Thursday, February 4, 2016
Give Heart Campaign
Hello! It's that time of year again! Time for our annual Give Heart campaign! For those not familiar or those that need a reminder....
On March 11th, 2009 our son David was given the gift of Heart Transplant and we were able to enjoy 9 more months with him before he joined Jesus. Even though he was unable to celebrate his 1st transplant anniversary or the anniversaries following, we made the decision to honor that special day every year.
David waited for a new heart for over 65 days, and each of those days was spent in the ICU of Stanford Hospital. While waiting for a heart, every day he received piles and piles of mail from people all over the world. People that just wanted to support him and let him know they were praying for him and loving on him.
In honor of David and all those waiting for transplant, each year on the anniversary of David's transplant we collect cards, notes of encouragement, gifts, and whatever else people may want to send to the patients of Stanford Hospital that are awaiting transplant. We call this the "Give Heart" campaign.
If you would like to be a part of this wonderful outreach please get me your cards by March 7th, we will deliver them that week.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Day by day..
Hi all.... haven't blogged much lately... things have been pretty tough around our home and getting used to David being gone. I don't think that will ever be easy or that any of us will ever get over it, but time will make the hurt a little bit better. I am so thankful for all of the family and friends that have been there for us every step of the way supporting us and supporting our family during this tremendous trial, family has been the most important thing and I am so glad for the family that has not given up on us and have been there for us every step of the way.
In the months since David passing we have tried to keep busy with the house remodel, some travel, and just hunkering down as a family. John and Claire really miss their big brother and we have been trying to encourage them as much as possible. We celebrated Davids one year transplant anniversary in Hawaii because that is what he said he wanted to do... that was bittersweet, but it was very good for our souls as well.
In January the Navy put on a large memorial for David for his ship and we went to San Diego for that, I am still shocked by the immense support that we got from them and the loving people that are involved with the Navy.
I cry every day still, I miss David so very much, he has been a part of my life for over 15 years and I loved him first before Doug. He was my boy, and last year was something I will never forget, he and I became so close, we became best friends. I miss my best friend more then anything, every morning I wake up still hoping this is all still a dream, not sure when that will go away exactly. Doug is handling this so much better then I am, I honestly wish I could be like him and handle it in a stronger fashion. But above all things I am so thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ for providing me the knowledge so I can see David again. Oh but what I would do for one more bear hug from that boy... the night before he went into the coma he hugged me tight and said, "psshh don't worry about me, I feel fine, just like everyone else."
Reality of this world is sometimes so hard to accept, death happens, and it happens to those of us who don't think it will happen to us. 2 years ago a good friend of mine lost her husband quite suddenly and I was devastated for her, but I thought the same thing that lots of others probably thought, "that is pretty rare". The Lord really likes to show us his works when we least expect it, even though it is so hard some days to wake up and go about our daily lives without David, I know that this whole scenario is part of God's almighty plan.
In the months since David passing we have tried to keep busy with the house remodel, some travel, and just hunkering down as a family. John and Claire really miss their big brother and we have been trying to encourage them as much as possible. We celebrated Davids one year transplant anniversary in Hawaii because that is what he said he wanted to do... that was bittersweet, but it was very good for our souls as well.
In January the Navy put on a large memorial for David for his ship and we went to San Diego for that, I am still shocked by the immense support that we got from them and the loving people that are involved with the Navy.
I cry every day still, I miss David so very much, he has been a part of my life for over 15 years and I loved him first before Doug. He was my boy, and last year was something I will never forget, he and I became so close, we became best friends. I miss my best friend more then anything, every morning I wake up still hoping this is all still a dream, not sure when that will go away exactly. Doug is handling this so much better then I am, I honestly wish I could be like him and handle it in a stronger fashion. But above all things I am so thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ for providing me the knowledge so I can see David again. Oh but what I would do for one more bear hug from that boy... the night before he went into the coma he hugged me tight and said, "psshh don't worry about me, I feel fine, just like everyone else."
Reality of this world is sometimes so hard to accept, death happens, and it happens to those of us who don't think it will happen to us. 2 years ago a good friend of mine lost her husband quite suddenly and I was devastated for her, but I thought the same thing that lots of others probably thought, "that is pretty rare". The Lord really likes to show us his works when we least expect it, even though it is so hard some days to wake up and go about our daily lives without David, I know that this whole scenario is part of God's almighty plan.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Charity that we have chose....
For those of you wanting to make a donation this is the organization that we have chosen:
"Patient Assistance Fund for Heart Transplant Patients"
Our particular experience this past year resulted in 4.2 million in medical bills, none of which we had to pay for because of military insurance. It also cost close to $42,000 to live there for the 7 months and take care of David and other needs such as hotels, meals, gas, and other things that insurance does not cover. None of that would have been possible for us if we didn't have the Navy helping us. Most of the other patients that have to go through this DO NOT have military insurance or financial help from the Navy. Can you imagine coming up with that much money when a loved one is an ill? Most care takers and/or patients quit their jobs because of this illness and have no income coming in.
