700 Club Interactive - The Miracle Baby

700 Club Interactive - The Miracle Baby

The Ferrell Family's amazing story of healing!

More Cystic Hygroma Success Stories

From Lindsay Taylor~

My son, Gavin was diagnosed with fetal cystic hygromas (one on each side of his neck, each nearly as large as his head) at a 14-week ultrasound. At 20 weeks, the hygromas had completely resolved, but we were told there was a 75% or greater chance that he had Down's syndrome (since he was a male and therefore couldn't have Turner's) due to the hygromas and other Down's markers that were positive. We were encouraged to consider abortion but went ahead with an amnio & found out that his chromosomes were completely normal. We were still told that he could develop hydrops, possibly leading to organ failure and death. At around 30 weeks, it was discovered that I had low fluid (olighydramnios), which is associated with hydrops. We had to have serial Level II ultrasounds and fetal nonstress testing for the remainder of the pregnancy. Our son was born on July 16, 2007, COMPLETELY NORMAL AND PERFECT with NO signs whatsoever that anything was ever wrong. He is 4 years old now and is the absolute light of our life. I am horrified when I think that my doctor thought abortion was the best choice for us. If you receive this diagnosis, have hope. Don't give up on your baby until you have definite answers.


From Jenny Walker~
My son Kieron was born in November 1993, he had a large Cystic Hygrome on both sides of his neck, floor of his mouth & tongue involvement, when he was 15 months old he had a Tracky inserted for his airway, around 2 1/2 doctors told us that if he didn't have surgery to reduce the swelling around his neck and airway & the Hygroma grew he wouldn't have an airway left, he has 10 1/2 hours of surgery (de-bulking) 2 weeks before his 3rd birthday, tracky was removed 3 months later after laser surgery on his airway, Kieron hasn't looked back since. He plays hockey at a representative level, he is in year 12 at school, will be 18 in November this year. We have always treated him as any normal child, wouldn't ever wrap him in cotton, we let him live a normal life as possible. Kieron has alway's been a happy child and as he has gotten older has developed a very quick wit and is very funny at time. Hope my short history of Kieron can give hope to other children with Cystic Hygrome.....

From Cari Brooks-Allen~
 
Hi!! I want to share my story. I have a healthy 3 year old girl, then had 2 miscarriages (due to genetics), and a healthy pregnacy, but a 3 mo old girl with a cystic hygroma. Hers is under her arm. I just want everyone to know there can be a miracle and these babies can be born. At my 20 week ultrasound the tech couldn't get good pics of the heart, so they did a routine US at my next appt. 24 week US showed that there was fluid under the baby's arm. My mid-wife reffered me to a specialist, she had never seen this before. A week later I got to see the specialist, he said it was a cystic hygroma and then told me the sex of the baby, A Girl. (we wanted to be surpised) but due to the chance of Turner's Sydrome he told us. I was worried, but did research on both conditions. Very depressing, although the Dr never told us about her not surviving. I just looked on through all the bad things on the internet, and figured it was just for severe cases, and not for me. I went on having a perfect pregnancy, extra ultrasounds, and Cardio appts. Just a busy pregnancy. Had a perfect birth and a perfect baby. She does have the cystic hygroma, but is otherwise healthy, no chromosomal abnormalities. She had an MRI at 4 weeks old, and all went well. She will have surgery when she is 6-8 months old. We are just takig the time before that to enjoy the summer.


I just am very happy that I am blessed with such a miracle baby, as I did not know the stats about cystic hygromas and the survival of the pregnancy. I am vey greatful!!!

