Current Needs for Ana María:
1. Aprox~$366 in travel fees for her son (so that he could be here for the surgery)
2. $375 for VISA Renewal
2. Aprox~$1200 for injections needed to suppress her Growth Hormone levels
4. Aprox~$300 for incidentals (personal items, medicine (antibiotics, pain meds, etc), travel fees)
Could you give $1 ?? (we need 41 $1 gifts)
Could you give $5?? (we need 10 $5 gifts)
Could you give $10?? (we need 15 $10 gifts)
Could you give $25?? (we need 20 $25 gifts)
Could you give $50?? (we need 10 $50 gifts)
Could you give $100?? (we need 10 $100 gifts)
If you can help click on the link below-not only will your gift be tax deductible but it will also be a huge blessing to an amazing family and community in the Dominican Republic.
To make an online donation click here
*if you would like to send a check or make a meal, please see previous post
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Ana Maria update...
Hi all!
June was CRAZY. Where did it go???
Anyway, I wanted to update you all on Ana Maria's recovery - she is doing great and feeling great. She still has not been cleared to start treatment but hopefully that will happen in the next couple of weeks. She will need radiation and hormone treatment before the doctors will release her to go back home to the DR.
Bills are starting to come in. We knew this would happen. A lot of them have been taken care of (so many gracious doctors have waived their fees) and we are still waiting to hear back from the Roper Foundation about how much they can absorb. But for now, we need to pay for things like prescriptions, the fee to extend her visa, etc.
If you are able to help financially, we would so appreciate it. You can send checks to
The Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul
memo line-DR SURGERY (very very important to put this in memo line)
126 Coming Street Charleston SC 29403
Also, if you are interested in providing a meal, click here. You will be asked for a last name and a password. Contact me for that info!
HAPPY 4th!! (??!?!?)
June was CRAZY. Where did it go???
Anyway, I wanted to update you all on Ana Maria's recovery - she is doing great and feeling great. She still has not been cleared to start treatment but hopefully that will happen in the next couple of weeks. She will need radiation and hormone treatment before the doctors will release her to go back home to the DR.
Bills are starting to come in. We knew this would happen. A lot of them have been taken care of (so many gracious doctors have waived their fees) and we are still waiting to hear back from the Roper Foundation about how much they can absorb. But for now, we need to pay for things like prescriptions, the fee to extend her visa, etc.
If you are able to help financially, we would so appreciate it. You can send checks to
The Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul
memo line-DR SURGERY (very very important to put this in memo line)
126 Coming Street Charleston SC 29403
Also, if you are interested in providing a meal, click here. You will be asked for a last name and a password. Contact me for that info!
HAPPY 4th!! (??!?!?)
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Great news!!!
Ana Maria is out of the hospital!!!
Please see yesterday's post if you'd like to provide a meal.
Please see yesterday's post if you'd like to provide a meal.
Friday, June 8, 2012
How you can help, part dos
So, please yesterday's post for part one of how you can help with Ana Maria's recovery process, etc...
We have added a really nifty thing that allows you to sign up to provide a meal for her - please click here to sign up. It will need you to enter a last name and a password to get to the actual page. Because there's some personal info on there, I don't want to post it for the whole world wide web to access - so please send me an email (lizbailey1978@gmail.com), message me on FB, or call me (if you're so lucky to have my number) for these details.
THANK YOU!
p.s. Ana Maria is out of ICU!! She is in a normal room doing pretty good. She had a bit of a tough spell this morning with some nausea due to some medication they have her on but nothing to worry too much about. She's a fighter.
Love you all!
We have added a really nifty thing that allows you to sign up to provide a meal for her - please click here to sign up. It will need you to enter a last name and a password to get to the actual page. Because there's some personal info on there, I don't want to post it for the whole world wide web to access - so please send me an email (lizbailey1978@gmail.com), message me on FB, or call me (if you're so lucky to have my number) for these details.
THANK YOU!
p.s. Ana Maria is out of ICU!! She is in a normal room doing pretty good. She had a bit of a tough spell this morning with some nausea due to some medication they have her on but nothing to worry too much about. She's a fighter.
Love you all!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Ana Maria update
Wow! What a week!
