CHD Awareness Week

This week marks CHD week. CHD stands for Congenital Heart Defect. I thought some of you would be interested in some information about this and can some how raise more awareness for it.

~ CHDs are the #1 birth defect and the #1 cause of infant death related to birth defects. 1 in every 100 babies born will have a CHD (1 in every 800-1000 babies born has Down Syndrome).


~ 1 in 10 of those born with a CHD will have a fatal defect.


~ In the US there are nearly twice as many deaths due to CHDs than that of all forms of childhood cancers combined. Yet there is 5 times more research for pediatric cancer than for CHDs.


~ The cost of inpatient surgery alone for CHDs exceeds 2.2 billion dollars per year.


~ There are approximately 35 known Congenital Heart Defects.


~ Causes for CHDs are still being studied. While there is no known definitive cause, it is said that both genetics and environmental factors can play a role. Scientists have actually identified over 100 mutations that are directly linked to the heart.


~There is no known cure for CHDs. However, the mortality rate after surgery has significantly decreased in the past 20-30 years. On average it is about 5% compared to the 30% it was. At the same time, the rate of incidence of CHDs has remained unchanged.


~ With advances in medicine, many of those born with a CHD will have their first and sometimes only corrective surgery before age 2.


~ Many of those living with a CHD go on to lead normal to near normal lives. Those with complex CHDs will also go on to lead longer and more active lives than before. Most will have some physical limitations, but almost all learn to move pass them.


~ Only about 30% of the children who need a heart transplant receive one in time.


~ About 40,000 units of blood are used every day yet only about 5% of the adults, the only ones who are eligible to donate blood, do so. Someone needs blood every three seconds in the United States; that someone is often one of our heart children.


~ Education is the first step in helping these children live happier, healthier lives!






In honor of this week my very good friend Jessica Twigg who also lost her little boy Ethin is having a basketball game on February 16, 2010 in Newaygo, MI to raise awareness as well as funds to help with CHD research. She asked me to send her a picture of Lindsay as well as a paragraph about her and what her CHD's were. I have to tell you that was hard to do. Because it brought back so many memories and well as just the reality that this has happened and that she is no longer here with us. But I am glad I did it and that she will be remembered during that game. Each team member is playing either in honor of or in memory of a child with a CHD. I am so excited to see how this goes for Jessica and to see pictures. She had special shirts made up and the player will wear a shirt with Lindsay's name. We will then get the shirt sent to us. So look for another update on how it goes and pictures. I thank God for sending Jessica my way. I have been able to chat with her on face book as well as on the phone. I have seen her go through the highs and lows of grief. I hope that in some small way I have helped her during this difficult time in her and our lives. You can check on Ethin's blog here on the right hand side under heart family. Please continue to pray for her.
Thanks Jessica for allowing us to have Lindsay remembered in this game. I know that Ethin and Lindsay are playing and having a great time together in heaven!

Update On Aunt Jeanne

Thank you all for praying for my Aunt. She had her first chemo treatment last week and did great. She has gone back to work for now. I have added her care page on the right hand side under family and friends. Please check there for more updates. She has felt very blessed by all the prayers she has gotten so far.

I have also added some pictures for you to look through from Christmas. I have another one to add later.

12-24-09

Please Pray For My Aunt Jeanne

Our family needs your prayers again. We just found out last night that my Aunt Jeanne has Stage IV ovarian cancer. She is my mom's baby sister. My Aunt is very special to me and I love her very much. We know that God is in control of this whole thing and we are going to trust him that she is going to be ok. Please pray for my Uncle Mark and my cousin's Jeff and Megan. She will be meeting with a surgeon on Monday so I will know more then. So check back for more updates. She is not in any pain and she is healthy. We sometimes don't know why these trials come in our lives but we do know that God loves us and only gives us what we can handle. My Aunt said last night that one thing she learned from my Nanny was that even in the hard time we need to be thankful. I am thankful for my Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Mark. They have been big prayer warriors for us during Lindsay's time in the hospital. They came to visit her which was so special to Jon and I. So now it is our turn to be prayer warriors for her.

Aunt Jeanne,
I love you so very much. I am not going to stop praying for you. God is in control of everything that is happening. We pray for peace for you guys and that you will feel God's presence in every step of the way. We support you and we will be there for you when you need us. Thanks for being such a great Aunt to all of us. Our family has some of the greatest memories together that I will cherish for ever.
Uncle Marker( this is what the our kids call him), Jeff and Meg,
I love all so much to. I am praying for strength and for you as you stand with your Mom and support her in every decision that is made.

