Ally Heintz » February 2008 Journal Entries » AboutMyBaby - online baby scrapbooks, photo albums, videos, birth and pregnancy announcements

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Thu, Feb 28, 2008 8:19 AM
I told you all in my last update that Shane and I would be sharing some donor stories over the next couple of weeks. Our first story is a very special story to us. Logan Davis was a little boy that we had the pleasure of meeting this past summer in the hospital. Many of you may remember me asking for prayers for Logan and his mom Melissa to help them through many difficult time. Like Ally, Logan had a multi-visceral transplant and for a long time Logan and Ally followed a very similiar course of recovery. Sadly Logan's recovery took a downward turn last November and his body was just never able to recover. Logan passed away on December 2nd.

Today would have been Logan's 3rd birthday and we thought the best way for us to honor his life would be to talk about how much organ donation meant to his family. Logan's mom asked if I would write this story but I have always been inspired by the way Melissa speaks of Logan so here are some of her words.

From Melissa's blog 1/27/08

"As much as I would love for Logan to still be with us, and for Devin's family to have met him, I can only thank them for the gift we received. Even though things didn't work out as we had hoped for Logan, Devin's organs gave us a few more months to spend time with him that we wouldn't have had otherwise. If you all remember, just before the call for transplant, we were in the hospital with Logan having bad bleeds numerous times each day to the point we were almost afraid he would bleed to death in his sleep.

I'm happy Devin's family allowed me to share this with all of you, and I hope if you are ever asked to be an organ donor, you'll remember Logan & Devin's stories and choose to give the gift of life."

As I said Melissa's words do say it best. What parent wouldn't give anything for just a few more minutes with their child. Logan's donor family was able to give that gift to her. When you have a child that needs an organ transplant you know that getting those organs will change your life. We pray that the change is for the better but sometimes things don't turn out the way we want them too. Never the less without the transplant their health will deteriorate daily and with every breath you will be closer to losing them. With the calll for transplant comes the feeling of hope and without hope what do we really have?

Logan's family knows the importance of organ donation and we hope you all will help spread the word too by supporting our team in this year's donor walk. To find out more information about the walk please click the link to Ally's Angels located on the home page. To read more about Logan or to leave his family a birthday message please go to www.cotaforlogand.com.

Happy Birthday Logan!

Comments:
Robin Schultz: Hi Jill, Your strength and courage amaze me!! You serve as such an inspiration to so many. It is famlies like yours and Logans that make such a difference for all the patients listed for organ transplants.I have worked in the transplant field for more than 25 years and because I deal with both the donors and recipients I see the true miracles that happen. I have always done the walk with the CHOP team each year but Ally will give me one more special reason to walk this year.I am keeping all of you in my prayers as well as the donor famlies and those still awaiting transplants.
I hope Ashley is doing better as well. I had dinner with Denise and Wally tonight and Wally was saying he was coming out to spend April Fools Day with Ashley.If you are able to come home for Easter I would be glad to help you if you need it. I would be glad to do night shifts so you could sleep and Ally can stay safe.Wally has all my numbers if you need them. I am so glad Ally is progressing nicely and I will continue to pray for her recovery and you all to be home for Easter. God Bless!

D.Stinnard: Happy birthday to Logan and Melissa God bless. Bless Devin's family as well for the gift they also gave.Special angels come in many forms. Hope Ally is all full of vim and vigor today.

Carol Yeager: I think that you are an amazing mother and a wonderful kind and thoughtful loving woman to have the thoughtfullness to think of doing so much for others when you have been going through these very trying times with your children also.I am sure that someday you will be rewarded for your loving personality that you show to all others.GOD BLESS ALLWAYS

Sheila Duffy: Happy Birthday Logan!! So glad to read that Ally has a private suite and her friend got her transplant - I hope Ashley's ears are doing better!
Prayers for all!

Carolyn Wing/Angel_Wings: Thank you for sharing this beatiful story. I am praying for Ally. Hugs and prayers.

The Bollingers: God Bless all of you!

Robin - Angel_Wings: Hello Miss Ally! Just checking on you today and am thanking GOD for your donor family! What a wonderful way to honor Logan on his birthday! Thanking God for him and Logan's family as well! Praying you have a great Thursday and sending GREAT BIG Angel hugs, smiles and rainbows!

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Tue, Feb 26, 2008 10:51 PM
Just a quick Ally update to say that everything has been going well. She was moved up to the floor last week and is loving her private suite. Ally has been busy cruising the halls (not that she enjoys this because she feels it is just too much physical activity), catching up on her On Demand movies (the floor has better cable than the ICU), and playing Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse on the computer.

She continues to get a little stronger everyday and is getting close to being back to where she was before the flu. Pulmonology and ENT have also been involved again and talking about decanulation. At this point I really don't care about the trach I just want her out of the hospital.

It seems we will be making use of the extra day we get this month due to the leap year and we will be having a little birthday party for Ally on Friday at the hosptial. One of Ashley and Ally's friends from the floor was recently transplanted after a long wait so the party will actually be a Happy Birthday/ Congratulations on your new liver party! The girls should have fun and Ashley is off of school so it all works out.

Not much else to report. Ashley has a double ear infection and is on antibiotics for that. There always seems to be something fun going on with us! We are excited to see that our Angels for Ally team is already growing and we look forward to seeing everyone at the donor walk. The girls are in a hot debate over the t-shirt color so we are still not sure what color we are wearing. Remember if you sign up to walk you must also send us your t-shirt size. We will have youth xs to youth large and adult small to 2XL. Email your t-shirt size to aajsheintz@yahoo.com. Each week we will be updating the site with a special donor story to inspire you all. Look for the first update later this week.