In Memory of Sadie Robin

When Sadie was born, I remember thinking how much she reminded me of my little Avery. She had gorgeous red hair and looked like an angel on earth! The Johnson family was able to spend precious time with little Sadie in the hospital, and then had to let her go to be with our Lord and Maker. While her passing is more than many of us could bear, mother, Jessica, has continually praised the Lord and declared his glory in the midst of her storm. She has been an inspiration to us TS mommies and many others- the Lord has instilled such a strength in her while surrounding her with His presence. Please pray for this family in their loss, but praise the Lord for Heaven's gain. The segment below was taken from a blog written by Sadie's mother, Jessica. Jessica is always so eloquently spoken in her writing, and in this post is something I feel should be shared again. Hopefully, Jessica won't mind me stealing it from her blog. To read more about this family and their journey, please go to http://www.sadierobin.blogspot.com/ ♥Megan

Sadie's Story...

Sadie Robin Johnson was born on July 28, 2011, and went home to Heaven on August 18, 2011. She had Turners 45X, a blocked kidney, coarctation of the aorta and hypoplastic left heart. Most importantly, she was the sweetest and most beautiful baby girl ever!!!

He is still Holy.

It has been a month since the passing of my sweet little Sadie bug and this is the first time that I have written since. I’m not sure how a month has passed already. Sometimes I feel as though part of me is still in that room that had become my home in the NICU. At times, days would pass when I didn’t leave that room, much less go outside. For three weeks the majority of my time was spent in “the big green chair” snuggling with my little lady. It is amazing how hours can go by examining every little inch, being in awe of each, wrinkle, yawn, and smile. I wanted so much to be able to stop time, yet it seems as though the arms of the clock sped in circles. Isn’t it interesting that when you are in a hurry, time creeps by and when you want time to stand still, it seems to speed up?

While I was on bed rest this summer, I would look out the window and long to be out working in my garden. I love to watch everything grow and then pick fresh vegetables to fix for dinner. There is such a joy and sense of satisfaction! Yet, this summer, it seems the Lord was doing a more important work of nurturing seeds that He had planted in my heart. It is as if the Lord has had me in school for the past year, especially the last month. Even though I majored in Biblical Studies in college, these lessons cannot be learned by sitting in a classroom. They are lessons that are only taught through living, through suffering and brokenness. These are lessons of faith, trust, hope, and love in Christ. But one of the lessons I have been learning most recently is how much God hates self-pity.

Over the last month since losing Sadie, I have felt the Lord carry me and honestly there have been times when I felt as though I were being treated cruelly. I have, in agony, I asked the Lord, “Why me? As there are women all around me having babies, little girls, why do they get to keep their babies and I don’t? I have cried myself to sleep and thrown temper tantrums sobbing, “I want my way. I want my baby. I don’t want to do this anymore.” I have looked back on my life and the many tragedies it has seen, losing my sister, my mother, and my papa, all in very sad circumstances. The consequences of my own sin have caused me to live through things that many never have to experience. The realities of this world and sin have affected every time and area of my life. Through my sorrow over the last weeks I have asked the Lord, “Isn’t that enough? Must I lose my baby too? I feel as though You are crushing me. People have tragedies in their life, but why must I endure so many?” In the midst of these tears, the Lord very firmly, yet tenderly began to answer through His Word. He brought to mind the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 11, when he recounted the number of times he had been beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, flogged, hungry, thirsty, in danger, and left for dead. In his writings, Paul speaks of his own weakness, yet boasts in Christ. We are weak. I am weak. But it is through our weaknesses that Christ’s strength can be seen. Throughout this journey, there have been a couple of times when I have felt that the Holy Spirit was undeniably pressing something upon my heart. I say this carefully and reverently. One of these times was when we were first told that we would never give birth to a living child. That day I felt the Lord beckoning me to jump freely into His will, trusting wholeheartedly and that He would not, nor could not fail me. The second time was after one of these tantrums. After the Lord so graciously reminded me of the words of Paul, I began to feel like Job when the Lord had answered him, “Who darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?” I felt so clearly that the Lord firmly impressed, Do you think I did not love my servant Paul? Was I being cruel to him? What do you want? What do you really want? Do you want Me or do you want your comfortable life? Do you want your nice house, nice car, nice job, nice, neat, and comfortable life or DO YOU WANT ME? As I sobbed, “you know Lord, I want you.” Then what are you doing on the floor? Do you not know that you are in a battle? Why are you laying there getting defeated? Get up and fight! “Don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. You have a need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised” (Hebrews 10)… ME! I am your reward, I am your inheritance. I AM. “My righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” Woah…..what was that last part? If he shrinks back I have no pleasure in him? But doesn’t this seem like the time when I should get a break? When my heart is crushed and I am broken beyond understanding? If there were a time to be full of self-pity, it would be now, right? No one would blame me… except the Lord. As believers, there is never a time to swim in self pity, or even nurture those thoughts. Not when Christ endured death and wrath on our behalf. But there is a time to fight. There is a time to wield our sword. Sometimes we are unaware of the war. Sometimes it seems as though we are just coasting through life, but in reality as long as we are on this earth, the war never ends. We can have peace and joy in the midst, but we are always to be on guard and ready. We must know how to use our sword so that when the battle comes we aren’t unprepared and defeated. We will lose battles, but we enter a war where the outcome has already been determined. There is no reason to just lay there and be defeated. In fact the verse I quoted earlier in Hebrews tells us that not only is there no reason to shrink back, but the Lord will take no pleasure in the one who does. We are called to fight. Never have I been more aware of the battle than now. This is not just a lesson for me, it is a lesson for you. Our answer is to be, “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed. But of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”

