Hi, all! I know it’s been a long while since our last update. We were enjoying a season of peace as we like to call it. We are so grateful for these months that we have had to enjoy life in a new way with Ela’s new heart.

However, right now God has chosen for us to endure yet another challenging season. Don’t get me wrong… we know because of Him, His promises and faithfulness that we can still have peace in this season of challenge too.

Ela had been doing relatively well until around Thanksgiving when she went to the ER for RSV and ear infections. Since that time, some of her blood work has been off. But instead of improving over the last month, it has consistently gotten worse every week. Her BNP (which can often indicate potential heart failure/rejection) is significantly elevated and trending up. Her Allosure Heart test (another blood test that is a pretty reliable indicator of rejection) is also very elevated. To give you an idea, the Allosure test works in decimals. So for example, a normal (no-rejection) number would be anything less than .15%. Usually, if it’s above that there is possibility for rejection and the higher the number the worse the rejection. Her team told us that they are concerned when a patient’s number comes back at a 1 or 2. Well, Ela’s came back at a 9. It’s crazy to think about because when you look at her, you would not even think anything is wrong. God has sustained her and we know He will continue to.

We are currently on our way now to CHOP to be admitted, leaving the two boys with family. They will start her on rejection protocol immediately—meaning steroids and IVIG for now—and of course, an echo and ekg. On Monday, she will have an emergency heart cath with biopsy to hopefully give us more answers about heart pressures, what type of rejection this is (1. acute cellular 2. antibody-mediated or 3.chronic/coronary artery vasculopathy), how bad it is, and the best treatment course moving forward. She had the 2nd one (AMR) a little over a year ago. This is her 2nd bout of rejection in less than 1 1/2 years.

We are thankful that this rejection was caught hopefully “early enough” as she hasn’t really been symptomatic. We are thankful for family/friends to help with the boys. We are thankful that the JOY and HOPE of Christmas isn’t found in a single day, location, or holiday traditions. Although it is hard and disappointing to be spending this time of year in a hospital, we are thankful that Ela is still here to celebrate. And of course, we are overwhelming thankful to her donor/hero family for choosing donation. We remember them so often during these times of the year. Please say a prayer for them this holiday season too.

So Gabriela’s Warriors, here we are once again asking you to do what we know you do—pray. Pray for a safe cath procedure Monday and for healing. Answers to the rejection and successful treatment. Ela to remain in happy and good spirit. A quick return home with a healthy heart/body. The boys as their routine has abruptly been uprooted once again. The family and friends caring for them. Strength, clarity, and wisdom for Miguel and I as we navigate decisions/options.

As always, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.