Greetings, Friends of Miranda.

It has been quite the roller coaster the past couple weeks. It seems things are leveling out a bit, though, here recently. As was shared, previously, Miranda was readmitted to the hospital on 2/6 due to an infection. While in the hospital, it was discovered that Miranda had a leak, due to an injury in her ureter (from the transplanted kidney). The cause of this injury is not quite clear, but seemed to be the main culprit in a lot that was going on while in the hospital.

Two attempts were made to use a stent to address the injury. However, neither were able to provide remedy for the leak. In turn, a third procedure was administered in which a tube was placed through the kidney to bypass the injury and allow the injury time to heal. The third procedure worked!! Since that time, it seems that Miranda’s kidney is functioning correctly. 

After having some time for observation and to heal a bit more, Miranda was finally discharged from the hospital on Thursday afternoon. She was transferred, at that time, back to the rehab facility. As a result, she’s been able to have therapy again, everyday!! 

Overall, Miranda is doing better physically and is showing some improvements in relation to the brain injury. She’s talking more clearly each day and has begun to show increased strength here and there. There is still a very long road ahead of her, and continued prayers are appreciated!!

Based on her current abilities/ improvements, some points of prayer are:

• Memory/cognition: This is a huge prayer request. Miranda has shown such improvement with her memory over the past 2 months, but she still has quite a way to go. Miranda is often aware of who has been with her, major events, and even circumstances. She’s able to carry on full conversations and follow all that is being said. She also has shown great wittiness over the past week, or so! There is no doubt that the Miranda we know and love is here. Miranda feels disoriented, a lot, though and is currently working on recall, word finding, processing speed, etc. Please continue to pray that therapists know how to challenge Miranda and are able to provide guidance in how we can help support/improve her healing. Overall, please pray that Miranda’s memory and cognition improve at rapid rates, to the point that a full recovery is achieved!
• Vision: Miranda has demonstrated some improved vision. However, due to the placement of the brain injury, there has been some significant impacts on her ability to see things clearly. It seems there are times that she sees better than other times. Overall, though, we ask for prayers regarding improved connectivity between Miranda’s brain and her eyes, as well as guidance regarding how to support this healing process!
• Mobility/strength: Miranda has gained strength. In fact therapists have seen improvements over the past few days! Miranda seems more able to bear some weight when attempting to stand (with support) and has gained some movement in her arms when directed to move a certain way. Therapists are working with Miranda on daily living skills and working to improve both gross and fine motor skills. The impact of the brain injury on movement (especially in the hands/arms) is significant. This can be very frustrating for Miranda, and we pray for huge improvements to occur over the next few weeks, as well as  peace as Miranda works hard to complete daily tasks!
• Continued acceptance and functioning of the transplanted organs: With the addition of the brain injury, it is easy to forget that Miranda’s original needs were related to two major organs being transplanted. There is an entire system, with significant medical needs, related to that process. We ask for prayers that the acceptance of these organs, and Miranda’s body’s ability to utilize these organs as intended, does all it needs to do!
• Nutrition: Please continue to pray that Miranda is able to gain the nutrition she needs to gain weight, muscle, and strength!!
• Family: Please continue to keep the family in your prayers. It is such a blessing to see Miranda’s recent improvements, and they eagerly anticipate being reunited at home. More than likely, a plan will be made soon regarding when Miranda can/should return home. The family and Miranda long for Miranda to be back in their home. We know that being at home provides the encouragement and safety that lead to further healing. However, moving toward that goal also reveals a present reality that varies greatly from anything they originally planned for or expected. The return home includes a lot of changes and unknowns, as well as steps to equip the home/each other for the next stage of healing. Please pray for peace for the family as they navigate these next steps and all it entails. 

As always, THANK YOU for all your love and support for Miranda, and her family!! They are so grateful for all your kind words, thoughts, and prayers. May we continue to see miracles come to fruition in Miranda over the coming days/weeks/months!