The best news I can share with you is that on Tuesday morning, Ana Maria woke up and said it was the first time in 4 years that she didn't have a headache. How amazing is that? To get immediate relief like that -- I just love the faithfulness of the Lord! And I really really really love doctors and modern medicine. When Ana Maria woke up from the surgery, one of the first things she noticed was that her peripheral vision had been restored. She lifted her hands to the side of her face and said 'wow, I can see my hands.' Incredible.
So, here's the scoop on the surgery: it went incredibly well. The surgeon told us before the surgery that it was not likely that they would be able to get the entire tumor out and that she would need radiation treatment once she heals from the surgery. What I learned is that the area in which these types of tumors grow is very small and surrounded by a web of nerves and arteries that, if touched by the surgeons tools, could cause a serious/fatal result. Therefore, they have to go in, get what they can and basically hoping for the best. Some of these tumors are soft and mushy, and because of their consistency, they grow around the nerves and arteries and can even attach to them. This is when radiation is relied on. Ana Maria's tumor, thanks be to God, was solid and came out in one piece. The ENT who assisted in the surgery (and is also a Christian) had a very good feeling that they got it all. That is what we are praying for. We will not know for sure until she has another MRI in a few weeks. If that is the case, her recovery time and stay in Charleston will be much shorter. She will definitely be in Charleston for at least another 6 weeks. That raises another issue: the visa. She is likely going to need to stay past the expiration date - please pray for favor as we request an extension.
So many of you have asked how you can help. What we need most right now are people who would be willing to spend some time with her. Christy and Gerry both have jobs and are also trying to maintain somewhat of a normal life. Her son, Owaldy, will be leaving mid June to go back to the DR for a couple months so she will be facing a lot of time by herself. So, people who are willing to come sit with her during the day, or take her out for the day, have her over for dinner, invite her for the weekend, etc...we welcome your help. She is easy and wonderful company! (and FYI: being able to speak Spanish is helpful but not a must - don't let it stop you from hanging out with her if you don't know any Spanish - the language barrier never was, never has been an issue). Please email me (lizbailey1978@gmail.com) and let me know. Also, if you'd like to provide a meal for them, contact me.
We are also in the process of raising money to cover hospital stay and care for her and her family. If you would like to contribute, you can send a check to:
The Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul
memo line-DR SURGERY (very very important to put this in memo line)
126 Coming Street Charleston SC 29403
I want to thank you all SO much for your love and support during this time. I have so felt your prayers. It has been an incredibly unique, amazing, painful, joyful, crazy experience. I cannot honestly say I'd do it again if I had to - but it certainly has been an honor to be a part of something so special. Only God can orchestrate experiences like these!
Many, many blessings to you all and please be in touch if you can help in any way!
The best news I can share with you is that on Tuesday morning, Ana Maria woke up and said it was the first time in 4 years that she didn't have a headache. How amazing is that? To get immediate relief like that -- I just love the faithfulness of the Lord! And I really really really love doctors and modern medicine. When Ana Maria woke up from the surgery, one of the first things she noticed was that her peripheral vision had been restored. She lifted her hands to the side of her face and said 'wow, I can see my hands.' Incredible.
So, here's the scoop on the surgery: it went incredibly well. The surgeon told us before the surgery that it was not likely that they would be able to get the entire tumor out and that she would need radiation treatment once she heals from the surgery. What I learned is that the area in which these types of tumors grow is very small and surrounded by a web of nerves and arteries that, if touched by the surgeons tools, could cause a serious/fatal result. Therefore, they have to go in, get what they can and basically hoping for the best. Some of these tumors are soft and mushy, and because of their consistency, they grow around the nerves and arteries and can even attach to them. This is when radiation is relied on. Ana Maria's tumor, thanks be to God, was solid and came out in one piece. The ENT who assisted in the surgery (and is also a Christian) had a very good feeling that they got it all. That is what we are praying for. We will not know for sure until she has another MRI in a few weeks. If that is the case, her recovery time and stay in Charleston will be much shorter. She will definitely be in Charleston for at least another 6 weeks. That raises another issue: the visa. She is likely going to need to stay past the expiration date - please pray for favor as we request an extension.
