Off to Boston Today…..

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Today Lauren and I are back in the car to head to Brigham and Women’s Hospital.  Lauren is having surgery on the back of her head to shrink the bald spot from a pressure sore, that resulted when she was in the hospital in a coma.  Her plastic surgeon feels that he can tighten the skin in the area.  This is a day trip. (fingers crossed).  This is still one of the many complications that Lauren experienced during her heart transplant journey.

On the road again, thank the lord it is now raining.  It seems all the time we have to go to Boston it is raining.  Beautiful day here.  I am thinking positive.  Lauren and I can spend the day together, and we will be driving back home before we know it.  This should be Lauren’s last surgery.  I told her no more.

For anyone who is reading this, when a loved one is in the hospital on life support, do not assume that the hospital is moving the patient.  Lauren’s head was never moved, which resulted in a very severe pressure sore on the back of her head.  I need to add ,this did not happen at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.  It was a hospital that she was transferred to for a different surgery before the heart transplant.  The things I have learned while living in the hospital with Lauren.

Wish us Luck

Lynne & Lauren

“On The List” a must read

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I came across a wonderful book written by Lori D. Brackney.  Lori received her gift of life, a new heart in 2013.

Lori Brackney’s story is about her courageous journey through heart transplantation and organ rejection.

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When I came across this book and her story I could not believe, here is a young lady that has almost the same story as my daughter Lauren.  They are about the same age, and lived the same life in the same year.  Our stories are little different, but in generality the same.

Lauren reached out to Lori, and now they talk all the time.  Lori lives in Oregon.  It is our goal one day to be able to meet.

I am still in the process of completing my book about our journey (hopefully soon), but in the mean time, here is a wonderful book  about Lori’s story.

Click the link below to be able to purchase your copy:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A9U7S0K/ref=s9_simh_gw_g351_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-6&pf_rd_r=0BDQH63FFN6SH28VWB6A&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2437869542&pf_rd_i=desktop

I feel very honored, to have a signed copy. Thank you Lori.

Please purchase yours, you will be mesmerized reading how courageous this young lady is and the strength she has.

Lynne          donatelifelogo_400x400

 

Have you registered yet????

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In 2015, there were 2,563 heart transplants performed nationally.

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Heart Transplants
Currently, there are 4,223 people awaiting heart transplants in the U.S. 123 people in our region are on the waiting list for a life-saving heart transplant.
About the Heart
The life-center of the body, the heart is the hardest working muscle in our bodies, responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. Just like any other muscle, it can be subject to fatigue, especially if it has been weakened by a number of cardiovascular diseases.
When damaged enough, a patient’s only option may be a heart transplant. This usually follows conditions such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy or weakening of the heart muscle.
Donation is key to saving the life of a patient who is waiting for a heart transplant as the severity of the weakened heart is critical. The only option, if no transplant is immediately available, is for the patient to be assisted with a mechanical heart called an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device), which can be surgically implanted to maintain blood pumping until a transplant is available.

Register today, become a super hero

http://www.donatelife.org

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Lynne & Lauren

Donate Life Flag Flying in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Lauren Thibodeau in Fort Lauderdale, Florida our Ambassador for Donate Life.

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My sister Laureen asked Lauren to send her a Donate Life Flag.  It is flying proudly at Flip Flops Bar and Restaurant on the water way in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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When Lauren was sick, my sister Laureen felt so helpless living so far way.  She wanted to be there for us in Boston.  I remember telling her, “you are here with us in our hearts”.

Laureen took it upon herself to bring awareness in organ donation in Florida.  During that time, Laureen held multiple fundraisers for Lauren.  My sister is a go getter, so when she puts her mind to something she will get it done.  I can guarantee you, in the pass couple of years the number of people that have signed up to become organ donors in Florida has risen.

We call Lauren Thibodeau in Fort Lauderdale, Florida our Ambassador for Donate Life.

Donate Life has told me to express their thanks to you for your commitment in help promoting organ donation.

You Go Girl !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Love my sister………………

Lynne   1437940979_love_valentines_day_11