The Lord does not “take it easy” on us, even when we want Him to, even when we think He should. He is Mercy and He is kind, compassionate, and patient. But that doesn’t in any way mean that He is pleased when we wallow in self pity. He hates it, it is sin that must be repented of. Christ drank of a bitter cup that we will never taste, what do you have to complain about? We must get over ourselves and look to Christ. What complaints do we have to bring to the Throne of God? The book of Job is a perfect example. Look at all he endured. He lost everything: his loved ones, his livelihood, and his health. There was no part of his life that was untouched. And his friends were of no encouragement whatsoever. They didn’t come around and bear his burden with him, they chastised him. In the world’s eyes, Job would have every reason to complain. Yet when he speaks to the Lord, the Lord responds with, “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?” Shouldn’t this be where God gives Job a break? Gives him a self-help book? Maybe a nice little encouraging speech about how sorry He is for Job? What about the many other “tragedies” in Scripture? And if God’s response does not resemble what we think it should, does it mean that He loves us any less or that He doesn’t care about what we are going through? That He is heartless or unfeeling? No! It means that He loves us enough to see past the pain to the treasures that it brings forth. It means that He loves us enough to not allow us to wallow and be defeated. It means that His desire is that we know Him. He endured more than we could ever imagine when He took upon Himself the pain and punishment for our sin. The greatest tragedy of all history is that the pure, spotless Son of God died on a cross meant for sinners. Yet it pleased God. He did it for us. He won the battle for us. He has graced us with every tool that we need for battle and He has sent His Holy Spirit to guide, teach, and train us. We have no reason to complain. But we must take our eyes off ourselves. We must look to Christ. We must fight. When we get knocked down, and we will, we must get back up. It is in our weakness that God’s strength is manifested. I was listening to a sermon a few days after Sadie passed away. In it, the preacher said when you say, “I can’t do this, I can’t endure this”, we are not trusting in God, but in ourselves. However there is a great freedom in realizing that “No, we can’t do this, we can’t do anything.” We don’t have to be overwhelmed, we can be set free. We can’t do this. I can’t do this. I can’t endure the loss of my daughter. I can’t endure this pain. I can’t win this battle. But Christ has already carried this burden for me. I am free. The Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is as faithful this day as the day that we found out we were having a baby. He is as faithful as the day that Sadie was born and we heard her first cry. He could have healed her. He didn’t. He could have allowed her to live. He didn’t. That does not change who He is. He is faithful.

