Thursday, September 22, 2005

Same Story…Different Day

Not much has changed in the last couple of days – Emily is still waiting for her turn. She and Kathy have been passing the time as best they can but I am sure the waiting is tougher than I can imagine (and I can imagine a lot). They got another visit from the transplant surgeon and he told them that they had another offer on Tuesday night. They turned it down. That makes 4 hearts - that we know of - that they have refused. It is comforting to know that they are comfortable enough in Emily’s condition to take their time and make sure they get the best heart for her.

On Friday, Delaney, Sharleen and I will be going to UCLA for a visit. Emily is really excited to see us and I can’t wait. I just want to go now!

On a side note, azcentral.com ran a story yesterday about the Scottsdale Mayo Clinic. It seems that they will soon be able to perform heart transplants. This is too late to help Emily but is great news for the people of Phoenix. Right now, Phoenix residents have to travel to Tucson or Los Angeles for this procedure. It does not make much sense for the fifth largest city in the nation to not have a heart transplant center. Right now 60% of the transplants in Tucson are valley residents. There are also a large number of valley residents in LA for transplants.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I read about Emily in today's West Valley View and was so touched by her genuine smile and knowledge of her strength. I can't imagine what you are going through as a family, but just wanted you to know that I am committing to praying for Emily, and all of you. What a beautiful daughter you have been blessed with. We never know what tomorrow brings -- but how good to know who holds it. May you be held during this time!

Anonymous said...

I read about your daughter in the West Valley View today, and nearly soaked the article with my tears. My sister developed three auto-immune diseases when she was eight, and spent the next 6 years in and out of the hospital. It got to the point where we even knew the cleaning people by first name. I know the hospital becomes more like a jail than anything, but try to hang in there. She is in a great hospital. Your daughter has an amazing spirit. I know she will get the heart she deserves. If you wouldn't mind, my daughter and son would like to send Emily a letter--you can e-mail the address to me at shannon_weber@hotmail.com. Please know that your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do to help, please let me know.

Anonymous said...

My name is Kim and I am one of the nurses Kathy works with. You have an absolutely amazing wife and daughter. (I'm sure the rest of the family is absolutely phenomenol as well just haven't met yet!) my prayers and thoughts are with you all constantly. Give them both my best Good luck and God Bless

Anonymous said...

Hey there, Mr. Brightwell.. I'm one of Emily's friends from school, I even went to Collier with her.

I would like to ask of an address where I could send a card to for her because I want to get send one and have her friends sign it! That would be cool.

If you could, let her know that we're all praying for her here, and we know that her bright spirits will carry her through this!


sincerely,
Josh Burton
Junior
La Joya Community High School

Anonymous said...

Sorry, forgot to add that you can contact me at jakeetm@hotmail.com