Baby Maverick

This blog was created to keep family and friends updated on what's going on with the pregnancy, birth, and surgical plan for Maverick. We'll also be able to keep everyone updated during his surgery and recovery and hopefully be able to show you some cute pictures of him, Maddie, Carter and Chloe along the way.

This was the original intent; however, when we started this blog we had no idea the twists and turns our lives would take. Our sweet baby Maverick was born September 12, 2008 with Transposition of the Great Arteries, ASD, and VSD. We expected to have a baby boy to bring home three to four weeks after his surgery. He had numerous complications after his arterial switch and fought through many that would have taken the life from an adult. He passed away February 24, 2009 - without ever coming home.

This blog is now a place I share my feelings, work through the grief, remember Maverick, and try to make sense out of our life without him. I hope in doing so I am giving a name and a face to babies everywhere born with congenital heart defects.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

The big day

The blood drive was yesterday. We had such a great turnout. Thanks to everyone who helped pull this together. There were people ready and waiting to donate before the OBI people were finished setting up. We had a total of 71 people try to donate and 61 were actually able. The ten were deferred until a later time due to different reasons - but thanks for trying! The 61 units of blood equal over 7 1/2 gallons of blood donated in the five hours it was open. The OBI people said this was a great drive and usually at a church they only get around 20 donors. They were busy the entire time. Forty-five people had pre-registered - those were all the slots they had. The rest were walk-ins and they were able to accomodate everyone who arrived. The wait was long at times, so thank you all for being patient. It meant a lot to Greg and I to do in memory of Maverick.

We were able to meet a lot of new people. Many attend our church, and some are from the community or surrounding communities. It was nice to meet so many new faces that were praying for us throughout Mav's life - and many who continue to do so. Thanks to everyone who helped make this so successful. Love you all - jc

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Juli, I just wanted to let you know of a few other ways it is such a small world...The mom you gave the milk to is one of my good highschool friends, Lindsay Dyer (Hadley). I know you really blessed her by giving that gift to her baby! Also, the Whitakers (Mitchell Whitaker family) are cousins to my husband. It really is a small world. It was great seeing you yesterday. Peggy enjoyed Billy Boys. Have a great rest of your week. Still praying for you and your entire family-
Emily Overland

Anonymous said...

Hello. I'm so glad that there were so many people that came to give blood. I called the church to tell them that I was going to send out a company e-mail to let people know what day to give blood. They told me that they were already filled up and that they could not take another person. It's a good thing that I didn't send out an e-mail because that's 3,000 plus people. They told me that they would be doing another one soon and that if people are wanting to donate now that they may do so at another location in Maverick's name. Aunt Linda said that the tribe can do one later as well. I asked the lady at Immanual if she could accomadate 2 more people to donate blood. I explained to her that Maverick was my cousin and that I would like to come. I psyched myself up for a good week. I figured that if maverick was strong so much that I could do it. You know that I get scared and pass out, hypervenilate you know because of all the medical memories I have. He was so strong and definetely an inspiration to me. Just as I thought I was prepared, I ended up getting sick and having an infection and now I am on antibiotics. So...I wasn't able to come and give blood. In a way, I felt like I had let you down. I know that I am strong and I will donate eventually for my little cousin. I am O neg and I was told that I have the rare gene in my blood that helps babies. I'm not sure what it is called. So... Jason and I will be able to donate the next go around. We love you all. See you soon.
Love,
Steph and Jay