Evelyn and I were outside, enjoying the weather, blowing bubbles, just trying to soak up a normal moment. And then Evelyn started to get quiet and tear up. She said she wanted to go further out into the grass to pop them… but she couldn’t because of her IV pole.
If you know Evelyn, you know she is one of the most mobile, energetic kids in the hospital. She’s riding her bike, walking laps around the hospital, dancing, making the most out of every bit of space she has. And still that pole follows her everywhere. Limiting her in ways that don’t always show until moments like that.
We were given the opportunity for something different.. a backpack with a mobile pump. Something that could give her a little more freedom, a little more independence… a chance to move the way she wants to move.
We’re going to follow her lead and only do what she’s comfortable with. But if she decides she’s ready, this could mean no more “ball and chain” IV pole holding her back.
And maybe next time we’re blowing bubbles… she can run as far into the grass as she wants.
How You Can Help
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.
What makes our partnership with COTA so great is that they will be with Evelyn throughout her life. Every dollar donated to COTA in honor of Evelyn goes to transplant-related expenses.
Sharing Evelyn’s story is just as important- please share her COTA page and join our Facebook group. Thank you.