Gracelyn Michelle was born on May 31, 2010 and on June 14th, 2010 was diagnosed with HLHS; Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.
In a child with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, all of the structures on the left side of the heart (the side which receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and pumps it out to the body) are severely underdeveloped.
Gracelyn has already undergone two surgeries and is currently at home with her parents so that she can gain enough weight to pursue the next surgery. As of July 6th, 2010, Gracelyn had, unfortunately lost weight. With another doctor’s appointment scheduled to check for weight gain, the possibility of surgery much sooner is on everyone’s minds. We need for little Gracie bug to gain weight by July 14, 2010!
One thing that we all know exists, but we don’t want to talk about, are mounting medical expenses. Gracelyn’s surgeries and doctors appointments are adding up, and the family is stressed enough as it is. Of course, insurance can be a great thing… but only when it’s covering the bills. I hate seeing Gracelyn’s family in this situation, and I want to help. I want to do what I can because this little baby girl is so immensely loved, and loved by so many people, it only makes sense to help when I can.
Which is why I propose this challenge to YOU!
If we can raise $500 to help with Gracelyn’s care…
*GULP* I will dye my hair one of those colors. And the color choice? Well that will be up to YOU! Every single one of you, regardless of if you donate or not, will get to vote! The choices will be pink, green, blue or purple. I have a LOT of hair! It’s long, it’s thick.
I will post pictures and possibly video when we reach the goal. Can you image the look on Gracelyn’s parents and grandparents faces when they see me with wild and crazy hair because YOU helped out?! I know for a fact that Gracelyn’s mommy is going to laugh, she’s going to call me crazy! But you know what? I AM crazy! That’s why I’m doing this!
It’s now up to you…donate as much as you want. Every single penny will be going straight to Gracelyn and her parents so that they can provide for her.
Tweet this, Facebook it, blog it, help spread the word!
I have to put an ending date on here, so October 1st it is!
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UPDATE ON GRACELYN 7/20/10
After Gracelyn’s last appointment, Shea and Tim spoke with doctors and they decided that its better to do Gracelyn’s surgery sooner rather than later to help her start gaining weight, so Shea, Tim and Gracelyn will be heading down to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital tomorrow to check in and arrange surgery for either later this week or maybe early next week to put the bands on her heart that they couldn’t complete in her last surgery.This surgery will be an actual open heart surgery compared to her last surgery and will come with a very long recovery period in the hospital.
An “actual open heart surgery” means that they will be cutting through the breast bone to gain access. I believe they will be doing this: Placement of bands around the right and left pulmonary arteries. This restricts blood flow to the pulmonary arteries, thereby balancing the circulation (to the lungs and the body). This also reduces the extra blood flow to the lungs. You can read about open heart surgery here.
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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
GOOD LUCK! I voted purple. :) I’m off to help spread the word for ya.
Oh Mandi good job could not decide what color toooooo funny.
I hope you make your goal!!! :)
They are very fortunate to have friend like you. The pink is actually pretty flattering!
TerriAnn´s last [type] ..Friday Linkies 7-9
Although my favorite color is green I think it would make you look like an oompa loompa (LOL). Purple looks cool on you!
What a sweet little angel she is. I hate so much to see little ones in pain. You are a sweetie yourself for sacrificing your hair to the cause. I am loving the blue. It could be like smurfs on your head. :)
Kathleen B.´s last [type] ..Small Talk Six- T-shirts Ive Read and Loved
I chose the purple too! I am going to tweet this post for you and talk to my husband about how much we can donate, you are wonderful for doing this! What a good friend!
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I voted purple!
Kas
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Good luck. I voted.
Tammy´s last [type] ..Mel Gibson Rant is Disturbing and Racist
Wow, kind of looks like a PopArt painting! I voted blue. Here’s hoping the little one can gain some weight.
TAMMY´s last [type] ..Deo-go Review -amp Giveaway
I picked pink…like the color on your blog.
tweeted.
Robin´s last [type] ..Would You Rent a Friend
Go with the Purple! :)
Good luck on hitting your goal!!!
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Voted. I’ll chip in first of next month when I can. Tweeting this and I just put it on facebook. :)
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Good luck mama…so awesome that your doing this and the family is in my thoughts!
I have a heart baby too! They are blessed to have a sweet friend like you! I hope you surpass your goal!
Blessings
Leslie
What a sweet little baby girl! Prayers being sent!
Candace´s last [type] ..Your Memories in Print! Adoramapix Photo Books Review & Giveaway
I vote green. It looks so good on you!
Oh my gosh! Poor baby! I am keeping her and her parents and all their family and friends in my prayers! I hope her surgery goes well and she comes out stronger and healthier!
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