So many of you have asked how you can help. What we need most right now are people who would be willing to spend some time with her. Christy and Gerry both have jobs and are also trying to maintain somewhat of a normal life. Her son, Owaldy, will be leaving mid June to go back to the DR for a couple months so she will be facing a lot of time by herself. So, people who are willing to come sit with her during the day, or take her out for the day, have her over for dinner, invite her for the weekend, etc...we welcome your help. She is easy and wonderful company! (and FYI: being able to speak Spanish is helpful but not a must - don't let it stop you from hanging out with her if you don't know any Spanish - the language barrier never was, never has been an issue). Please email me (lizbailey1978@gmail.com) and let me know. Also, if you'd like to provide a meal for them, contact me.
We are also in the process of raising money to cover hospital stay and care for her and her family. If you would like to contribute, you can send a check to:
The Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul
memo line-DR SURGERY (very very important to put this in memo line)
126 Coming Street Charleston SC 29403
I want to thank you all SO much for your love and support during this time. I have so felt your prayers. It has been an incredibly unique, amazing, painful, joyful, crazy experience. I cannot honestly say I'd do it again if I had to - but it certainly has been an honor to be a part of something so special. Only God can orchestrate experiences like these!
Many, many blessings to you all and please be in touch if you can help in any way!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
I've known nothing apart from Your goodness God
Stop whatever you're doing and listen to this song:
Glorious by Bryan and Katie Torwalt
This song has been on repeat on all my music devices and in my heart for the last couple months. As I look back on this whole experience, the journey to get Ana Maria to the states for this surgery, I'm tempted to question how the heck it all happened. Seriously, in hindsight, there were just so many obstacles, so many impractical things that should have prevented us from succeeding. But looking back, I also see the steady hand of God leading us perfectly into and through a process that only He could have orchestrated. It has been an absolute honor to be a part of it. I truly am 'undone by the kindness of Christ.'
*Please stay tuned for an update on Ana Maria and how you can help!
Glorious by Bryan and Katie Torwalt
Hope fills my soul, and the love that youʼve shown
Brings refreshing like the rain
Peace floods my heart, Iʼve known nothing apart
Apart from Your goodness God
You are Glorious,
You are Holy, Holy
The heavenʼs shout, You are Worthy, Worthy
My soul cries out, You are Holy, Holy
The Nations will shout, You are Worthy, Worthy
Your Love frees my soul, and fear has no hold
For You have broken the chains
Now Joy fills my life, Your Spirit Your Light
Iʼm undone by the Kindness of Christ
At the sound of our praise, the heavens will shake and the earth will move
This song has been on repeat on all my music devices and in my heart for the last couple months. As I look back on this whole experience, the journey to get Ana Maria to the states for this surgery, I'm tempted to question how the heck it all happened. Seriously, in hindsight, there were just so many obstacles, so many impractical things that should have prevented us from succeeding. But looking back, I also see the steady hand of God leading us perfectly into and through a process that only He could have orchestrated. It has been an absolute honor to be a part of it. I truly am 'undone by the kindness of Christ.'
*Please stay tuned for an update on Ana Maria and how you can help!
Monday, June 4, 2012
I told God: 'I give my head to You'
As Ana Maria was getting prepped for surgery, she told us that when she found out she was going to have to have brain surgery she told God 'My head is yours. I give it to You.' And then after we finished telling her that she's got one of the greatest teams of doctors in America operating on her she pointed up and said 'I've got the best doctors in the world operating on me. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit and ALL the angels.' Oh to have faith like hers...
She was very nervous this morning - but there was also a peace about her and we all know where that comes from. We are blessed to be at St. Francis, which is a faith-based place. The OR nurse, Pat, is a very sweet lady and was anxious to pray with us. All of the doctors were so kind.
One of my closest and oldest friends and big brother in the Lord, Shay (who is a priest) came by and prayed for her. Shay has been with me to the DR a couple times and is a friendly and familiar face to Ana Maria.
Owaldy (Ana Maria's oldest son) is here and has been a brave and supportive young man. When Ana Maria was rolled back to surgery and we went to take our place in the waiting room, he said 'maybe after today, I will be able to sleep.' Yes, Owaldy. I pray that for you and for your family...that today will be the beginning of much brighter and lighter days for all of you.
