A Lifetime of Love

I know I don't have a long list of "followers" but for those of you who do read my blog on a regular basis, you know I am passionate about advocating for those with special needs, hence my career choice. I received this email from my friend Jess, whose daughter Parker was diagnosed with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) in utero and passed away shortly after birth in 2006, regarding the organization founded to honor Parker and support others who receive a diagnosis of CDH. I am posting the email below because I firmly believe that the Lord is using Jess and her husband Ashley in a mighty way. They have responded to their daughter's death in such an amazing way that only God can receive the glory. Despite their own pain and grief, they founded the Parker Reese Foundation to offer hope to those who are facing the same despair and uncertainty they themselves experienced. It is awe-inspiring and I want to help in whatever way that I can, especially with spreading the ...

Cancer stinks! I haven't posted in a few days because, well, I just haven't felt like posting. Through blogging, I have found some really amazing people that I want to share about. My heartstrings have been pulled all week because a 13 year old boy, Cody , passed away due to cancer. Most of the blogs I follow are actually CarePages (CP), which are created to allow friends and family follow updates on people who have medical illnesses. All except one of the CPs I follow are kids with cancer; the one that is not is actually a family who just delivered a baby girl, Molly, with CDH. Molly only lived on this earth 19 minutes. Some would say I am torturing myself by reading these stories and becoming so emotionally involved. BUT, it is an opportunity for me to pray for them, and also realize how truly blessed I am that my children are healthy. Plus, all of the families are an inspiration and wonderful example of strength and faith in the Lord, especially during times of trial. And t...

I know I don't live in Massachussets, but I think if you read the proclamation below you'll realize the prevalence of CDH is rather high, and this is an effective way to spread the word about CDH and honor those who have been affected by it. Through Carole I came to learn about CDH, and I am so glad I did. Carole, this is for you and Joseph. . . Commonwealth of Massachusetts A Proclamation His Excellency Governor Deval L Patrick Whereas Often a life-threatening birth defect, congenital diaphragmatic hernia is an opening in the diaphragm that allows the abdominal organs to push into the chest cavity, causing the limitation of lung growth; and Whereas According to Children's Hospital, a congenital diaphragmatic hernia occurs in every one in 2,500 births in the United States; and Whereas Proactive diagnosis and appropriate management of fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia minimizes the incidence of emergency situations, dramatically improving survival rates; and W...

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." ~John 9:3 As you are aware, CDH is a little-known birth defect, that, according to Breath of Hope, Inc (2007), occurs almost as frequently as Cystic Fibrosis and Spina Bifida. Several families I know (some in person, some through the Internet ) have been greatly affected by this. Out of compassion for them and my love for children (especially those with disabilities!), I am trying to help spread the word about CDH. With a minimal investment of time, you can help, too. CDH families and friends are trying to get March 31 declared as CDH Awareness day and we are asking for your help! If you would like to participate, please email cdhawareness@breathofhopeinc.com and you will be forwarded a sample letter and the Proclamation to mail to your governor. Please help us to bring this horrible birth defect to the attention of everyone and no...

Tomorrow is the 1 year anniversary of Joseph's birth and death due to complications from Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). Since I am going out of town, I am posting this today. In my mind the last few weeks, I've been thinking of ways to best honor him, his family, his life. I can't really express my feelings; for some reason I am having difficulty putting my thoughts and feelings into words. The Lord has just really layed it on my heart to tell everyone AGAIN about what a special little boy Joseph was/is, and the incredible strength his family has. To honor his short life, my post today is dedicated to him. I am including links that his family feels are important, and my hope is that this will help spread awareness of CDH. I also want to share how God has used Joseph to bring me, and undoubtedly others, closer to Him. Romans 8:28 says that the Lord works all things together for good. The Olson family has suffered terrible pain and loss, but God has been working in t...

I just checked Carole's blog and read her entry dated yesterday. Riley, another CDH baby, died on Saturday. Riley's 1st birthday was coming up on Wednesday. Needless to say, after reading about Riley (linked through Carole's blog) I am even more determined to spread the word about CDH. My heart breaks for these families who have lost precious children, and although I can't change their circumstances, I can support and love them as best as I know how. You know, as a future special educator, perhaps I feel more of a connection than other people would. I don't know. What I do know, however, is that all children, especially those with special needs, must have an advocate on their side, and that is my goal in life. I hope you will take the time to learn about CDH and other abnormalities that affect so many in this world. Just by knowing about them, you will have more compassion for these families, and in turn, make the world a better place to live.

CDH is short for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, and Carole's son Joseph died because of it. Until learning about Carole through a friend of mine from church, I had never heard of it. Carole's hope is that Joseph will not have died in vain, which is why I am adamant on spreading the word about CDH. I have linked Carole's blog to mine. I highly encourage you to take a few minutes to read about her incredible journey, but make sure you have a box of tissues near by; you'll need them!