Because of this, we feel strongly to donate to this particular fund. This fund helps patients pay for things such as after transplant care, medicine, and etc. Transplant patients take over $8000 in medicine every month, most patients have to pay 50% of that. Each post transplant clinic visit is $14500, that is once a month for the first year, most people have to pay at least 20-60% of that total.
If you are inclined to make a donation to this fund below is the information on how to do so. When making the donation please include in either the memo section or somewhere else in the check, "In the Name of David Kennedy".
Patient Assistance Fund
“Please make memorial donations to the Heart Transplant Patient Assistance Fund at Stanford Hospital and Clinics. Checks should be made out to SHC and sent to Stanford Hospital & Clinics, c/o Kim Standridge, 750 Welch Road, Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94304.”
"Patient Assistance Fund for Heart Transplant Patients"
Our particular experience this past year resulted in 4.2 million in medical bills, none of which we had to pay for because of military insurance. It also cost close to $42,000 to live there for the 7 months and take care of David and other needs such as hotels, meals, gas, and other things that insurance does not cover. None of that would have been possible for us if we didn't have the Navy helping us. Most of the other patients that have to go through this DO NOT have military insurance or financial help from the Navy. Can you imagine coming up with that much money when a loved one is an ill? Most care takers and/or patients quit their jobs because of this illness and have no income coming in.
Because of this, we feel strongly to donate to this particular fund. This fund helps patients pay for things such as after transplant care, medicine, and etc. Transplant patients take over $8000 in medicine every month, most patients have to pay 50% of that. Each post transplant clinic visit is $14500, that is once a month for the first year, most people have to pay at least 20-60% of that total.
If you are inclined to make a donation to this fund below is the information on how to do so. When making the donation please include in either the memo section or somewhere else in the check, "In the Name of David Kennedy".
Patient Assistance Fund
“Please make memorial donations to the Heart Transplant Patient Assistance Fund at Stanford Hospital and Clinics. Checks should be made out to SHC and sent to Stanford Hospital & Clinics, c/o Kim Standridge, 750 Welch Road, Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94304.”
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Memorial Service
For those of you who can not attend the service, the service will be broadcasted on this blogsite... check the blog on Saturday for the link and etc...
So many of you have been such a big part of this journey, many whom we have never met... we would love for you to join us in the Celebration of David's Life no matter where you are...
So many of you have been such a big part of this journey, many whom we have never met... we would love for you to join us in the Celebration of David's Life no matter where you are...
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
In Memoriam
For those of you who have asked:
In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations be made to the benefit fund on the blogsite. We will be making a donation in David's name to Stanford in the field of Cardiology/Heart Transplant Research.
Thank you
In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations be made to the benefit fund on the blogsite. We will be making a donation in David's name to Stanford in the field of Cardiology/Heart Transplant Research.
Thank you
Saturday, December 26, 2009
At Home With Jesus
Today at 12:15 pm our sweet boy, David Allen Kennedy, went home to be with the Lord.
His body just could not take the trauma and all of his organs started to fail.
It has been a very hard day... please keep our family in your prayers.
For service information please contact a family member or us by email.
His body just could not take the trauma and all of his organs started to fail.
It has been a very hard day... please keep our family in your prayers.
For service information please contact a family member or us by email.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Side Effects
Some of the side effects of being on the Bypass Machine for too long are starting to rear their ugly face...
Over the night and morning Dave started bleeding from the leg which the bypass is hooked up too, because of the blood loss they started having to do transfusions. They can't do transfusions for too long so this morning they did an in room surgery/procedure to start repairing that damage. That damage is now under control, but his kidneys are now starting to fail and they have started dialysis.
We just talked to the doctors and they have told us that David is failing and fast, he is not responding to the measures they are taking, and the next 24 hours will be critical. He is less likely to handle a transplant today then he was yesterday, and tomorrow the chances will be very slim.
Today we need a heart... today.
Over the night and morning Dave started bleeding from the leg which the bypass is hooked up too, because of the blood loss they started having to do transfusions. They can't do transfusions for too long so this morning they did an in room surgery/procedure to start repairing that damage. That damage is now under control, but his kidneys are now starting to fail and they have started dialysis.
We just talked to the doctors and they have told us that David is failing and fast, he is not responding to the measures they are taking, and the next 24 hours will be critical. He is less likely to handle a transplant today then he was yesterday, and tomorrow the chances will be very slim.
Today we need a heart... today.
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