The way in which Sadie passed was not easy. The last few days of her life were hard, for her and for us. But when the Lord took her, it was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. I have never experienced the nearness of the Lord in such a way. There was an overwhelming joy and peace as He took her from my arms into His. I will never forget that moment. And though it may be hard to understand, it was not a tragic, it was beautiful. Since then, I have had many painful moments that seemed to be lacking peace and joy. My heart has been ripped in two. But the tragedy would be to allow Satan to steal the treasures of this trial. It would be to allow sin to rob God’s glory by wallowing in self. Please don’t misunderstand me. The Lord is compassionate to me in every single moment. He empathizes with my pain, He understands losing a child. He holds me and comforts me. There is not a tear that goes unnoticed. He is tender and kind. He envelopes me in His Spirit. I am never alone for a minute. He desires that we bring our pain and hurt to Him. Pain is real and we aren’t to act as if it isn’t. We aren’t to be fake and pretend like we are made of steel. We aren’t to be stoic statues. We aren’t even to act as though we have it all together or even as if we understand everything. But we are to act as though we serve a God who does. We serve a Mighty and Sovereign Lord, who through His great love is firm with us. We are to act as though we truly believe what we profess. Do we really believe that He is the sovereign, omnipotent Savior? Do we truly believe that He is trustworthy? Do we believe that His Word and His promises are true? Then we must act like it. His glory is what we live and die for.

There are many things that have been crucified in me over the last months and I am so grateful. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is a beautiful and divine purpose to losing Sadie. I know that He will use each and every tear to shape and mold me. After all, I asked Him for this. On my knees, I have cried to the Lord to do whatever necessary to get glory from my life and make me look like Him. And though I know that in a sense, the pain of this journey will never go away, that it truly is for my good and for His glory. I will trust in Him and through His grace, I will rest in His promises, come what may. He did not withhold His Son for me and I cannot withhold my all from Him! I am learning to “rejoice in the fellowship of His suffering”. I am His and He is mine. Oh how He loves us! How beautiful and marvelous He is! He is good and worthy of our lives, of our all! His burden is not heavy. In Him is peace and joy and fullness of life. "In His presence is fullness of joy and at His right Hand are pleasures forevermore." He is still Holy.

I stood a mendicant (beggar) of God before His royal Throne; and begged Him for one priceless gift which I could call my own.

I took the gift from out His hand but as I would depart I cried, "Lord, this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart. This is a strange and hurtful gift which Thou hast given me."

He said, "My child, I give good gifts and I gave My best to Thee." I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore; as long years past I learned at last to love it more and more. I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace-

He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil that hides His Face. –Martha Nicholson

~Jessica Johnson

in Remembrance...

Remembering all of the babies who have lost their lives and the families who are in mourning. Praying for all of you, and praising God for HE is in control. ♥

In Memory of Evelyn Elaine

The following is Courtney Eastepps story which happened very recently. She asked me to excuse her rambling, and I am just in awe of her strength in being able to write this. Please be in prayer for Courtney and her family through this time. While we know they are in pain, we also know that the Ultimate Comforter has His hands on them, and will heal their hearts in His time. Thank you for wanting to share Evelyn's story, for choosing life, and for trusting God through it all, Courtney.

♥ M.B.

Evelyn's Story

I lost my sweet Evelyn Elaine when I was 24.5 weeks pregnant. She was my first baby, and was born October 4, 2011.
My husband and I started trying to get pregnant soon after we were married. We were lucky, we got pregnant within two weeks if all my dates were correct. I had my first prenatal appointment at 12 weeks. It was so exciting at first, but I could tell my doctor wasn't as excited. I started crying before he said anything. He left the ultrasound room and told us to come to his office after I was cleaned up. He told us he believed our baby had a Cystic Hygroma and possible fluid in the abdomen, but assured us his U/S equipment was old and sent us 3 hours away for a higher U/S and CVS (earlier version of an Amnio). The ultrasound confirmed the hygroma and hydrops.

A week later, we received our CVS results. We were having a little girl, and she had full Turner Syndrome. We were advised to terminate, but my husband and I could never stop a heart, no matter how small.

At 18 weeks we had an anatomy scan. It reviled that our little girl was severally affected by the missing chromosome. The hygroma was much bigger, she was missing multiple organs and others did not develop properly. They gave her a week.

