A message written by our mom, Renee on May 27, 2020. (Sorry I’m posting this a day late, mom!)
It’s kind of hard to believe that one year has come and gone (and a little ironic), but here Alyssa stands in the exact place, now so full of life. Her check up today went better than expected. Her lungs are full of air and able to move freely, pulling 100% on the saturation test. It’s been a journey, and how fast time flies! It has been the hardest/best year of our lives. Exactly one year ago at 5:30 in the morning we received the “call.” Alyssa would get a new lease on life. It was time to say goodbye to her lungs that didn’t work any longer. All this added up to 2 operations, 5 procedures, 2 blood transfusions, 24 days in ICU for a total of 35 days initially in the hospital, 1 round rejection, another 4 day hospitalization for dehydration, and now weekly infusions to boost the protein in her blood for the forseeable future. We have nothing but admiration and gratitude for everything. We have so many people to thank for where we are today. I thank God for the timeline and how everything fell into place, true blessings we didn’t have to juggle transplant with COVID-19. First and foremost, to the donor family out there that graciously blessed us during their heartbreaking time, that allowed our daughter to begin to live again. We will never be able to repay you for the gift you gave us, but I hope someday you will get the chance to see the beauty that you have given us. Next, we more than appreciate the skilled doctors, surgeons, and nurses at UCSF. Their tireless care allowed Alyssa to breathe and thrive again. To COTA who held our hand and guided us through the necessary fundraising journey, you truly are a amazing group of people. Finally, we thank all our friends and family for their prayers, thoughts, and fundraising efforts along the way. You will never understand how much we truly, as a family, appreciate and love each and everyone of you. We hope at some point in this lifetime to in some small way repay you all. We would not be where we are today without your support and generosity. It’s time to celebrate, the possibilities for Alyssa’s future are endless!