Thanks for checking in on us.
Jill

Comments:
D.Stinnard: Keep up the good work and get better soon. Hope Ashley feels better soon. The party sounds good have fun and enjoy.

Robin - Angel_Wings: Hey Little Missy Miss! Just checking on you and I'm so happy you're doing better! You're always in my thoughts and prayers! Give Ashley a GREAT BIG Angel hug - I know what a double ear infection feels like! Sending you GREAT BIG Angel hugs, smiles and rainbows!

Carol Yeager: I am so very happy for all of you that things are going well and I pray that they continue to do so from here on in.God Bless All and a very happy Birthday for Ally I hope all goes well for her and she enjoys her cake, Tell her to eat a piece for me and make a mess for you Ha! Ha!

Sandra DiCesare: We are so happy Ally is is doing goood!! Sorry to hear Ashley has an ear infection, it never ends does it. Have fun on Fri at Ally's birthday party. Miss you all so much!!!!!

The Bollingers: So happy to hear that Ally is doing so well. Keep up the great work Ally! We are sorry to hear that Ashley has a double ear infection :( Never seems to end....Your party sounds like it is going to be so fun! Hope you enjoy yourselves, you have every reason to celebrate. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

phil h: Glad to hear things are going well for Ally

MJ/Angel_Wings: Morning Ally I am so thankful you are feeling better now. I am praying for all your needs little one. Your party sounds wonderful and I am sure it will be wonderful !! Ashley I hope you are feeling better soon, I will be keeping you in my prayers. Hugs Ally, as always you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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Fri, Feb 22, 2008 8:50 AM
It's that time of year again!

The Gift of Life's 13th Annual Dash for Organ Donor Awareness will be held Sunday April 20th at 8:30 a.m.

Registration to join the walk/run is $25. After April 14th, $30.

Ally's story is just one of the hundreds that proved organ and tissue donation saved lives in 2007. Gift of Life Donor Program, the organ procurement organization for eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, has diligently worked with area health care providers and families for more than three decades to facilitate donation and promote it as a life-saving means, and last year proved to be one of the most successful years.

In 2007, the gifts of 389 generous organ donors helped Gift of Life coordinate a total of 1,054 life-saving transplants over the course of the year. This was able to take place because of those donors and their family members who looked past their own tragedies and chose to save or enhance someone's life, like Ally and many others.

The ability to save or enhance the quality of life for patients depends on more families giving consent to organ and tissue donation. Quite simply, to ensure your wishes are fulfilled, the organ donor designation should be added to your drivers license or state ID and also discussed with your family members so they understand your decision. Then, and only then, will more lives be saved and improved through transplantation, which is why education on donation is so important.

This event is extremely important to both Jill and I. If you visit Ally's site often or even just once, you know the true miracle of organ donation. Last year we had an amazing team of over 100 team members who worked together to raise $24,000!!!

Our hope is that YOU can help us raise even more this year, and if you missed the opportunity to join us last year, this year is your chance to experience seeing others who have received a second chance at life, and maybe we can even get Ally there!!

Your donation could be the reason one family gets the education and understanding they need to make a decision to save a life like so many friends we know still waiting for organs.

To join or make a contribution click the link "Allys Angels" off of Allys homepage. If you have questions, just email us at aajsheintz@yahoo.com.

Some helpful tips in becoming a successful fundraiser:

* Recruit friends and family to join our team and walk with you.

* Bring information of the Dash to work with you, ask your co-workers to support you for the Dash!

* Send emails and ask people for donations to support organ and tissue donation.

* Tell your friends about Ally, and the miracle that has been blessed upon her!

More Walk information is below...

Let's try and make Ally's Angels the #1 team and if we can, have Shane's contribution area be #1 so that we can win both categories for the top fundraising awards! You can see our progress via the homepage link on the gift of life site.. Every dollar helps, and just might save a life

If you do not feel comfortable making a donation on the web via a credit card, you can either download the online form and mail your contribution to the Gift of Life, or make a personal check out to Shane and Jill Heintz payable to the TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION. and we can then send your money to the Gift of Life for you. Just make sure the check gets to us in the next month.

Registration will entitle you to a FREE Gift of Life Walk t-shirt. Unfortunately they do not have children's sizes.(Children under 5 are free; however, they will not be eligible for a t-shirt). Strollers are permitted for the walk.

Remember that if you join the team to send us you t-shirt size, even children!

To Register: Visit the link off of Ally's homepage. You can join the team or click Shane's area name to make a small contribution there. When you register, they will ask you to do it w/a credit card. After April 14, the registration fee goes up to $30 if you plan on walking.

Walk/Run Details: The walk is a 3K (1.8 miles) walk, everyone needs to meet at the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum at 10:45 a.m.(rain or shine) on April 20th. The walk will begin at 11 a.m. There will be an award ceremony & refreshments afterward. You can also decide to join the 5K (3.1 miles) and 10K (6.2 miles) runs.

Sponsors: They would like everyone who walks to make a personal donation or to get sponsors to raise money for the Gift of Life.

Incentives will be given: 100-149 raised - Dash baseball hat; 150-249 raised - Dash bag; 250-349 raised - Dash hooded sweatshirt; 350-499 - Dash jacket; 500+ raised Dash warm-up jacket/pant set. Top fundraiser will receive 2 round-trip tickets from AirTran Airways. To receive an incentive all money must be received by April 20th.

**********************

How else you can help:
You can add the donor designation to your license at anytime in Pennsylvania and Delaware by visiting www.donors1.org.

Contact your local blood bank to make a donation and save a life!!

Thank you! Please email (aajsheintz@yahoo.com)with any questions of if you are interested in walking.