During my pregnancy, my husband received new orders and we moved 3000 miles away. The new doctor (who I picked before our anatomy scan) was high risk associated with a very high level NICU, I wasn't sure what to expect... But I can say now, he's probably the best doctor I'll ever have. A very Christian man, and the only one who didn't shove termination down our throats. He also had great nurses.

My new doctor sent me to another doctor to confirm our previous findings. It was again confirmed, but this time we were given 2 weeks.

My new doctor also set me up with a support group at the hospital who did amazing things for us. Pictures from her birth, momentous, even a bear with her heartbeat placed inside.

Thursday, September 29, 2011 I hadn't felt my sweet baby move in several days. I was 23w6d. I pulled out my Doppler, and there she was.. But I knew it wouldn't be long. I felt one last kick after that day. Monday, October 3, 2011 I pulled out the Doppler again. Nothing. I called my doctor who had me come in, and he confirmed it by ultrasound. I was induced at 1pm. 32 hours later my baby was born.

We have had her cremated and when my husband and I die, she will be buried between us.

~Courtney Eastepp

In Memory of Emily Ann Temple

There is a Baby Loss Awareness Campaign going on in the U.K. this week. While I am sure there is something similar in the U.S., I felt moved to spread a bit of awareness in honor of some precious angels associated with CHH. Join us on October 15 at 7:00 P.M. by lighting a candle for one hour in memory and honor of all of the precious babies who are now in Heaven with our Heavenly Father.

Below is the story of Emily, who earned her angel wings on New Year's Day in 2009. Emily's mother, Jennifer, has a daughter Erika, and went on to have another daughter, Emma, recently who has Turner Syndrome. While the Temple family has been through an awful lot, God has been faithful and carried them through. Please lift this family up to the Lord upon reading this post. A very special thank you to Jennifer for sharing, as we know it must be extremely difficult. ♥M

Emily's Story

My sweet Emily Ann Temple’s heart gave out when I was 28 weeks pregnant. She was delivered at 29 weeks on January 1, 2009, after a week of induction process.


At week 14 during that first ultrasound that I had it that showed the severe hydrops and hygroma that she had acquired. We had the normal tests of amniocentesis and blood work to try to obtain answers. Our regular OB also performed an ultrasound on the baby’s heart but was clear he was not a specialist in that area and it was very early but he did think he detected something wrong.

It was about week 18 when we were sent to the cardiologist after obtaining results that amniocentesis and blood work were negative for chromosome issues. It was during this appointment that we got the devastating news that our sweet Emily would not make it here on earth alive. We were given our options and we decided we would continue the pregnancy as there was never a thought not too. You see she had some long technical name CHD that I don’t remember as I was so distraught that I didn’t take close enough note of it and also I knew there was 0% survival, no surgery that could be done while pregnant or after. I just know Emily only had 1 ventricle and 1 atrium and it was a complete AV block.

I asked and was willing to do and pay for any experimental treatment that would at least give Emily a chance for survival, there was nothing that anyone could do.

I will not say that waiting 10 weeks in the knowledge that Emily was going to pass was easy as it was not. It was one of the hardest things that I had to endure. It was doubly heart breaking as Emily was an active baby right until the end and I felt every move and kick that she provided to show her mommy she was still with her. I know the moment that she passed as it was Christmas morning and I had the most vivid dream (I normally don’t remember my dreams). I dreamed that I saw Emily being baptized in water. It was a very peaceful thing so I know it was not like she was drowning or anything, definitely like a baptism. I never felt her after that. Since it was a holiday I decided to wait until the Monday when they opened. Sure enough she had passed and we started the process for Emily to be delivered. Emily Ann Temple was born January 1, 2009, and had a grave side service that I had the poem, “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” as to me this represents my Emily to me now. She is always with me, my own special angel.

I then went on to get pregnant again only to miscarry on May 20, 2010. I was 9 weeks pregnant at that time, so there was no testing or determination that could be done to find out why.

