What can you do to help?

We have been overwhelmed with support the past four months. We are so thankful for family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. that have offered to help in any way they can. We are preparing for probably the most stressful week of our lives, and are learning that we can't do it all on our own.

Many have asked how they can help, and below I have listed some ideas. Again, thank you so much.

1) Donate blood.
Charlotte wil need 6-8 units of blood during surgery, as well as platelets. They no longer recommend direct donation because if she were ever to need a transplant later in life, if she had our blood it may build up resistance and we wouldn't be able to donate. However, there are hundreds of kids at Children's every month who need blood. Consider donating, even though not directly to Charlotte, but to help another child in need.

2) Send an email or leave a comment on here.
We will be in the CICU for at least a week, possibly two. We aren't allowed to have cell phones in the unit due to interference with ventilators. Therefore, phone calls will be limited. We appreciate every thought or message left for us. It is nice to know we are not alone in all of this.

3) Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
We need 'em. And lots of 'em.  'Nough said.

4) Offer to have Katherine and Will over for a playdate when we get home from the hospital.
While we are in the hospital, we plan on keeping things pretty "normal" for K & W. They will be going to school, a few birthday parties, gymanastics, etc. Mike and I will rotate coming home nights/days, and we will also Kate helping with school pick-up/drop-off. However, after surgery Charlotte will need to stay pretty close to home and be "germ-free" for 6-8 weeks. Because she will be on bypass, her blood will be filtered and her immunities will decrease. Katherine and Will will need some entertainment during this time, and would love an opportunity to get out of the house!