Many of you have probably seen Delia around and yet have no idea what her voice sounds like. Delia is notoriously shy and feels no social pressure to answer direct questions when asked, which is something we actually kind of love about her. She has this quiet strength and FIRM stubbornness that has been the bane of our existence since having the pleasure of parenting her. We always knew that her firmness of mind that could cause such trouble in a baby, toddler and child would undoubtedly be her super power one day. I wish we didn’t have to see those super powers being used right now but that’s where we find ourselves. This kid is breaking my heart on a daily basis with her quiet strength when faced with such a terrible situation.
On March 19, I took Delia to the doctor because her stomach was bloated and we’d done everything the on-call doctor had suggested and nothing worked to reduce the bloating. The doctor looked through Delia’s labs, checked out her abdomen and immediately referred us to OHSU to get checked out. We were in there for a couple of hours when a doctor came in, handed us a phone and said the doctor on the phone could explain something that he, as an ED doctor could not, the doctor on the phone proceeded to tell Nick and I that Delia was in pretty severe liver failure and she would need to get life flighted to Stanford for a liver transplant. Three weeks after being transferred to Stanford, Delia received her life saving transplant. While those three weeks felt like a lifetime, we are so grateful that it was only three weeks. A week after her transplant she had to be reopened for a bile duct reconstruction surgery. She is healing well from both and on April 24, 6 weeks to the day after being admitted to Stanford Hospital, we were discharged. We finally got to go home on May 22, 65 days after Delia and I arrived in California.
Both of us find it very difficult to ask for help, but a lot of you have been asking how you can help, so this fundraising organization (Children’s Organ Transplant Association [COTA]) was presented to us by the hospital. COTA doesn’t charge any fees, which ensures that 100% of your giving goes to transplant-related expenses. Additionally, your gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please consider donating to COTA in honor of Delia to assist with a lifetime of transplant-related expenses.
So many of you have already shown up in huge ways and we feel your love and support. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for any and all the love and support you are able to give.
– Nick and Jessye
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Surrounding you with prayers and hugs.
Surrounding you with prayers and hugs.
Just want you to know that my heart is breaking for you right now. I have been through this with Ian and know exactly what it feels like. Sending you all my love and prayers! If there is anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Just want you to know that my heart is breaking for you right now. I have been through this with Ian and know exactly what it feels like. Sending you all my love and prayers! If there is anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Be encouraged mama, God is with you now in ways you wouldn’t have thought. I’m guessing you feel that often, and as I found in my desperation, He’s was bigger than my need. Although the road was much longer than I ever thought I could walk, He was there and carried me when my strength gave out. He loves you and Delia so much. I’m praying!
Be encouraged mama, God is with you now in ways you wouldn’t have thought. I’m guessing you feel that often, and as I found in my desperation, He’s was bigger than my need. Although the road was much longer than I ever thought I could walk, He was there and carried me when my strength gave out. He loves you and Delia so much. I’m praying!
Dear Delia and Jessye, you both are in my heart and prayers. This breaks my heart, but God is with you always. I was exited to hear that Delia will receive her new liver tonight, but also my heart breaks for the other family. All of you will be in my prayers. Stay strong. Sending prayers and love your way.
We are praying for your family and granddaughter knowing that God will be with you every step of way.
Just heard. So sorry. Praying for you all!
Dear Delia and Jessye, you both are in my heart and prayers. This breaks my heart, but God is with you always. I was exited to hear that Delia will receive her new liver tonight, but also my heart breaks for the other family. All of you will be in my prayers. Stay strong. Sending prayers and love your way.
We are praying for your family and granddaughter knowing that God will be with you every step of way.
Just heard. So sorry. Praying for you all!
Delia, After reading so many encouraging posts, I am so excited for you and your family. Down the road you and your family will be able to look back and see the many miracles that our Lord has bestowed upon you and your family! You are such an amazing young lady with a story of miracles to share with all your World! May God continue to bless and keep you moment by moment as Jesus continues in your life! In Jesus Name, Judy Kelley
Delia, After reading so many encouraging posts, I am so excited for you and your family. Down the road you and your family will be able to look back and see the many miracles that our Lord has bestowed upon you and your family! You are such an amazing young lady with a story of miracles to share with all your World! May God continue to bless and keep you moment by moment as Jesus continues in your life! In Jesus Name, Judy Kelley