus's name, Amen. We are thankful for good news and we pray God's continuing strength, Pastor & Kathy

Steve, Tracy, Tiff & Amanda: You guys are all in our thoughts and prayers. Hang in there and let us know if we can help!

phil h: glad to hear that things are going well, and that the sugery was a complete success. I will continue to pray for you and your family

Holly Cusumano: Wishing you well. You are in my thoughts.

Joanne mcTamney: We are all prying for you all here at BMH. Good Luck. God Bless you all.

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Sun, Jul 29, 2007 9:23 PM
Sorry for the long delay. But here it the much anticipated update.

We arrived in Pittsburgh yesterday at 5 p.m. by car. The drive to Pittsburgh was extremely stressful. I would have hated to be the people in front of us on the way out. A few times I would have liked to use my bumper to get on our way. It's hard to express to others on the road just how important it was to move out of the way as you are driving to save your childs life. Lesson from this, is if someone is that much in a hurry to pass, let them ;)

When we arrived we were quickly admitted to the transplant floor and given a room to await further instructions. At about 8 p.m the surgeon who was going to retrieve the organs came into explain the situation and the plans for the night ahead.

What we know so far is that the organs came from a child in Detroit that was Ally's size and was physically abused to death. Murdered sadly to say. It's hard to hear these types of facts as you wait yet for another chance at saving Ally's life. We always knew the organs would come from a child that would pass from a head injury, but to think of a child who did not have to die, is hard to deal with. We will be forever grateful for the one parent who chose to doante life to Ally, even in their most trying circumstances. Continue to pray for them, and to remember their loss.

The surgeon left Pittsburgh at 8:45p.m. last night, arrived in Detroit at 10p.m. to evaluate the organs. As this was happening Ally was sleeping. We wanted her to get as much rest as possible before the battle began. At 12:30a.m. this morning, Ally was moved to a holding area where we said our good-byes, and where she was finally sedated for surgery. Before she went to sleep I gave her one last fight speech, telling her that she needed to give her all one last time! She responded with a small high five.
The hardest part about all of this was letting her go. She screamed all the way down the hall as they got her ready for surgery. Very tough to hear as a parent, and very difficult to let her go.

Ally's surgery started at about 1a.m. this morning. First removing all her organs (stomach, pancreas, liver, and small bowel). This part of the surgery lasted until about 9a.m. this morning. The second part of the surgery was placing all the donated organs. This lasted until about 1p.m. We waited another 6 hours to see Ally at 7p.m tonight.

Overall the surgery has gone well. She looks great and is on about 35% oxygen on the ventilator. They did not close her abdomen yet because the tissue is just not there to close her without it tearing open again. For now she has a clear piece of plastic protecting her new organs as she lays with her belly cut open. Sounds bad, but if history would to repeat itself, and the surgeons tried to close her right away...Ally would just break open anyway. This approach is fine with us. If all goes well in the next few days, and her fluids are maintained well, they will take her back to the OR and close her. As for every else going on...I think it's best not to get to technical just yet, because knowing Ally it will all change later tonight.

If you know Ally's history, you know that she is more likely to be trouble five days out of surgery, rather than just after a procedure. We are holding back our emotions of relief, and instead praying for the next few days to go with no major complications.

I think I covered most of the major highlights from the last 24hrs., but am sure I missed a few. I guess not sleeping for the last 30 hours will cause some memory loss. Tonight Jill, Ashley and I are going to sleep at the hotel, while our parents take turns visiting with Ally. Then at about 1a.m. the plan is to switch shifts with our parents and spend more time with Ally into the morning hours.

Sleep will come in short time tables as we try to get Ally back to health, but as long as we get her healed, it is all worth the lack of sleep!!

Thanks to everyone for the the much needed messages on the site. Your support gives us the courage and strength to stand along Ally and fight!

Please keep Ally in those prayers as the next few hours and days will be critical!

Thanks,
Shane

Comments:
Karen: My 24 year old son died in a car accident recently. He was a donor and two people received his kidneys. Your story was good for me to read. You are in our prayers.

Kelly: Praying for little Ally and anxiously awaiting a good report on how she is doing!

Kurt and Janine Davidheiser: Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during Ally's battle.

Diane: I am happy to read the surgery went well. May Ally's fighting spirit continue and pull her over this next hurdle. May God keep you strong, for her sake and Ashley's. We're all praying for you.

