Kim in Madison, WI
2007-04-16 21:39:10.0
Hi Mary! What beautiful, beautiful pictures of Brea in your post today! She is looking JUST incredible. It's amazing to go back to pre-transplant pics and see the difference - there just aren't words to describe it. I felt so bad for you after reading Sunday's post - hang in there! I can only imagine the pain you've felt through everything - worry about Brea, loneliness being separated from Danny and the kids, worry how Brooke and Baker are handling it all, etc. I was trying to think of your journey and it almost strikes me as a marathon, as you've been through so much. So now you're nearing the finish line of hopefully, hopefully going home for the weekend and you're just so tired. Here's where your Internet friends come in - we're all cheering for you as you keep pushing towards that goal!!!! Keep going, stay strong, continue finding the little joys of each day!! Brooke and Baker will be fine, as will Brea - children are so resilient. They just need some time too to just handle everything, until you reach your "new normal". I can't imagine life will ever be the same for your family - it just can't be, with all that you ALL have gone through. But your love for each other has grown stronger, you've weathered it all so well, and your testament to God's incredible love and provision is the most inspirational one that I have ever known. Just hang on! You're doing so well!!! =) Blessings and peace, Kim (p.s. - It tickles me to see Brea with the bunny we sent her! That just couldn't make me happier...give her some hugs and kisses from her friends in Wisconsin =)
Katrina
2007-04-16 20:05:20.0
Congratulations Brooke!! How Awesome to place 3rd and being a new rider. Glad she is enjoying the horseriding and competing.
Mary, thank you so much for your faithful updates. I will be sure to pass them on to our friends and the moms in our MOPS group who are all praying for Brea's continued healing and progress, and for your family. Thank you for letting us all know how we can be praying for ALL of you.
I was glad to see the photo of Brea outside with the pansies. I don't think I have seen a more beautiful picture than that. I'm glad she was able to "fully" experience them. :)
God Bless!
Becky Callahan
2007-04-16 19:40:36.0
Mary and Brea~
What great news and sweet, sweet photos!! I have to know this - does Brea suck on that bunny's ear? My daughter (from China) has a bunny blankie that, the minute she got it, popped that ear in her mouth (WAY in!! ) and carries it around still - 2 1/2 years later!
I am so thankful to see your precious princess smiling, out of the hospital, and doing well. We will be in prayer for the biopsy. And, God brought you all so very far, He won't let you go now. Mary, He WILL provide for you all. It may not be in a way that you expect, but He has promised never to leave or forsake you. His ways are perfect - I know that you will continue to trust in Him.
Many many hugs and prayers to you from Paw Paw, MI!
Becky
Marilyn
2007-04-16 19:37:23.0
With all the horrible things in the news, the wondrous healing of your beautiful daughter lifts my spirits. Good luck with the reporter.
cathy jones
2007-04-16 19:01:25.0
Mary, I just want you to know that I am truly praying with all my heart, soul, and mind that God will open His floodgates and pour out His blessings on you and your family. He has answered many prayers already, and He is not finished. DO stand firm in your faith; I did not mean to suggest that you do otherwise in my email yesterday. I ask for forgiveness if I upset you or your family, or anyone reading these posts. I just know how hard this has been on your family, and what a toll severe financial hardships can take on a family. I pray for deliverance for your family from this hardship. I pray for God's protection for your entire family. You have endured so much with such grace and faith. I pray that God's peace will remain with you in the days, weeks, months, and years to come. I also pray for God to especially wrap His loving arms around Brooke and Baker at this time, and you and Danny as you ache for your children. May you all be filled with God's grace and peace, Jesus' healing touch, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Blessings, Cathy p.s. At least pansies are an edible flower! The pictures are so cute! Brea looks the picture of perfect health, and I pray the biopsy will affirm this!
Heather Joiner
2007-04-16 17:43:50.0
Aunt Mary,
Brea looks so great...and so happy! We are so thankful that God provided a perfect heart and know that he will provide the meds, too. :)
Please give Brooke and Baker our love when you talk to them. Please tell them that we miss them bunches and are thinking about them every day, too. My class asks about Brea, Brooke, and Baker. (Tell them that I'm sorry that Brea gets top billing...but she did have a heart transplant!) Tell them that I always still say Brooke, Baker, and Brea (I'm a teacher...I go in chronological order.). :)
When you see them, please give Uncle Danny, Brooke, and Baker a hug for me (and please ask one of them to give you a hug for me.). Big hugs to your little peanut, too!
All of our love!
Heather, Brian, and Patrick Joiner
Misty Peterson
2007-04-16 13:56:22.0
Brea~
Our God is so BIG! He has his finger prints all over you and he will take care of all of your needs. I am friends with someone who knows your family. I will be praying for you and for your daddy, mommy and family. Jesus Loves you! In Christ~ Misty Peterson, Webb City MO
Cathy Dunkle
2007-04-16 11:16:24.0
Praying that your family will be together soon and continued healing for Brea and good results for her biopsy.
Melissa (Holt)
2007-04-16 10:45:37.0
Mary, I contacted a friend who was a drug rep, and this is the response I got. I'm sure you've heard it all before, but I wanted to send it just in case there's a new idea/information here for you. God bless!-----------------------------------------
Melissa,
I'm glad to hear your new job is going good!!
As for the drug help - if she doesn't qualify for the drug assistance
programs and has prescription drug coverage that is not paying the
full amount then they are going to have to go directly to the drug
companies for assistance. The doctor should be advocating for help
in this case. Most doctors will sit on their hands and do nothing
until asked and then some of them won't help. If the doctor is not
willing to contact the drug companies directly to see if they can
assist with costs then the family can directly contact the drug
companies. Often the pharmacist that is filling the medications can
also help - but often times they get a kickback and don't want to
decrease their take home amount. The mark-up on medications at the
pharmacy are astronomical. They can start by shopping pharmacies and
price comparison. Alot of pharmacies (locally owned only) will help
patients with discounts and price breaks. They can start their until
they can talk to the drug company.
Tip for everyone - you will save money by using a small locally owned
pharmacy rather than the chains. You pay higher prices at the chains
because they are open 24hrs a day and have a store on every corner.
Wal-mart also has very good prices.
The majority of the drug companies are very willing to help. They
give out millions of dollars of free meds each year. They can look
for the drug manufacturer on the bottle, do a web search for a phone
number and call them. They will direct the call to the proper
department.
Sorry I don't have a more specific answer but hopefully they will be
able to get started in getting some help.
Janet Mazzi
2007-04-16 10:01:22.0
My husband and I, were so touched with Breann's story. We are praying for her everyday. My husband and I have two daughters from China and I do believe that all of our China families are pulled together by the lord and that fine red thread.
We are hoping that you will be back with your family soon and praying that Brea is home with you too.
God bless you and your family, May the lord be with you always.
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