Comments:
Carol Yeager: Thanks so much for the update and all our prayers go out to you and your family I hope that things continue to get better and that Ally soon will be home.
LOTS OF GREAT BIG HUGS AND KISSES FOR ALLY

Sandy Kerr/Agape Love: I pray for Ally and the entire family and I must say you all have touched the inner most part of my heart. You are an amazing family, totally AMAZING, all you go throgh and yet you bless others, at least you bless me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart and we do not even know each other but I Praise God For YOU, I truly do! Again, my Jesus continue to hold Ally and your entire family close in His loving arms and carry you through this hard time, keeping you in my prayers and thoughts, in Christ's neverending love--Agape Love Sandy

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Mon, Feb 18, 2008 8:12 PM
I am sorry for the long delay in updating but I was hoping if I kept waiting I would have all good news to report. This time my waiting definitely paid off. Ally is doing great and she seems like a whole different child compared to the one she was last week:)

Late last week the doctors stopped all of her drips and also stopped the anti-psychotic meds. Then over the weekend they decreased her methadone and ativan down to every 6 hours from every 4 hours. This was a lot of aggressive weaning and Ally has tolerated it all really well. Yesterday she was so much more like herself and today she was interacting even more. She has also been out of bed sitting on my lap, or in her chair and she even did a little standing.

I am hoping that tomorrow she will be moved upstairs to the ICU step down floor and that maybe we will luck out with a private room. Yesterday she was off the vent for a few hours and on trach mask with oxygen. Today she spent the entire day on the trach mask and will be put back on the vent tonight when she sleeps. This is a good indication that she is no longer over sedated and that she is getting a lot stronger.

Ashley and I were able to sneak home over the weekend. As always it was great to go home but so bittersweet to be there without Ally. I am really praying that we will all be able to come home for the Easter holiday. Please keep Ashley in your prayers, she has really been having some tough times lately. At this point I think she is just in an emotional overload and is just unable to cope with everything going on.

Thanks for always checking in on us.
Take care,
Jill

Comments:
Regina Kuzma: Dear Jill,
You and your family are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Today I was able to see an older picture of Ally. I'm a school nurse at a local high school. We will be doing a blood drive shortly at my school and Carol Meeker from Miller Keystone was encouraging my young students the importance of donating blood. There upon the stage was the picture of your beautiful Ally. I was able to give them first hand reassurance of how important blood donations are. Hopefully my students will now be able to identify a person with this life saving gift and be ready to donate.
Glad to hear Ally is doing better this week.

In my prayers,
Gina Kuzma
(Mary Beth Kuzma's mom)

Sandy Maicher: I'm glad to hear that Ally is getting stronger. We are keeping all of you in our prayers.

the normans: so very happy to hear ally is getting stronger and more alert, also great to hear you and ashley had a much needed break . we keep you in our thoughts daily, brenda and rod

uni-brower: SO Happy to hear that our Girl is getting stronger & back to herself-Can't wait for Easter-those prayers are still coming-Love to all

D.Stinnard: Hey that's great news about Ally she's going in the right direction. Let Ashley know it get better soon tell her she's in our prayers as is the family. Thanks for the update was getting worried not seeing anything. God Bless and we'll keep praying.

Carol Yeager: I was so glad to hear the news and I also send my good wishes to all of you and especially to ashly and I hope that soon she will be able to have her sister home and be able to play as sisters do.All our love and good wishes to all of you
We all need to pray and keep up the good luck .

Kathy & Jeff: You dear ones are in our prayers and will continue to be. We'll say extra prayers for Ashley, too, as she tries to deal with all this, and for you, Jill and Shane, as you try to balance everything. We, too, hope that you'll be able to be home for Easter. As always, God's blessings to all of you.

Carsa: Yeah Ally! I'm so glad you're feeling better. Jill thanks for the updates! I'll keep you all in my prayers!

Carolyn Wing/Angel_Wings: Ally: I am so happy you are doing better. This is truely answered prayers. I am continuing to pray for you daily. Hugs and prayers.

sheila duffy: I was hoping for a good update after not hearing anything for the past few days. Sorry that Ashley isn't doing so well - she is certainly in our prayers as well. Glad to hear Ally is turning the corner!

Sandy Kerr/Agape Love: Praise God for good news and I pray Ally keeps getting better every day and also will keep Ashley in my prayers too, Jill you are amazing, Jesus has all of you in his arms, tenderly loving you, no fear Jill take His yoke it is easy just put all your trust in Him. With true Agape Love in Christ's Name, Sandy

susan: Tou sure are a great mom. You keep an eagle eye on both girls. You all are in my prayers.

phil h: Glad to hear that Ally is doing better that's great news. Hopefully things get better for Ashley

The Davidheiser's: Hi Jill, It was nice to see you and Ashley this weekend. I just had to give you a hug! It is also great to hear that Ally is doing so much better. She is a lucky little girl to have such love. We will keep both girls in our prayers, and the whole family. Stay strong!

Pastor & Kathy: We rejoice at your good news. We give thanks for Ally's improvement. We pray for Ashley as she deals with all this. And for Mom and Dad, too. Pastor and Kathy

The Bollingers: So glad to hear that Ally is doing so well. Keep up the great work Ally. Sorry to hear that Ashley has been a little down, I am sure she misses playing with her sister and seeing her in the hospital again makes it just as hard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

MJ/Angel_Wings: Ally I am so thankful you are doing so much better. I will pray for Ashley also, this must be very difficult for her also. Hugs precious little girl, as always you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Robin Schultz: Hi Jill,
I am friend of Uncle Wally's and Denise's. I check in on you regularly and constantly keep all of you in my prayers. I am so glad to hear Ally is doing much better. The weaning process can be so long and hard on the child and parents. You are all so brave.I will pray for you to be home for Easter.I am a vent trained peds ICU nurse so if you can come home for Easter and need any help I would be glad to help you in any way possible.