Emberly: Shane our prayers are with you and your family and especially for Ally as she recovers. May God bless the child that gave Ally the gift of life.

Christine: We are all praying for Ally! May God watch over her and bless her. Prayers for her physicians and nurses too!

Jenni Sutherland: What exciting, scary and miraculous news! Ally and all of you are in my prayers, esp in the next week of recovery! May God Bless this surgery to her healing!!

Audrey Eddinger: Jill, Shane, Ashley and Ally, I'm glad the surgery went well I know there is a long road of recovery. Keep staying positive and my prayers are with you always.

Winky Bergdoll: Thank you, Lord, for answered prayer. Please keep Ally and all involved safe. Give them rest and peace. Amen

Kristin at RMH: Wahoo! I hope Ally continues to grow stronger and that her body likes her new organs. I am thinking about all of you during this stressful time.

Lynda Horn: Hello Jill and Shane this is one of Alley's old night nurses. I am so thankful to the Lord that the transplant was finnaly able to happen for Alley. I miss her so, and am praying for the best possible recovery. Keep your heads up and prais God for he has granted another mirracle in your lives. Your family is so strong and deserving. Sending Alley a huge hug.

Tracy Lambeth: Ally, Jill, Shane and Ashley - we all watch the news with such anticipation and are thrilled to know that Ally made it through the surgery. May God watch over you as she recovers and also with the soul of the little one who was Ally's donor. Stay strong and let us know what we can do to help.

Aunt Sherry & Uncle Wally: Ally, Ashley, Jill and Shane, our thoughts are prayers are with you. Ally you are a remarkable little lady, just know that you are thought about every hour of every day. We love you and God Bless.
Love, Aunt Sherry & Uncle Wally

stephanie: Glad to see the update. I can relate to your

Margaret Huber: Shane, Jill and Ashley,
We are so overjoyed and rejoicing with you here at Channel 60! It was a blessing to meet Ally and her family when they came for the television interview. We have Ally in our prayer journal and a lot of prayer warriors are praying for her. We thank the Lord for His grace and compassion at this time and we pray for His continual love and strength for all of you as Ally recovers.

Ken and Becki: Praise the Lord. We'll be praying. I don't think that God brought Ally through all these close calls for nothing. He'll be with her again through this recovery.

Cheryl & Tom: Sending prayers to Ally and for the child who passed to give Ally the gift of life.

Brady and Andrea Reed: Shane & Jill-Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and know we are with you during this time of recovery. Hang in there and know you have many prayers being sent your way!

Jason Murray: I'll be thinking of and praying for Ally. God bless.

Valerie Peters: Shane-- You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers -- my heart pours out to Ally, she's a strong little girl. God bless. We're praying for a speedy recovery!

Jim: I am glad that the day has finally come. Everyone will be in my prayers.

Irene: Praise the Lord for the parent who in her hour of loss, thought enough to give our Ali another chance at life, thoughts and prayers are with her.
Lord we lift ali to your loving arms and thank you for your abilities as the supreme healer. Keep your hand on her during this time of healing, so she may be a witness to the power of your love and healing. I Jesus Nane, Thank you Lord

Dayle and Dave: We are with you all the way. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you and the doctors who have continued to treat Ally. God Bless. Lov Ya

Dayle and Dave: We are with you all the way. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you and the doctors who have continued to treat Ally. God Bless. Lov Ya

Mary Beth Hughes: Shane, You and your amazing family are always in my thoughts and prayers. I will be counting the days and praying for a full recovery for Ally!

Martha: Wonderful news!! I'm praying for you guys!!!

Faith: Everyone at Gift of Life Donor Program celebrates with your good news! We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers!

Deb and Bob: Our prayers as always are with all of you. Debbie looks forward to seeing all of you back at DuPont fully recovered for normal checkups only!!

Carla: God bless you, Ally! You've already taught us all so much in your young life. You're in our daily prayers!

Sheri Waldman: Thank you for updating us on Ally's surgery. We will continue to keep all of you in our prayers. Please, please let us know if you need anything!

phil h: Jill/Shane, I was glad to hear when Sister Millicent told us at Saturday at 6 that you got the call. THAT'S WONDERFUL NEWS, and I hope all continues to go well, and I will continue to keep your family in my prayers

Darrin and Steph Hoffa: We wish all of our best to Ally and the whole family and are praying for you all.