Then there's Christy and Gerry. These two...saints. Or angels. Or both. I don't know. All I know is we wouldn't be here in this waiting room if it weren't for them. Christy and Gerry have taken Ana Maria into their home and into their hearts (which is the easy part). More than that, they have been CHAMPIONS in getting this process rolling. Seriously, the 3 months that she was granted on her visa may have come and gone and no surgery would have happened had God not given Christy and Gerry to us and to this process. I have no adequate ways to express my gratitude to them...they are heroes. Please pray for them - that God would pour back into them more than what they have poured out.
 |
| Ana Maria right before surgery |
One of my closest and oldest friends and big brother in the Lord, Shay (who is a priest) came by and prayed for her. Shay has been with me to the DR a couple times and is a friendly and familiar face to Ana Maria.
Owaldy (Ana Maria's oldest son) is here and has been a brave and supportive young man. When Ana Maria was rolled back to surgery and we went to take our place in the waiting room, he said 'maybe after today, I will be able to sleep.' Yes, Owaldy. I pray that for you and for your family...that today will be the beginning of much brighter and lighter days for all of you.
 |
| mother and son |
So...we continue to wait. There's this cool computer screen in the lobby that shows the progress of all the patients who are in surgery right now. I snapped this shot as Ana Maria's surgery officially began a little while ago: (sorry for the blurriness - I had to crop out all the other docs and patients - wouldn't want to violate any HIPA laws) :)
The little person at the end means the surgery has started (b/c the little cartoon person is asleep). At the end of the surgery, the cartoon person will be awake and smiling and that will mean that she is headed into recovery. I can't wait to see that little icon pop up.
So, one major prayer request: the doctor told us that because of where the tumor is located, they probably would not be able to get the whole thing out and that once she recovers, she will need radiation therapy. This isn't altogether bad but we would prefer that they are able to remove it ALL today. SO - pray for that! If they can't remove it all - our next challenge will be extending her visa. She cannot begin radiation until she is completely recovered from todays surgery - which could be 5-7 weeks from now. Then, she would need 4-6 weeks of radiation. That puts us at the end of August for a return to the DR and her visa expires July 22. We feel confident that with official documentation from the doctors and the hospital that it shouldn't be hard getting it extended but please add that to your prayers.
Well...that's it for now. Oh, breakfast in the cafeteria at St. Francis is gooooooood.
Stay tuned......
So, one major prayer request: the doctor told us that because of where the tumor is located, they probably would not be able to get the whole thing out and that once she recovers, she will need radiation therapy. This isn't altogether bad but we would prefer that they are able to remove it ALL today. SO - pray for that! If they can't remove it all - our next challenge will be extending her visa. She cannot begin radiation until she is completely recovered from todays surgery - which could be 5-7 weeks from now. Then, she would need 4-6 weeks of radiation. That puts us at the end of August for a return to the DR and her visa expires July 22. We feel confident that with official documentation from the doctors and the hospital that it shouldn't be hard getting it extended but please add that to your prayers.
Well...that's it for now. Oh, breakfast in the cafeteria at St. Francis is gooooooood.
Stay tuned......
Sunday, June 3, 2012
THE BIG DAY!
Tomorrow morning, June 4th, at 8am Ana Maria will have her surgery. This is what we've all been waiting for, praying for, hoping for, crying over. I cannot believe this day has come. Even though the past couple months since this all got started have flown by, it seemed like this day would never come.
Ana Maria has been in the states since Thursday, May 10th and is more than ready to have 'Timmy tumor' removed.
Please be praying for her tomorrow and in the days and weeks following the surgery. We are not quite sure what the recovery time looks like - we'll have a better idea about that once the surgeon sees what we're dealing with.
Thank you all for you love and prayers. We've witnessed miracle after miracle in this process. We are still praying for complete financial freedom with her medical bills. So far, every specialist she's seen (6 different doctors!) has agreed to waive their fees. We will still receive a bill for her hospital stay. If you would like to contribute to this, please send a check to:
The Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul
memo line-DR SURGERY (very very important to put this in memo line)
126 Coming Street Charleston SC 29403
Most importantly...pray! I will update here and on FB as soon and as often as I can.
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