Etta/Angel_Wings: Praising His Name.......

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Tue, Feb 12, 2008 10:12 PM
Not too much going on here, other than miserable weather and poorly cared for roads. Plus there is road construction everywhere around the hospital and the main bridge that we take to and from the hospital is closed and will reamin closed for at least the next two weeks! To add to my fun Ashley was off school today so I had to have her at the hospital with me for the majority of the day. If you can imagine there is not much for her to do in the 6x6 bed space that we have (did I mention that the 6x6 space also has a crib, a ventilaotr, 7IV pumps, 1 feeding pump, and a rocking chair).

I guess my frustration is showing through:( However, on the good news front Ally has been doing well. The vent continues to be weaned a little everyday and I think by the end of the week she could be ready for some CPAP trials. She is tolerating her drug weans and she should be off all of her drips by next week. She is still on a ton of scheduled sedation meds but getting the drips off will be a huge help. The more the meds get weaned the more Ally seems like her old self. Today I even saw her smile for the first time in about 5 weeks. I am hoping to get her out of bed for a little bit tomorrow. Also her OT and PT have restarted and I think this will help to get her moving in the right direction.

I hope someone is enjoying all of this winter weather!
Jill

Comments:
Carol Yeager: Great news to hear that things are going better and I pray that only good news will keep on following it.Keep the good news coming and we all send our praters.ALLWAYS thinking of you and your family.

D.Stinnard: Some good news for you about Ally, I bet Ashley kept herself busy for you. Can't wait for spring . Your in our prayers.

brenda and rod: glad to hear some good news from you praying that ally keeps getting stronger now everyday and let spring come real soon tired of this weather too ! take some deep breaths jill and stay strong. thinking of you and your family always, brenda and rod norman

Sandy Kerr/AgapeLove: Praise God that sweet Ally is doing a little better each day, will keep praying this keeps going this way, Jesus has you in His arms an is watching over you. Jill I don't think anyone but the children is enjoying the

Carol Brothers: Keeping Ally in my prayers everyday
Carol/Angel_Wings

Pastor & Kathy Pearson: It is a sloppy day in Boyertown. No school for elementary but Jr. & Sr. High are in. The phone has been ringing off the hook concerning Pre-K.

Carla: Keep on getting stronger Ally. You can do it! Jill, the only thing I can say is. . .SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!! Hang in there!

Judi: Keep up the good work, Ally! Jill, I lived in Pgh for 30 years so know about

MJ/Angel_Wings: Morning Sweet Ally I am praying for you every day little one. Hugs and as always I am thinking about you

The Bollingers: Glad to hear Ally is starting to improve and her settings are getting weaned. Our thoughts and prayers are with you

phil h: Jill,
I'm enjoying the winter weather, and I'm glad to hear things are going better for Ally

Leon L Everetts IV: When through life's darkened maze I go
And troubles overwhelm my soul,
Oh, grant me, Lord, the faith to know
That You are always in control.

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Fri, Feb 8, 2008 1:06 PM
Thank you for the all the birthday wishes for Ally. Her day was okay and she did get a chance to open some of her presents.

As far as everything else goes there has not been too many changes. Ally remains on all of her narcotic and sedation drips (much to the dissappointment of her attending who continues to discontinue her one drip every morning only to have the fellow restart it at night. Rounds were a little hostile yesterday). Today there is a new attending on and she has also made it clear that by no means should Ally's drips be increased or restarted! So we will see how the plan goes. Also today they weaned Ally's rate on the vent.

Ally also had a scope and some biopsies done yesterday. Her output still remains high and on and off she has had some low grade fevers. We will know later today the results of the biopsies but since they were just done Monday I am sure things will look the same.

I'll update again on Monday. Hope everyone has a nice weekend.

Jill

Comments:
Kim: Jill...may God continue to bless Ally and help her to get stronger...and may he continue to bless you and give you the strength to face tomorrow. You are an amazing Mother and a true inspiration to all. God Bless....

The Bollingers: Stay strong Ally.. our thoughts and prayers are with you.

steph: Happy Belated birthday Ally! I hope you can get everythign straightened out and back out of that hospital where you belong. Always thinking andpraying for you guys... esp when we go to VF pizza! Take care steph

Carol Yeager: Thanks so much for the up-date on Ally and you are so very thoughtfull to keep us all informed of Ally'progress you are one remarkable mother and lady
The LORD gives you the strength that you need to keep on going through these trying times and I see just how strong you are.I dont know if I could have gone through the things that you have so far but you are stronger sometimes than you know when it involves your children.You remain in our prayers allways
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU

Sandy Kerr/AgapeLove: God Bless You sweet little baby Ally I pray you had a restful night and that every day brings you closer and closer to healing and freedom from drips and tubes. May God keep you close and your family close and all comforted. In Christ's wonderful love...Sandy

MJ/Angel_Wings: Morning Ally I pray you had a restful, healing night and that today is a good one for you. Know that you are surrounded with love and prayers precious little girl

Pastor & Kathy: May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make is face to shine on you and may the Lord keep you in his grace. Amen.

Carol Brothers: I hope Ally had a restful healing night and I am praying for strength, comfort and peace for all of you
Love and prayers,
Carol/Angel_Wings

Tracy/Angel_Wings: God bless you dear family. Praying for strenth for you mom and dad and of course healing for sweet Ally.

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Thu, Feb 7, 2008 12:20 AM
At this time four years ago I was on my way to Bryn Mawr Hospital, the third hospital I visited that night. The hospital where my baby would be brought into the world seven weeks early and with the majority of her small bowel on the outside of her body. The night seemed to last forever and in hindsight I guess it did. Afterall the life I lived up until that night is no longer the life I live today.