Another Christmas In Heaven

I wonder what Christmas is like in heaven? Is there lots of beautiful trees there, lots of lights, snow, and I could go on. A little glimpse would be nice to see what Lindsay is doing on Christmas Eve. I bet they are getting ready for the biggest Christmas birthday party ever. I am sure Me Ma is making up lots of her famous fruit cup as well as her chocolate chips cookies while Nan and Bebe are getting the turkey ready with all our favorite trimmings. I bet Pop-Pop has been making beautiful ornaments for the trees. Grandma Groen has probably gotten all her Christmas letters done which I can imagine is pages long with the growing Groen family. At least this is what I hope is happening in heaven today. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I have so many memories of Christmas mornings when I was a kid. I treasure each and every memory I have. I wish we could have more Christmas memories with Lindsay but I will cherish the ones that we did have with her. In the above picture is Lindsay's last Christmas reading the Christmas story and Twas the night before Christmas with Pop-Pop. I know it's not the greatest picture but it holds a lot of memories for me. My very good friend Rebecca wrote this today on her blog. Rebecca's little girl Annabelle is also in heaven with Lindsay. I love what she wrote;
I am reminded that although we may want things to be different this Christmas, they are the way they are supposed to be...because He planned it this way and because He knew, long before the first Christmas and before the beginning of time, that it was best. He loves us that much...
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Thanks Rebecca for sharing this because this is what I needed to hear.

We want to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas. We thank you all for continuing to follow this blog and pray for us. We love you all more than you know. May God richly bless you and your family this year.

Before I end I want to leave you with this poem that my new friend Jessica wrote for her son. Ethin is spending his first Christmas is heaven. When I read this the other day I felt like this was Lindsay talking to me. Jessica writes beautiful poems and I love reading them. Thanks Jessica for allowing me to share this with my blogger friends.

The angels are singing up here songs of joyous measure
Songs of a birth songs that many treasure
The tree here is enormous so full and green
It really is the most perfect tree my eyes have ever seen
God took me in his arms today and told me of Jesus’ birth
He shared with me the way you would celebrate on Earth
Mommy I am spending Christmas in Heaven this year
I want you to be happy please do not shed another tear
Jesus’ took all the children here to hills where there is snow
We went sledding and laughter filled the air I thought you’d like to know
The angels taught us all a chorus wow they are amazing
I am here in Heaven spending Christmas with our King
This is hard for you and I want to ease the pain inside your heart
I am here in Heaven spending Christmas, but we are not far apart
Sometimes I worry about you and God tells me you’ll be OK
He told me your going to send a kiss to me on Christmas Day
He tells me all the time how much you miss and love me
When your smiling and having fun I look in on you so I can see
I like it when I get to hear your laugh and see you having fun
As Christmas time approaches remember the gift of God’s son
This is not forever God told me you will be here one day
We will spend Christmas in Heaven together that’s what I heard him say
Until then my Christmas wish mommy I want to share
Hold my blanket and monkey and feel in your heart I am there
I want you to be happy and live your life down there
God’s plan for you is not done I know you think it’s not fair
So just remember that even when you do not seem to understand
Know that I am in Heaven for Christmas holding my Savior’s hand
Your Christmas wish was heard God shared that with me also
He said there was something you wanted me to know
He said that you love me ever passing day and that you miss me too
I am spending Christmas in Heaven and mommy I know this is hard for you
So Merry Christmas mommy I Love You Too please hold that when life is not fun
Love Always, Ethin Your Perfect Heart Angel, Warrior, Punk, and Son

Jessica Twigg
12-19-09


Merry Christmas!!!

Perfect Heart For Tanner

We are praising God today that Tanner's heart is perfect and nothing is wrong. His heart murmur is an innocent one and she doesn't need to see him again!!!! The doctor said that the echo pictures were beautiful and so was the EKG. We felt totally peace through out his appointment and we can't thank you enough for praying for him and for us. I had a hard time for a little bit but I was able to pull myself together and stay calm. Everyone that took care of Tanner today took care of Lindsay. And let me tell you they have not forgotten about her. Dr. Gauthier was bursting at the seams when she came into talk with us. The first thing she said was everything is awesome. We are so thankful that nothing is wrong. I have to admit that when we got the news I was a little sad that we didn't get the same news for Lindsay. I know that God's plan for her life is different than Tanner's but it still hit home for me. God still cares for us even though we now how to live the rest of our lives with out her. But I still sit and wonder what she would be doing, what she would look like, how she would be with Case and I could go on. Today at MOPS one of our Moppets workers came up to me and asked how many children I had. She had no idea about Lindsay but I of course was happy to tell her about her. A little while later she came back in the room to talk. She looked at me and said I am so ready to go home. And then she said when I do I will be sure and run to find Lindsay and scoop her up and put her on my knee and take good care of her. Well I about lost it after hearing that. This lady loves little kids and has the best time sitting and holding them or playing with them. I know I look forward to that day to but until then I will cherish all the memories we have with her. She will always be our little Lindsay Bear!

