Hello From Heeth’s Mom!

Merriest Christmas to all of you and a huge thank you for all the family and friends that have reached out to make Heeth (and Keene’s) holiday super special this year!  It is very difficult for me to not write personal thank you notes to every one of you, but please know that Heeth and Keene appreciate and love all the kindness that has been sent their way!

Over the past month, more has happened, with so many ups and downs and ups…that it would take weeks to update.  Our situation changed frequently and we needed to focus all our energy on supporting Heeth’s health and Keene.  Heeth was in the ICU for about a month needing respiratory support and fighting fevers.  As you can imagine, this was very difficult for his big sister, Keene, to see.  But each visit, Keene walked in with a smile (and a craft to do) and always cheered her little brother on!  The strength of these two makes me a proud mom!

For some days, Heeth was so tired that he really didn’t want to do much.  So our family and close friends gathered around in spirit and created the “Jar of Love”..in less that 24 hours, Heeth had over 100 wishes of love and support from his closest people filling up this jar!  He loved listening to all your messages…thank you!  Each day Todd and I tried to encourage Heeth to get up and move to help his lungs.  This was a big task for him.  Heeth finally got the motivation he needed..he met another little friend, 3 years old, in the ICU who motivated Heeth to walk all the way down to his room to deliver cards and treats.  Heeth was so inspired by this little guy, that he focused all his energy on making this little boy’s heart happy, which in turn helped with Heeth’s recovery.  Heeth continues to write this boy cards and they exchange pictures to keep each other fighting.

Heeth is back on 6W now and our family is excited to celebrate Christmas together!  We are so thankful that we get to facetime with our family and friends!  Heeth’s determination and positive attitude helps to keep us all upbeat. He is pushing on to get his strength back and while doing so, he is trying to motivate others to keep fighting.  Heeth has already told me when he is home, he can’t wait to plan a “Jersey fundraiser” to raise money for the kids on 6W and in the ICU.  Heeth also calls his Grandpa Howard every day to say he loves him and to keep fighting!  Heeth’s doctors and nurses are always impressed and surprised at his resilience.  

Our family is so grateful to our friends and family that have chosen to donate platelets over the holiday season!  Heeth was so touched to see the photos of aunts, uncles, and friends have sent of themselves donating!  Thank you: this will help so many patients during this National Shortage on Blood Products!  What a selfless thing to do: thank you for thinking of Heeth and others!

This Christmas, I am just so proud to be the parent of Heeth and Keene and look forward to some Santa hats, matching pajamas, gluten free french toast, gingerbread houses, and of course watching Home Alone!

We hope you feel the Christmas Magic and have a healthy, cozy, and warm holiday!  We hope to share good news in the next few weeks with you!  

HUGE HUGS FROM HEETH!

With Love,

Heeth’s Mom

Thank you for filling Heeth’s heart with love!

Learning guitar on 6W!

Multitasking: exercise bike and roblox with cousins!

Reindeer Keene and I found..Christmas Magic!

Heeth’s Christmas Tree that he loves to look at during the night!