While the doctor started my c-section a pediatric surgeon came in to talk to me about my baby's surgery. I didn't know it then but this surgeon standing before me would be just the first of many blessings in my baby's life. I can't tell you the amount of times I have thanked God that
Dr. Aviva Katz was the pediatric surgeon on call the night Ally was born.

Just a few minutes later my baby was born. The nurse praticioner (thank you Michelle Kelly) held up Ally so that I could see her and then she was wisked to the bed warmer laid out beside me and I watched my baby girl, all three pounds and thirteen ounces of her, be intubated for the first time. I would have never guessed at that time that this would be just the first of countless life saving procedures in Ally's life. After another couple of minutes Ally was taken to the OR and it would be almost 24 hours until I would get to touch my baby for the first time, and two weeks later until I would get to hold her for the first time.

Fast forward to today and my beautiful baby girl is still changing my life for the better (and her wonderful sister too). I am not the same person I was before I had her. I look at life a little differently now. I find the littlest and maybe the strangest things are just absolutely wonderful. I think two sisters laughing and playing together are some of the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard. Although, I also think bowel sounds are music to my ears (for those of you non-medical people that is simply known as your belly growling and the abscence of those sounds means a non functioning bowel). I don't know what I will do the first time Ally actually has real poop!

Thank you all for joining us in Ally's roller coaster ride of life. This website has been a lifesaver for me in more ways then one and I can only hope that Ally's story has touched some of your lives too. I look forward to writing updates for many years to come. One day Ally will takeover this job for me and what a bittersweet day that will be. My baby will be all grown up but then again she will always be my little girl.

Jill

Comments:
Robin Schultz: Dear Ally and Jill,
I usually check your site each day to keep up to date to know what to pray for but, I wasn't able to get on the internet for the past few days. I hope you had a Wonderful Birthday and many more to come!!!!(not in the hospital) I am a friend of Uncle Wally and Denise's and pray for you each day. I am also a peds ICU nurse so my heart goes out to you and all the other brave children and parents that spend so much time in the ICU's. I know things have been very hard lately I will continue to pray for you and if there is ever anything I can do to help please just ask.

Cheryl H.: Happy 4th Ally!!! I can't believe 4 years have passed already. Hope you are getting a good rest because I know when you get up it's going to be go, go, go. I miss you kiddo!

Joanne: Happy Birthday Ally. I pray that this is the best year of all the best years to come.
xxxooo

phil h: Happy Birthday Ally. Lets hope that 2008 is the best year yet and you'll be home for good soon

uni-brower: Happy Birthday Ally-I still remember this day 4 years ago-Keep fighting because we are all here behind you-xtra prayers for all of you-Love to all

Lauren: I read your updates everyday and never comment, but I will today to say, Happy 4th Birthday Ally!!!

brenda and rod: HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY ALLY !!!!!!!! our wishes for many more to come , hope you had a good day !

Miss Wendy, a friend of Anthon: Happy Birthday Ally! We've been reading your updates and praying regularly for you. May you continue to get stronger day by day. Happy birthday!

D.Stinnard: What great news Happy Birthday Ally. You inspire all those who read the journal.Hopefully some day Ally will be telling us about her wonderful parents and her sister and what goes on in their lives. Celebrate and God Bless the family.

Julia: Joyeux Anniversaire Poupelet!! Jill, a beautiful sentiment...you have both blessed so many. Strength and good health this year. Miss you Poupelet.

Carolyn Wing/Angel_Wings: Happy Birthday to you sweet Ally!!!! Hugs and prayers.

Jodee Reid: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLY!!!!

ANDREA MOYER: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Robin - Angel_Wings: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ALLY;
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Hope you're feeling well enough to celebrate!!!

Jill - this website and so many have touched my life so much in the few months I've been following your journey! Thank you so much for sharing that with us! I now take NOTHING for granted and enjoy the little things in life like you do!

Johanna: Happy Birthday Ally! Congratulations Jill, Shane and your family for all your hard work and being an inspiration to us all. While you have been educated and changed in many ways, so have all of us who have been privileged to know you! I hope you have a wonderful day together. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. Johanna

Carol Yeager: You are such an inspiration to alot of people and I only wish life would have better things instore for your family.I only hope that prayers are being sent your way and that you keep on believing in them.The Lord will allways be there beside you to guide you .Your family is allways in our prayers. Lots of love and luck too you all.

Rhonda Bealer: Happy birthday from a distant friend that continues to pray for your family daily!

Lois Gassert: Happy Birthday Beautiful Ally. You and your family are an inspiration to me. I pray for your continued strength and recovery every day. May God's love be with you always.
(I am a co-worker of Carol Meeker at Miller Keystone Blood Center). All my best, Lois

Bonnie Kooker: Happy 4th birthday Ally. Jill, I don't think anyone has a dry eye after reading your update today. There are so many caring people praying for Ally and your family. With so much love and prayers from everyone, hopefully this will be a better year for Ally. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Sandy Kerr/AgapeGirl: Happy Birtday Ally, Happy Birthday to you sweet baby girl! Oh what a wonderful day Praise God, and I thank you for sharing with me and all of us every day, this web site has made such a difference in my life! I praise God for your family! I continue to lift you sweet Ally, and your entire family up in prayer, In Christs love, Sandy Kerr May God Bless You All!

Sheila Little: Happy Birthday Ally!!!! We hope you have a wonderful day and a healthy, happy year!!!

Polly from Angel_Wings: *************HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALLY****************

Happy, happy birthday Ally dear
May happy days come to you all year.
If I had one wish, then it would be
A happy, happy birthday to you from me!