Leigh: Hi... I just wanted to congratulate Ally (BA-BA... as I call her)on her transplant. She's a tough cookie. My prayers will be with her and your family as she gets through this. Can't wait to see her looking great and healthy. Tell her to watch lots of Annie while she recoups. Get well Ally! Sending tons of prayers your way.

Pastor & Kathy Pearson: Jill & Shane,
The good news that Ally's surgery was over came with a message from Grandpa Heimbach on our answering machine tonight when we returned from a concert. Thanks be to God for this first step in the healing process. Our prayers continue for Ally and for all of you in the hours and days that are ahead. God gives strength and courage. Pastor & Kathy

uni-brower: The whole family is in our prayers--please let us know what we can do--Love ya

carrie: Praise God this time has finially come. Our family and everyone I know will be praying and thinking of Ally.

mandee: i love you ally! you're such a strong girl<3

Luis & Cheryl: We are happy that Ally's surgery went well. May God bless you all and may he watch over you. The folks of the Berks Coalition have you in our hearts and thoughts and pray for a speedy recovery for Ally.

Barbara: Keep up the good fight Ally girl, I love you and I'm praying real hard for you.Mommy and Daddy know they can call me if the need anything..I have vacation.Just let me know. Love you all

Barbara

Katie and Evan: Glad to read your update after talking to you today. Your whole family is in our prayers. Please call if we can do anything - I mean it Jill:o) Take care...sending lots of hugs.

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Sat, Jul 28, 2007 11:57 AM
The call just came!!!!!!!!! We are going to Pittsburgh for Transplant. The call came as we were coming home from the shore. Please pray for Ally!!!!!!

Will update later. Shane

Comments:
Cheryl: Wonderful news. We sre sending prayers for you Ally!

Linda Stone: The entire 'Hood

Linda Stone: The entire 'Hood

Linda Stone: The entire 'Hood

Diane & Dan: We're praying for you! We are so happy you received the call. May God take care of Ally and you during these vital hours. We are looking forward to more good news.

Craig Crock: Praying for Ally and the surgery.

Judy Leister: Our family is keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Pastor Pearson: O loving and protecting God, watch over Ally in the hours of her surgery. Grant skill to her surgeons, proficiency to the staff, compassion to the caregivers. Be with her family as they wait and watch. All this we pray in Jesus strong name. Amen.
You have all been in our prayers at St. John's this morning. It was a special day of rejoicing with Peyton's baptism. --Pastor Pearson

Sara Weller: You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Can't wait for more good news!

brenda &rod: praying for you and ally, so glad to hear you are in pittsburgh finally!!! may your guardian angels be with you and ally and her doctors. our thoughts are with your entire family.

Oscar Smith: Sister told us the good news last night. We at St. John's are preying for you.

Lynne: I am here for you, whatever you need! Welcome to Pittsburgh! I'm praying for all of you. Can't wait to see you. Love, Lynne

stephanie: PRaying for you. I knew the call was coming. Cant wait to here an update
steph

Abbey McCabe: We're all pulling for Ally here at duPont...So glad to hear you got the call and especially happy to hear that it was on the way home from he beach--not to the beach! Praying that the organs are perfect and that Ally does well. She's amazingly strong and has such a loving and supportive family. Thinking of you guys.

Becky Lee: I'll be thinking about all of you & keeping Ally in my prayers!!

Pastor & Kathy Pearson: May Almighty God watch over Ally and all her family in these hours. Protect them on their journey to Pittsburgh. Let the organ match be correct. Bring Ally safely through the surgery. Guide the hands of the surgeons, doctors, nurses, technicials and staff as they use their skills. Grant peace and comfort to all Ally's family. We pray God's healing for the family that will loose someone near and dear that these organs are available for transplant. Amen.
All of St. John's is praying for you.--Pastor

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Fri, Jul 20, 2007 9:06 PM
This should come to no surprise to anyone who knows how are luck is. Yesterday morning Ally got the call from Pittsburgh saying that her organs were available and ready for transplant. However, 3a.m. that morning Ally for the first time in 2 months ran a fever 101.9. When we told Pittsburgh this, we were automatically declined for surgery! Talk about being disappointed. To top the day off, Ally never ran a fever again later that day.

Ally everyday looks to be getting worse, and we are hoping our luck will turn soon. Something is brewing with her, that is for sure. In fact, tonight she is running a low grade fever. I'm sure if our luck continues the way it has in the past, the whole fever thing could ruin our trip this week to the shore with family. I guess we will have to see how the next day goes to determine whether or not we can get some much needed fun!

