With everything happening over the last few days, I held off on posting an update. Today was a big day for Evelyn.
First, she had her arterial line (ART line) removed. An arterial line is a special IV placed directly into an artery that allows the medical team to continuously monitor blood pressure and draw blood without repeated needle pokes. It’s typically used for patients who are critically ill and need very close monitoring, so having it removed is another sign that Evelyn is becoming more stable. She also no longer needs her nasal cannula for oxygen support.
But the best part of the day? For the first time since surgery, Evelyn got dressed in real clothes. She walked to her wheelchair, and we busted out of her room for a stroll around the unit. Watching her eyes light up as she explored outside those four walls was pure joy.
We continue to slowly wean her medications and keep up with breathing treatments as her lungs continue to heal. She has truly turned a corner. Her sass is back. Her funny, goofy personality is shining through again. The little girl we know and love is making herself known more and more each day.
Today marks one month and one day since her LVAD surgery, and 263 days since we started this journey.
Some days have felt impossibly long. Some days have felt unfair. But days like today remind us just how far she has come. Watching her smile, laugh, and roll through the hallways felt like getting a little piece of normal back.
Thank you all for continuing to cheer her on, pray for her, and follow along on this journey. We still have a road ahead of us, but today felt like a really good day.
How You Can Help
Get your “Hearts for Evelyn” T-Shirt
Join our “Hearts for Evelyn” Facebook Group
What makes our partnership with COTA so great is that they will be with Evelyn throughout her lifetime. Every dollar donated to COTA in honor of Evelyn goes to transplant-related expenses. Thank you for being here with us for Evelyn.