Kristin Hedgelon: Happy Birthday, Ally! What a fighter you are and an inspiration to all. Your family is so wonderfully supportive. I wish you every happiness in life, especially real poop one day!! Hang in there Heintz family; so many prayers surround you. :)

colleen Seng: Happy Birthday Ally,
You're in our thoughts and prayers every single day.
-Jill, I cried with joy the day Christian had his first real poop. We danced around his hospital room and showed everyone who walked into the room. We even took pictures and emailed them to family.
You are an inspirational family, especially to a family like mine that is traveling a somewhat similar path.

Kathy & Jeff: Happy Birthday, Ally! You've been thru so much and are so inspiring to so many. We, like others, follow your story and lift all of you up in prayer. May God's blessings and strength be with you.

Carol: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALLY!

The Branfords: Happy Birthday, Ally!
Shane and Jill, we can't believe it's been four years. Thank you so much for sharing your heart all this time. You have grown so much and because you share your experience so honestly, we can grow (a little) too. We've cried with you guys and laughed with you and hoped and prayed and been disappointed and hoped and prayed again. We know God can heal little Ally, and will keep praying for her (and for strength for you guys and all your family). We love all of you. May this be the year that things turn around for the better for Ally, and you guys start your

Noelle: Happy Birthday Ally!!! Thank you Jill for the heart-wrenching post. You have a way of putting life in the most wonderful perspective. Despite everything,there is still joy!

Aunt Jeanne: Happy 4th Birthday beautiful girl! May it be a special and blessed day. Keep fighting and being strong because I know God has a special purpose for you. You and your family have touched my life in so many special ways in the last four years. I can't believe that it's been that long already. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was playing with you at Bryn Mawr. I wish I could be with you today to help you celebrate this great day. We will have a big party with a Lightning McQueen cake when you come home (I hear you like cake)! We can't wait! Love to all...
Love Aunt Jeanne, Bob, Mike and Mandee

Vicki Amand: Happy Birthday Ally! You are always on our minds and in our prayers! We hope you have a great day! The Amands.

Sandra DiCesare: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLY!!!!! We love and miss you so much. We pray for the day you are out of the hospital and home Keep on fighting.... Love you all!!!!!!!!!!

Grace: Happy Birthday Ally! I hope you have a very special day and enjoy all your presents and surprises and visitors and balloons and cards andeverything!

Karen Koller: Happy Birthday Ally! You are such an inspiration.

(Jill and Shane--you are amazing people!)

Debra: HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY ALLY!!! Talk about goosebumps, after reading your truthfull reflection, Jill YOU never cease to amaze me! Life is full of hurdles, may you continue to clear everyone. Knowing that LOVE will prevail and keep you going is all you need to know for sure! My love Always, Deb - HPHC

Michelle: Happy Birthday Ally!!! I can't believe you're 4 already. Have a great day!

Sheila Duffy: Happy Birthday Ally! My friend Gelsina told me to get my kleenex out before reading this update and she was right! I've only 'known' you for 6 months but I'm so greatful that I've been able to be a part of your life. Your mom is an inspiration! Keep fighting Ally - you have a lot of living to do!

Irene: Happy Birthdsy Ally, you and you family are an inspiration to all. Your Prayer Warriors around the world join me in this saluation. Keep fighting you are a wonderful little girl.

Deena: Happy Birthday! I remember that day 4 years ago, and the days to follow like they were yesterday. Ally sure has taught people so much about life - you all have. Its wonderful that you have let everyone into your lives. You have met so many people along your journey that care about you and your family so much. I hope you have a great day - give Ally hugs and kisses from me and Dillon!

Dani: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLY!!! I wish nothing but happiness for you today as you (and my son) celebrate today!!!

Zachary Johnson: Happy Birthday Ally. I was your neighbor at 7 North - just a few doors down. Remember me? They won't let me come visit you but I'll send Mom & Dad down with a balloon.

Lynne: Happy 4th Birthday Ally! What a blessing today is for you and your family. Jill, thank you for sharing your ups and downs with me over the past year - I am blessed and honored to call you Friend. You have certainly taught me, and so many others, to appreciate the smallest joys in life. Ally, I will come wish you Happy Birthday in person tonight! I love you all! Lynne

Miss Becky: Happy Birthday Ally! You are a very special little girl & have certainly touched my life.

Rachel Frey: Happy Birthday Ally! Jill, I agree with you that seeing your girls play together as sisters is one of life's greatest joys.I am certain that some day soon this trial in all your lives will come to a close and you will have your girls home together playing like sisters should!

The Brensingers: Happy Birthday Ally!!! Your testimony has already touched so many lives and I know that it will touch many more in the years to come. We so look forward to reading those postings that you will one day write - but for now your mom and dad are doing a great job and we thank them for it. Have a great birthday!!! Love, Jake, Stacey, Samantha & Sydney.

Aunt LuAnn & Uncle Mike: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLY !!! GOD BLESS YOU!!! WE ALL LOVE YOU AND THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY.

The Davidheiser's: Jill, you need to write a book! We want to wish a very Happy 4th Birthday to little Ally!! All our love and prayers to everyone. Enjoy your day, and your wonderful little girl!!!

Uncle Clint, Aunt Jen & Peyton: Happy 4th Birthday little angel! May you continue to be the strongest little girl ever. We miss you and love you!
Uncle Clint, Aunt Jen & Peyton

Pastor & Kathy Pearson: Happy Birthday, Ally! Thank you Jill for your beautiful reflection on parenthood. Your sensitivity to the little delights of life move me to tears. Thank you for sharing them. We continue to pray for God's blessings to your family.