While we were there we were told that Baby Micah was going back to Boston. Please be praying for him and his family. You can follow his blog on the right hand side.

Again we thank you all for your love, support, and most of all prayers. As I sat last night and read all the message from family and friends my heart was soaring knowing that so many of you still follow us and still pray. I don't know what I would have been like today without you all being behind us. Thank you, Thank you. Most of all thank you Lord for being with us today as well as Tanner. Thank you for his perfect heart that you created. And thank you for giving us Lindsay and letting her be apart of our lives for the short time she was with us. Give her lots of extra hugs and kisses for us today. Amen!!!

We Need Your Prayers

Last month I took Tanner for his 5 year old check up. His check up went really well other than they heard a heart murmur. We have found out that this can be very common in boys his age but considering everything we went through with Lindsay we are getting it checked out. His appointment for the cardiologists appointment was is on Dec 2 at 12:45. The appointment was already
set up with and an echo and they will keep that for Tanner. He is going to the same doctor that Lindsay went to which we are very thankful for. We have not told Tanner yet as we don't want to scare him. Please pray for him and that when we do tell him that he won't freak out. Pray for peace of mind for Jon and I. Also pray for the rest of our family as they are worried and scared as well. This has all been hard to handle but we are putting our full trust in God that he is going to take care of us and Tanner. I will keep you updated and let you know how things go.
Thanks again for your prayers.

Update On Baby Micah

I got an update about and hour ago about Micah. Here is the update; His surgeon just came to talk with Jay and Susanne. Everything went well!!! They did both the hole in the heart, as well as the pulmonary artery. His heart rhythm isn't what it should be, so he is on a small pacemaker. They will wean him off of that as is appropriate, and take him off once he doesn't need it anymore. He may have to go back in 6 wks for some sort of treatment, not sure what that will be. Praise God for good news!!! Please continue to pray that his recovery will go well!

Thanks for praying for this family today. Please continue to pray for them in the next few hours as well as into tomorrow. If I hear anything more I will update. I know that they will appreciate all the prayers they can get.

Thanks again and we love you all!!

Pray For Baby Micah

Our friends from church Susanne and Jason Kelsall and their son Micah (3 months old) are in Boston today doing his pre-op testing. He will be having open heart surgery tomorrow morning. I don't know the time yet but I am asking that you join us in praying for Micah, his parents Jason, Susanne, as well as the doctors, nurses, and all the other people who will be attending to him tomorrow. Our nurse Moira from 8 south told me that she will look for them tomorrow and try and get on there team. How awesome would that be if she was his nurse. I will update tomorrow when I hear any kind of news on him. Jon and I are planning on going to see him sometime in the next few days. They need our prayers as well as the 3 other kids they have who will be at home.
This hits me in so many ways. I just went and looked back and read when we did all this a year ago. We know all the emotions they are going through even today and especially tomorrow. I never would have thought then that I would be sitting here today with out Lindsay. But God sure knew that she wouldn't be here. God has brought us through so much and he has never left our sides. If we didn't have him by our side I don't think I could have made it this far. But I am here because of God's love for me and for all of you who prayed us through this time in our lives. So as you go about your day today please remember this family in your prayers. As you tuck your little ones into bed tonight hold them a little closer for awhile. When I put Tanner to bed every night we always pray for our nurses, all the babies and kids on 8 south, and all the other heart babies we have been following. And I always end by asking God to give Lindsay lots of hugs and kisses and tell her how much we love and miss her.

Urgent Prayers Needed

I just checked Lindsay Dean's blog and she had to take a helicopter ride to the hospital. She has a high fever and possiable signs of rejection. Please pray for her and for her family. You can check on her blog which is under our heart family on the right.

Lord we ask that you be with Lindsay right now. Help her to pull through what ever her little body is going through. Be with her family as they are with her and fill them with the peace that only you can give them. We thank you for all that Lindsay has made it through and what a special little girl she is. In your name, Amen

Vacation 2009

We recently went on vacation to Gordonsville, VA and had lots of fun. We sure missed Lindsay and wished she was with us to enjoy all the fun we had. We took tons of pictures and made lots of memories. We would like to share them with you.

10-2-09

I am sorry that I haven't been writing as often as I would like to. Life is busy these days with a baby and an almost 5 year old. I will write again in a few days as I have a lot on my mind to share. We are wanting to start another round of Lindsay Baskets soon. So if you are interested in helping again please let me know. We found out than an Explore Girls Group in PA will be helping us this time. They will do this as there special project for the year. I have added another name to our heart family list. Please pray for Jessica who is struggling and could use our prayers. We also have a family from church whose little boy Micah will be having open heart surgery at Children's Hospital Boston on November 4, 2009. We are hoping to get to visit them while they are there. I will keep you updated on little Micah. So far he is doing well and gaining lots of weight which is hard for a heart baby to do.
We hope you are all enjoying this beautiful fall weather we are having. The colors here in New England are so beautiful. I wonder what they look like from heaven and if only we could get a glimpse.

Love to each and everyone of you,
Jon, Laura, Tanner, Case

Lindsay Basket Movie

Click this link to view the video!!

Movies

Prayers For Miss Shanyah's Family

It is with a very heavy heart that I ask you to pray for another heart family. Little Miss Shanyah who we have listed here in our heart family has flown to Jesus. She passed away on Sept 4, 2009. We were able to meet her mom Alicia and give little Shanyah a basket. My heart aches for all these families who have lost there little ones. I know that God has a plan for all these people and sometimes it is hard to see that plan now. I hope that Lindsay was there to welcome her into heaven and that Lindsay will now have a new friend to play with.

Thank you for continuing to pray for us as well as the many other heart babies. Keep praying for them as well as the doctors and nurses.

A Family In Need Of Prayer

My Dad sent me an email this monring of a family who comes to Keswick who is in need of our pryaers. Brett and Tracey Zimmerman's little boy Ezra who was born on June 17,2009 passed away on Sunday Sept 6. Please join us in praying for this family. As I sat and feed Case a few minutes ago I began to pray for this family. The pain of losing a child is so hard and we know all to well what they are going through. My Mom told me on the phone today that she was praying for this family and an image popped into her head. It was of Lindsay sitting on Jesus lap reaching out for baby Ezra then Lindsay held him in her arms and cuddled him. WOW!!! What an awesome image that was and how true it is. I could picture in my mind the same thing after she told me about it. I am sure that Lindsay will take such good care of Baby Ezra just like he was her brother.

Lord, We ask that you surround the Zimmerman family today with peace. Hold them in your ever loving arms and be with them. Thank you for your promise that one day soon we will be renited with Lindsay and with Ezra. Thanks for joining us in praying for the Zimmerman family!

Coming Soon

I am so sorry I haven't posted anything in a long time. I will try and write something in the next day or to. I just wanted to let you all know that we are doing good and enjoying our newest family member. Between feeding Case, changing his diapers and all the other motherly things through out the day I haven't been good about keeping up my thoughts. I will get this updated very soon I promise. We hope you all have had a great summer with your families. Thanks for continuing to check Lindsay's blog and for praying for our family.

The picture I posted is an oil painting that Judy Dickinson painted for us. We have it hanging in our bedroom.

Lindsay Dean Is Home!

I just wanted to let you all know that Lindsay Dean went home from the hospital today. I can only imagine how happy her family is today as they finally bring her home. Please pray for them as they adjust to this new time with her. God has brought little Miss Lindsay through so much. She is truly a miracle. Check out her blog for more updates and pictures of the little cutie.

Case Is A Month Old!!

Today Case is a month old already. It seems like he took so long wanting to come into the world and it's been a month since he has been here already. He is a growing boy and has been a very good baby. At his last check up he was 11 lbs 9 oz and was 23 inches long. He was been pretty much sleeping through the night now which has been nice. He has just started to really focus on our faces and will give us a few smiles to. Seeing him smile can brighten my day in a instant. Tanner has been great with him and will often during the day talk to him or just check on him. They are going to be best buds when Case gets older. Tanner will often talk about the things he is going to teach Case.

I was rocking Case the other day and really thinking and missing Lindsay. I often will talk to Case about his big sister and how much she loves him. I miss her so much lately and especially with Case being here now. She would be his little mother I am sure and she would take good care of him. I am sure she is watching his every move from heaven. Lately I sit and think back to a year ago and still wonder why God needed her more. If we could just have another day with her, another chance to hold her, see her smile, and watch her with Case. Then I remember that God knew this was going to happen and nothing can change that. I look forward to when Case gets older to telling him all about her and showing him all the pictures and videos we have of her. Even though he will never know her (which breaks my heart) I want him to know how special she was and is to all of us. I hope the same thing for all of Lindsay's cousin's as well.
Thanks for continuing to pray for all our heart baby friends. Lindsay Dean is doing great and getting better everyday. Keep praying for all of them.

Happy One Month Birthday Case! Daddy, Mommy, Tanner, and Lindsay are so happy to have you apart of our family. We love you very much and we look forward to watching you grow. Thank you Lord for this healthy baby boy you have given to us!

Please Pray

We would like you to please pray for Baby Elijah's family tonight. I just learned that he passed away at 2 a.m. this morning. We met Elijah and his mom Laurie when we went and delivered the baskets. His care page site is on the right hand side with our other heart baby friends. Please lift them up in prayer tonight.

Long And Over Due!

I am very sorry for taking so long to write a new post. Life here in the Groen house hold has changed a bit. As most of you know Case William Groen entered the world a week ago today. He weighed in at 10lbs 2oz and was 22in long. Jon and I were shocked at how big he was but happy to have a healthy baby. Tanner was so excited that he got a baby brother. We should have listened to him from the beginning because he told us the whole 9 months it was a boy. Next time we will be sure and listen. Tanner is a proud big brother and has been a big help. He likes to check on him when he cries and he likes pushing him around in his bouncy seat.

Last Sunday was also Lindsay's 3rd birthday. Our family and friends headed to Boston in the rain while Jon and I stayed back in the hospital with Case. When they got to Boston the rain stopped and they all had tons of fun. We are so thankful for each and every person that went even though Jon and I couldn't be there. Our hearts were with them and thanks to Brian Bitler who kept us updated with pictures on face book. Jon and I spent time together with Case and shedding a few tears and just reflecting on Lindsay's life. As I was sitting in my hospital bed I would close my eyes and I was picturing in my mind her coming into the hospital room to see her new baby brother. I know that she would have loved on him so much and been his little Mommy. When we came home my sister Julie, Emma, Ethan, my cousin Megan, Zach, and my Mom were all at our house. Emma gave Jon and I a glimpse of what Lindsay would have been like with Case. She was in love with him and couldn't get enough of him. Thanks Emma for giving Uncle Jon and I that small glimpse of Lindsay.

We can't thank you all enough for all your prayers during these past 9 months. Case is a true blessing from God to our family. Thanks for praying for every one's safety as they came to Boston. A huge thank you to Big Brother Tanner, Dad and Mom Welte, Zach, Dad and Mom Groen, Julie and Garrett, Emma, Ethan, Brian Bitler, Megan Goodrich, Jodi, Amber, Kaylynn, Morgan Decker, for walking in Lindsay's memory. We love you all very much and can't thank you enough for all the money you each raised and for helping us make Lindsay's birthday so special.

Here's The Scoop And Prayers Needed

Yesterday was my doctor's appointment which went well. Today I am going for an ultrasound at 10:15 to check the amniotic fluid around the baby. Then when that is done I will head over to the hospital for a stress test. If I don't go into labor on my own this weekend they will induce me on Monday morning. I have to be at the hospital at 7:00 a.m. The doctor said that I can go to the walk on Sunday which I am thankful for. Please keep us in your prayers today as we have these test done. Please know that the doctor isn't having these test done because there is something wrong. I am almost a week from my due date and this is all normal.

To top all of this stressful stuff going on, my parents left at 3:30 a.m. this morning to head NH. I just got an email that they are broken down on 84 in Waterbury, CT :). They are waiting for AAA to arrive to get them to a mechanic. I just talked with them and they are on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. Please pray that it will be any easy fix and that it won't cost them a lot of money.

I will update later today when we know more news on baby and my parents. I have been reminded this morning that God is in control. It seems like we are getting hit from every which way right now. But I know that He is going to bring us through what ever comes our way today. Pray for peace for our family, safety for the baby, every one's stress level.

Thanks for holding us up in prayer today!!

Prayers For A Few Things

I am sure you were all hoping this post would be an announcement about Baby Groen. We are still awaiting his or her arrival which I hope is soon. I keep thinking I am over a week late but I am only a day.

I am writing to ask you all to be praying for a few things this week. First of all would be Baby and that I will have a safe delivery and that the baby will be healthy. We are ready when the baby is ready. If I don't go by Wed I do have a doctor's appointment at 3:00. My doctor said we would talk then about what will happen next. I really don't want to wait until Wed. I keep reminding myself that God is in control and he already knows the day this baby will be born.

Second is for the walk that is this Sunday. Please pray that the weather will be beautiful and that everyone that is coming from NJ will get here safe. We are all really excited about the walk and being together to celebrate Lindsay's birthday. Thanks to all of you who have supported us and our fellow walk members. So far we have raised $3,080.00.

We will post something as soon as things start to happen with the baby. Thanks for praying us through the pregnancy this far! We love you all :)