On July 15th, we got our second call.  This time when we drove to St. Louis there was a peacefulness the entire trip full of laughter and singing.  After our last experience, we knew there wasn’t any chance of it happening until the 16th around 10 a.m.  That morning we woke up and awaited the doctors to come in to provide a status update.  We found out that it was a multi-donor situation which was the same as our prior visit.  We knew this meant there would be a wait.  As the hours ticked away our nerves began to grow as well as frustrations of being stuck in the hospital room due to COVID-19.  By 5:00 p.m. I (Megan’s Mom) began to subtly pack up our belongings anticipating another cancellation because, of course, this couldn’t possibility be happening.  However, it was.  At 6:30 p.m., we kissed Megan goodbye and wished her luck as she giggled all the way to the OR due to the meds she was given to calm her nerves and get her prepared for the long surgery ahead. 

For our wait, St. Louis Children’s Hospital had us download an amazing app called Ease which allows the doctors and staff to communicate with you and send pictures if you chose this option.  This constant form of contact and reassurance helped ease the worry during the eight-hour surgery.  We were finally reunited with Megan in the PICU at 3:30 a.m. on the 17th after a very successful surgery.

Megan spent the next day and a half in the PICU.  However, in roughly 10 hours after her surgery, Megan was able to sit-up in her bed, stand, and shuffle to a chair where she sat for 30 minutes.  This young lady has an internal strength and maturity that keeps us in awe of her and her fighting spirit.  She has big plans and was not going to let this slow her down.  Megan knows that God put this amazing donor in her path, and she will not take it for granted.  She knows the blessing she has received, and that it happened in God’s time.

Megan was released from the hospital 7 days after her surgery, and has begun the long journey of healing and regaining her strength.