Hope's surgery and her radio broadcast!

August 17, 2007

Hope left the house for her surgery 5:20 am. I did not see her off as I was not awakened. However I was the last person to say goodnight and a prayer for her before I turned in for the night. I could not help but say over and over again to myself that no child should have to suffer this way- no child whatsoever. And it was painful for me to see that she was going to go through a lot of changes in the next 24 hours.

My family was very good at keeping me informed while I stayed behind and watched Cohen and Kai. I also heard the Chicago traffic was bad, which made them a bit late- but Hope still got processed immediately for surgery. My sister had told my mother not to come until a few hours into Hope's surgery (or be stuck in traffic). But my mom was persistent and of course got stuck in a traffic crawl. Mom had an emotional breakdown and was crying enough she had difficulty seeing through her tears while behind the wheel. Mom would not see Hope before the surgery...

I had nervous energy and seriously cleaned my sister's home, pulling out furniture to vaccuum, organizing their miscellaneous drawers, sorting their mail,etc. All the while keeping an ear out for an announcement on the radio and web station. I got word that there was a 36-hour fundraiser for Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago that would be broadcasted on 101.9 FM and on WTMX.com, on the web tv. Here are some words I caught on video.

So from 8am to 4pm, Hope was away from her parents and in surgery. A very stressful moment not knowing exactly was taking place in the surgery room. My brother Derek and Jen dropped by to give me her digital pictures and just in time as I write this blog.



Hope after surgery.

Hope's head was asymetrical and had a problem with her right eye that protruded quite a bit. She also didn't have a brow, which to protect her eyes. In the end, the surgery was a success! She appears to be symmetrical and now has a brow. Her eyes also don't appear they are protruding at the looks of these pictures.


Hope with nana Doreen and Mommy Cheri.




My brother Derek and girlfriend Jen with Hope.


And happy parents Matthew and Cheri.




Adira checks out my phone (pictures) and her own for updates on her sister Hope. Our first view of Hope came to us as images via the phone.




Adira holds Hope's locks of hair, from her "first" haircut (in surgery).


Hope will stay in the hospital for the week, and nana is staying overnight at the hospital to be with her. Matthew and Cheri come home looking relieved, overwhelmed, and exhausted from the day's event.

And to add to the good news, Hope did not need to be placed in ICU! She is stable.