No doubt, Ally is at the top of the transplant list, but getting her to be healthy enough to make the trip is key. We are trying to be positive about being declined, and maybe this set of organs was just not right for her. The problem is the window for a healthy day with Ally is small. Basically all our stars need to align in order to make this happen to save our Ally. Please continue to pray we get another call, and that when it comes, Ally is healthy and ready to go.

On some other news, the Corvettes for Kids event in honor of Ally is approaching quickly. It looks like the golf tournment is about 30 people short of making this event happen. If you golf and or have friends who want to play in the tournment, please see the information on Ally's website to join. All of the proceeds go to Ally and our expenses in the near future of living in Pittsburgh. Here's your chance to play at one of the best courses in the area! If we do not have enough people, the event will have to be canceled!!!!

Also, the Corvette show is soon going to be here, and anyone looking to donate items for auction, please see the Corvettes for kids site to make a donation of any kind of item. There you will see the list of items available the day of the show.

We also have Corvettes for Kids shirts available for sale. $10. and raffle tickets that are $2 each. Winning Prizes for the raffle are: 1st $500; 2nd $200; 3rd $150; 4th $100; 5th 50.

If you are interested in any of these things mentioned please contact us at aajsheintz@yahoo.com; or 215-234-9686.

Thanks for the continued support!

Comments:
Christina Hopkins: Prayers are being said for Ally and for the family.
Just put your Faith and Trust in the Lord, He will see you all through this!!
Love you all,
The Hopkins Family

uni-brower: So sorry to hear about Ally-xtra prayers are being said for her & the whole family keep us possted--love ya

Carol Meeker: Jill our prayers are always with you and your family. Your attitude and faith pulls many of us through tough times. I will see you at Corvettes for Kids, with the bloodmobile in tow!

Winky Bergdoll: Goodness you must be bummed! Don't dispair though, we are all praying for another call-SOON-on a healthy day. Also for a fun week at the shore. That always lifts my spirits.
Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

phil H: Sorry to hear that Alley wasn't able to get the transplant. Let's hope that something comes avaiale soon

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Sat, Jul 14, 2007 5:58 PM
Please if you would, include Joe, Chris, and Ali McDonough in your prayers the next few weeks, as they deal with the loss of their son Andrew.

Many of you have followed Andrew's story via the link off Ally's site and have been praying for his health to improve. Andrew is at peace now. Andrew's sister Ali updated his site later this afternoon. She says it best "Our hero is healed. Andrew's in heaven watching over us."

The following email I received the other day. Please read it carefully. Andrew and many others before him have taught us how short and how precious life can be.

A friend of mine opened his wife's underwear drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package:

"This", he said "isn't any ordinary package."
He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box. "She got this the first time we went to New York , 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on and was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is it. He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothing's he was taking to the funeral house. His wife had just died.

He turned to me and said, "Never save something for a special occasion. Everyday in your life is a special occasion."

I still think those words changed my life. Now I read more and clean less. I sit on the porch without worrying about anything. I spend more time with my family and less at work. I understand that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through. I no longer keep anything. I use crystal glasses every day. I'll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if I feel like it. I don't save my special perfume for special occasions, I use it whenever I want to. The words "Someday..." and "One Day..." are fading away from my dictionary. If it's worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now.

Now, I try not to delay, postpone or keep anything that could bring laughter and joy into our lives. And on each morning, I say to myself that this could be a special day. Each day, each hour, each minute, is special.

Comments:
Samantha: thank you for sharing this . I now know that each and everyday is a gift from God. Praise The Lord God Bless You

uni-brower: thank you for sharing the message with us-pray for all of us

winky bergdoll: Thanks for sharing that e-mail with us. It does seem to be something you had already learned. I love the way you work to keep your lives fun, happy and ordinary. I'm sure it is why Ally is such a happy little girl.

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Wed, Jul 11, 2007 4:54 PM
Not to much to report this past week. Ally had her labs drawn on Monday and they were decent. Her ALT AST and GGT were all up a little bit from last week but her bili's stayed the exact same so that was an improvement from them increasing. Hopefully next week we will start to see them come down. Ally has run a low grade fever the past two evenings but I am just hoping this will go away.

