Evelyn has had a really good week!
We’ve been using a little incentive system called “hospital bucks” whenever she finishes an assessment, vitals, meds, dressing changes, etc. She earns “bucks” that she can trade for things like DoorDash treats, toys, new Switch games, extra tablet time, picking a movie, or her favorite snacks. Today, she chose to use her hospital bucks for lunch down in the hospital café, beef sandwich, noodles, Joe Joe’s, and Cool Ranch chips. It was a special little treat for her!
She also had some fun time playing board games with the local Rochester police officers—and yes, she totally kicked their butts at Uno! It’s little moments like this that make her so happy and help her feel more at home.
We’re still working to balance her meds around fluid retention, which has been okay so far. It’s been on my mind, so I checked in with her transplant team this morning about heart offers. She’s had three calls in the last two weeks, all while being in the top ten on the list. In the transplant world, that can mean nothing or everything all at once. All three offers were viable matches, but she’s not quite #1 yet. Still, it’s a sign we’re getting closer. With warmer weather, donor availability usually goes up in the Midwest, so we’re hopeful.
Mom, Dad, and little brother will be spending the weekend together again. I’ve transferred my job down to Rochester and am living at the Ronald McDonald House full time. Work is just 3 miles from the hospital. That means I can be at her bedside at a moment’s notice, which is such a relief. Feeling grateful to have that option and to be here with her every step of the way.
How You Can Help Now
Whether you choose to wear a “Hearts for Evelyn” shirt or make a direct contribution to COTA for Evelyn’s Heart, you are joining a community that will help Evelyn for her lifetime- thank you