Barbara: Happy Birthday Ally.....as I watch daily all the ups and downs of your journey I pray with all my heart that God will give us all the miracle we are all hoping for...good health for Ally. You are in my daily thoughts and prayers and everyone here at dupont asks about you daily. Love to you all. Miss Barbara

Eileen: Happy Birthday Ally! We miss you and wish you a happy and very healthy 4th year. You have changed a lot of people's lives for the better and forever remind us of the things that matter.

MJ/Angel_Wings: HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET ALLY !! I pray that today is one of progress and healing for you. Hugs

Sandy: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLY. You and your family have changed the lives of many people. You are a tough little girl to go through all that you have. Keep up the fight. God Bless all of you.

Diane: Jill, What a beautiful birthday message! Children are a lifetime of blessings (and many challenges) all wrapped up in wonderful packages. May God continue giving you and Shane lots of strength and patience and heal Ally. Lots of happy wishes to you all, as you enjoy this special day.

The Bollingers: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLY! How far you have come in four years. Keep up the hard work. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Vinnie Miller: Hi beautiful birthday girl! My great granddaughter, Danielle, turns 6 today. Ever since coming to your caring bridge site, via Andrew McD's one, I have been lifting you & your courageous family up in prayer daily. Have a wonderful 4th birthday today. In Christian love, Ms.Vinnie...

Donna: Happy Birthday Ally and many wishes for a good day.

Tracy/Angel_Wings: Hey, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! God bless you big girl! I pray you have a good day today and that God is working his healing touch through you today.

Debi: Happy 4th Birthday to the strongest little girl I know. I pray each birthday, each year brings you more strength and better health. Happy birthday special girl!!!!!!!!!

randy/3CSouth: Happy Birthday Ally!!! Keep up the hard work!

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Tue, Feb 5, 2008 10:47 PM
Thank you for all of the prayers, today was a much better day. I think for the most part Ally had a good day because she finally got some rest after being awake for the better part of 72 hours. She is still receiving the anti-psychotic med and much of her other sedation. By tomorrow one of her narcotic drips should be off and then we can start weaning another med. Otherwise no other changes for today everyone was happy not to do anything but let Ally sleep:)

Again thanks for the prayers.
Jill

Comments:
Carol Yeager: Your family will allways be in all our prayers for as long as I am breathing,I just wish there was more that we could do for you and Ally to make all this go away and never come back to torment her and the family.
God be with you allways.

Robin - Angel_Wings: Praising the Lord you are getting some very much needed rest! Keeping you close in my thoughts and prayers and sending GREAT BIG Angel hugs, smiles and rainbows...and candy hearts too!

Christina Hopkins: Continued prayers for Ally and for all of you, Jill.
Take Care & God Bless!
PS. Please give Ally kisses for us!
Christina Hopkins
and everyone over at
Christ Haven Message
Board

Denise: It's good to hear that Ally is on her way to feeling better. Hopefully, she will be home again very soon. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Denise & Larry Reinert

Sandy Kerr/AgapeGirl: Praise God for a better day. You remain in my prayers and thoughts as always. In Christ's love. Sandy

Nan Moyer: My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you.

Carolyn Wing/Angel_Wings: So happy to read yuo had a better day. You are in my prayes daily. Hugs and prayers.

phil h: glad to hear that she had a better day. Keep thinking postivetly

The Bollingers: Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Stay strong Ally

MJ/Angel_Wings: Morning Ally I am so thankful you are getting some healing rest. I am holding you close to my heart precious little girl and always in my prayers

Etta/Angel_Wings: Keeping you all in very close prayer and PRAISING HIS name that is touching this very special little girl.....

Dayle and Dave: You are in our prayers everyday. God be with you always.
Lov Ya
Kisses and Hugs to both of the girls!!!
Dayle and Dave

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Mon, Feb 4, 2008 11:09 PM
I think I could definitely describe today as one of the most difficult days I have ever experienced in the ICU. Some of you may find this hard to believe. Especially if you consider that over the last four years there have been numerous times that I have thought that Ally's body may succumb to the stress that it has been under. So what would make today so much more challenging than all of those other days? "ICU Psychosis".

Now some of you may be confused again. When I say ICU psychosis I am describing a diagnosis for Ally and not for myself (although I am sure at this point it is just a matter of time). ICU psychosis is a disorder in which patients in an intensive care unit experience a cluster of serious psychiatric symptoms. Common symptoms include agitation, restlessness, paranoia, hearing voices, hallucinations, disorientation, delusions, and anxiety. Over the last 24-36 hours Ally has experienced almost all of these symptoms (we even think she has been having hallucinations). What is difficult for us to decide is whether we think this is strictly ICU psychosis or if Ally is also suffering from withdrawl symptoms along with the psychosis.

I can not begin to describe what it is like for me to watch Ally struggle through these symptoms. I have never felt this helpless before. I won't recount the day too much because it was just too upsetting to have to go over it again.

The ICU docs have added an anti-psychotic med (haloperidol) to help alleviate the symptoms of Ally's psychosis. Unfortunately at this point it has not been helping much, if at all. The transplant team was also very concerned about Ally's mental status and ordered a head CT to rule out any possible problems. The prelimenary report is negative and really I was not too concerned that the CT would show us anything (although always better to be safe and thankfully transplant almost always plays it on the safe side).

Okay that is enough of all this ICU psychosis talk. If you really want to know more about it you can look it up. Besides, the good news is that the symptoms usually subside once the patient is moved out of the ICU or sometimes even when the patient can catch up on sleep. Of course, if you have ever spent any time in an ICU you would know that there is no such thing as catching up on sleep, which is of course why such a thing as ICU psychosis exists!