We had a nice fourth of July and then we headed to the mountains for a couple of days. We made another trip to Knoebels. This time with some of our cousins and grandparents so the girls had a lot of fun!

This weekend the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware is having a Corvette Show fundraiser for the house. The corvette show will be from 11am-4pm on Saturday the 14th. If anyone has any further questions they can link to the site from Ally's home page. Shane and I were planning to attend but we are probably helping out at a habitat for humanity house.

Hope everyone continues to enjoy their summer and to stay cool in the heat. Please continue to pray for Andrew and Shane's cousin Lisa.

Jill

Comments:
Dayle and Dave: I truly believe what you just stated. Dave and I savor each day, not knowing when, but making the most of life. You have to believe and have faith, and God will be there.
You are always in our prayers.
Lov Ya
Dayle, Dave

Ken and Becki: Oops...our message didn't go through. We just were saying how much we love these

Ken and Becki: We love these

Winky Bergdoll: How great to hear of family fun for all of you. My prayers continue.
Remember, God is with you!

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Tue, Jul 3, 2007 11:00 PM
Happy 4th of July!!!

Hope everyone is having a great holiday week. We have had a busy couple of weeks which is why I have been too lazy to update.

Last week I took Ally to Pittsburgh for her check up. The docs there were definitely concerned with Ally's liver numbers and would like to figure out why they have begun to increase so steadily. We had an ultrasound done while we were there to see if Ally's bile ducts had a narrowing area somewhere but of course everything looked fine. At least if something was there we could have done something to improve things. For now the docs are holding off on the biopsy because that would really only show rejection (which would be highly unlikely) and inflammation or infection (which would have been treated with the IV antibiotic she was on two weeks ago).

Today I got Ally's lab results from her labs that were taken yesterday and all of her liver numbers were up again. Her totatl bili is now 10.6 and her direct bili was 8.6. These numbers are still nowhere close to what they were when Ally started with end stage liver disease but they are concerning. Especially since seven weeks ago her direct bili was 0.4 and her total was 0.8. One thought is that Ally is just suffering from TPN induced cholestasis. However it seems a little strange that this is occuring so rapidly since Ally has been on TPN ever since her transplant. Ally has received more lipids in her TPN (the lipid solution is what causes to liver cholestasis and eventually can lead to end stage liver disease) over the last two months. Since Ally was so sick in March she lost a considerable amount of weight. Since she can not tolerate an increase of calories through her g-tube the extra calories must be give through her IV fluids. Ally is just now back to the weight that she was when we went into the hospital the first week in March. GI and Pittsburgh thought it would be a good idea to drop a day of Ally's lipids to see if that helps her liver numbers to improve (she receives TPN everyday but four days a week lipids are added to the TPN now she will only receive three days of lipids.)

The docs at Pittsburgh said they would give Ally a few weeks to see if her liver numbers improve or at least stay were they are. If things do not improve we may need to discuss some alternative IV fluids, something called omegaven. Currently duPont can not get omegaven because it is not FDA approved. Boston Childrens hospital first got approval to use omegaven and now Pittsburgh has recently begun using it on some of there patients. So we will wait and see what happens with Ally's numbers.

Other than all of that things have been good. If you have not had a chance to check out the latest video definitely watch the one of Ashley dancing in the living room. We have a couple of picnics this week and we are planning another trip to Knoebels. The girls have begun to count down the days until we leave for the beach so hopefully we stay 'healty" for that.

Please continue to keep Shane's cousin Lisa in your prayers she is still in the hospital. My girlfriend Sandra has finally came home from the hospital tonight but she is still having a difficult time so continue to pray for her. Also I know some of you keep up with Andrew McDonough's website (there is a link from Ally's home page to his site) and he has had an extremely difficult road. Last week he and his family headed back to the ICU at duPont. The latest posting shows that Andrew is out of the more immediate danger but that things are still minute to minute. Please pray for Andrew's healing and his family's continued strength.

Comments:
Sonyia Brake: We keep up with your family, also, as the link came from Andrew's site. We continue to pray for you and your family. God gives the best to those who leave the choice to Him. I can tell that you believe that He is in charge. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to pray for you.
Check out this month's Guidepost. It has the story of who started Caring Bridge.
May God continue to bless your family.

Sandy Maicher: Happy 4th to all of you. I think about you all everyday. You have two totally awesome girls. Sorry we were not able to get together this past weekend. Hugs to all of you.

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates