We got word that a donor has been found for Eric — a young boy between the ages of 9 and 14. He has been declared brain dead, and while our hearts are filled with hope and gratitude, we are also deeply aware of the unimaginable pain another family is walking through right now. His parents are still having to hold him, hug him, and say goodbye. Please keep them close in your thoughts and prayers. Their selfless decision is giving our Eric a second chance at life.

If all goes as planned, Eric will be taken from his room at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow to begin preparing for surgery at 7:00 a.m. The heart is about 45 minutes away by care flight, and once it arrives, the surgeon will assess it in person. There’s still a chance that things could change, so we’re holding onto hope but staying grounded in the reality of how delicate all of this is.

The transplant surgery itself is expected to take between 8 to 12 hours. Afterward, if everything goes well, Eric will be transferred to the ICU for recovery.

We are so incredibly thankful for this opportunity, and we know it wouldn’t be possible without the bravery and generosity of another family in the midst of their grief. I’ll do my best to keep everyone updated as we go.

Please keep praying. For Eric, for his doctors and nurses, and especially for the donor’s family.