The other good news today is that Ally's scope and biopsies both looked good. Also her chest x-ray continues to look better and the docs have been able to continue to wean the vent settings or her oxygen everyday. I always have to find a little bit of good everyday, that is what helps me get through the day. Here is hoping that tomorrow I have to search to find the bad part of the day because the good parts have been so plentiful:)

Jill

Comments:
uni-brower: We are praying that this will pass-been there it's rough-keep the faith-Love to all

D.Stinnard: Sorry to see Ally struggle this way, hope this goes away soon. God bless you and give you peace and strength to get through this.

phil h: Let's hope that this ends soon, and she will be back to her happy go lucky self

Carol Yeager: God be with you and your family every step of the way and keep the faith for that is what will help to see you through this. It seems to me that this is a test to see how much any human being can handle under pressure.Keep up ypou strength yhat you have and keep on praying and if the Lord sees it in his will to do what he needs to do than I hope you dont question him and just let him do his job . He knows best when it is his job to do what he knows is the best.Not allways does it seem to be the right thing or what we want but it may be for the best.As allways you have my prayers and thoughts with you allways.
Carol Yeager
Sissypop52@aol.com

Polly/Angel_Wings: I Am With You Always

debra: We all PRAY that Ally's mind and body are surrounded with the healing white light.Our Prayers continue several times a day. Please protect Precious ALLY along with Jill,Shane and Ashley We Love you, DEE, HPHC

Bonnie Kooker: My heart and prayers go out to you and your family every day. And especially for Ally, that God will watch over her and keep her safe. I pray that she will get stronger and healthier every day.

carol meeker: Our hearts are sad but our hands are lifted to the Lord, seeking His strength at this time, assured He hears our words and sees our tears.

Pastor & Kathy Pearson: O Lord, our Lord, send your healing strength to Ally to restore her. Speed her healing and send comfort to her family. Let them know the power of your love for Jesus's sake. Amen.

Sandy Kerr/AgapeGirl: I keep you ever in my prayers, my heart breaks for you and for sweet Ally to be on such medications I pray our Savior keeps her close and heals her mind I first defense should always be prayer I just wish I could take all this away for you I wish my tears could wash it away...they can't Praise God that His love is there for you and your entire family and please know that so many people that you have never even met are praying for you and Ally and your entire family with pure Agape love. In Christ's name and with His Pure Love.

The Bollingers: Sorry to hear Ally is struggling, I am sure it is very painful for you to watch. Please know that you are continually in our thoughts and prayers.

Carsa: So sorry to hear Ally is having such a rough time (and you too). I'll keep the prayers coming!

Sheila Little: My heart breaks when I see you have an exceptionally bad day. I'm praying for you today and that you and Ally will have a better day :)

Holly Cusumano: I have experienced ICU psychosis when my mother was hospitalized and I know how confusing and deeply scary it is. What helped me the most is listening to the nursing staff who have lots of experience with it. I will be thinking about all of you and sending good vibes your way.

Tracy/Angel_Wings: Sweet family,
I am so sorry that Ally is struggling. Please know we are praying that God provide for her every need today. You are loved and prayed for.

Leon Everetts IV: Sill praying for your baby girl.

MJ/Angel_Wings: Sweet Little Ally I am so sorry you are having such a rough time and I hope the meds help. Please know that you are surrounded with love and prayers. Hugs precious little girl.

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Fri, Feb 1, 2008 4:43 PM
Not too much new to report but I wanted to write an update before the weekend. Ally has been doing okay. When she is awake she is extremely agitated and quite frankly it is just difficult to see her like that so mostly I pray she sleeps. This morning she was really out of control so the docs thought it would be best to have pain management get involved with her care. They have increased her methadone and added some lorazepam. She is still on all of the drips too but hopefully we can start to wean those soon.

Her vent settings have not been weaned at all the last two days and she is still requiring 60% oxygen. Her stoma output had been around 700cc/day but today she has already had more than a liter out and she has another 8hours to go. I am sure if the output stays up over the weekend the transplant docs will put in for a scope on Monday.

Ashley and I are headed out to Columbus tomorrow for a friends birthday so Shane will be holding down the fort until we return on Sunday. I think Ashley and I both need a little break and she should have fun. I probably won't update again until Monday unless there is something important to write.

Jill

Comments:
Carol Yeager: thanks for the update and I hope that you and Ashley enjoy your time together I only hope that when you return that you will find Ally is doing better and hope she continues to get stronger every day. GOD BLESS

Polly/Angel_Wings: I continue to lift you up in prayer, sweet Ally.

Carolyn Wing/Angel_Wings: Good morning Ally, I pray you have a restfull comfortable day. Hugs and prayer.

uni-brower: Hope you all have a nice weekend-Ally be good for Daddy-Hugs & Kisses to All

The Bohn Family: Dear Jill,Shane, Our prayers are with your family. Have a nice weekend with you daughter.

Butterflymom/Angel_Wings: Ally is so beautiful!! Praying for you and your family to get some much needed rest, and for you to be surrounded in comfort and light.
Blessings, Peace, and Love
Butterflymom

Robin - Angel Wings: Ally - Praying you are doing better - have a good weekend with Daddy! Praying Mommy and Ashley have a great weekend! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers and sending GREAT BIG Angel hugs, smiles and rainbows!

The Bollingers: We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong Ally...Enjoy the mother/daughter weekend.

Pastor & Kathy Pearson: O Lord, watch over Ally and continue to heal her. Protect Jill and Ashley as they travel. Grant them time of refreshment. Be the strong support for Shane. We ask it all in Jesus' name. Amen.

MJ/Angel_Wings: Morning Ally I pray you had a restful, healing night. I am thinking about you precious little girl and holding you close in prayer. Ashley and Mom I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Hugs Ally

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