I can conclude to say the Lord blessed me with Emma Rayne Temple on June 25, 2011, after being told she also would not make it. She has Turner Syndrome with bicuspid aortic heart valve, but thankfully to date that is all she has. She is joined at home with her older sister Erika Shae Temple who was born January 5, 2008, with no health complications during or after my pregnancy.

~Jennifer Temple

Brooklyn Aurora Hall, One of God's Precious Angels

This special angel and I share a birthday. While I never met her in person, her picture brought a smile to my face so many times. Around the time of her birth, a few other babies connected to Cross Healed Hearts were born, and I remember just feeling so blessed to know those families and experience more of God's healing and power. Brooklyn's life may have been brief, but it was filled with a purpose so powerful that it is beyond our comprehension. She has impacted the lives of many, and will be so dearly missed. I am excited for the day I am able to meet her in Heaven! R.I.P Brooklyn Aurora. May your family be blessed with the comfort and love of our heavenly Father through this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. The following is Brooklyn's obituary which was published in the Burlington Free Press today. If you would like to help this family with your financial support to help with funeral arrangements, please see the information in the obituary. ♥Megan B.

BROOKLYN AURORA HALL -WINOOSKI - Brooklyn Aurora Hall, 3 months, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 30, 2011, after losing her battle to Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a severe congenital heart defect. Brooklyn also carried the diagnosis of Turner's Syndrome; a rare chromosomal disorder. Brooklyn (a.k.a. "Brookie Cookie") was born on June 20, 2011, in Boston, Mass., beloved daughter of Jason Hall and Jennifer Andrews. Brooklyn underwent open heart surgery at just three days old and spent her short life fighting and defying all odds. She was truly a miracle child who impacted the many lives she touched despite only blessing this Earth for such a short time. She was a very happy little girl, known by many, and loved by all. Besides her parents, Brooklyn was survived by her siblings: Destiny, Avory, Jakob, Dominick, and Nevaeh; paternal grandparents, Antonietta and Hippolito Dumeng; step-grandparents, J. Brian Whitehouse and his wife Charlene; great- grandmothers, Nancy Hall and Shirley Paule. Her loving uncles; Brian Hall, Christopher Hall and his wife Cynthia, David Mead and his wife Christine, Carl Andrews and his wife Heather, Jay Paul Whitehouse, Jeffrey Andrews Jr., Mark Andrews and her aunt Candace Whitehouse. She is also survived by many greataunts, great-uncles, cousins and close family friends who loved her dearly. Brooklyn was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Carlene Mead and Jeffrey Andrews. A graveside service will be held on Oct. 22, 2011 at 10 a.m. at St. Ann's Cemetery in Milton. There will be a celebration of Brooklyn's life immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Brooklyn's memory to help offset costs for her family. Please make checks payable to Amy Lumsden at 204 Meadow Ridge Lane, Georgia, Vt. 05468, or visit gofundme.com/brookiecookiememorial. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Winooski Police Department for their assistance as well as Amy Lumsden for all of her support. The arrangements have been provided by Stephen C. Gregory & Son Cremation Service, whom the family would like to recognize for going above and beyond the call of duty, words are not enough to thank Stephen for all he has done for us.



Published in The Burlington Free Press on October 6, 2011

Shop and Help Out CHH!

FABS AND MORE will donate 15% of all fabric sales to Cross Healed Hearts this month! 

An extremely HUGE thank you to Mrs. Judy Busby, owner of Fabs and More, for being so very generous. I was shocked to see her post this the other day, and feel so honored that someone would want to help out CHH in such a big way. Judy already sells us fabric and supplies at a discounted rate, and has donated fabric to the cause as well. She has agreed to allow customers to purchase fabric for our heart pillows at a discounted rate to donate for Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital. You don't even have to live in this area to help out- Judy will send a PayPal invoice to you for donations, and we can pick the fabric up at the store! Thank you to everyone who helps out CHH this month by shopping at Fabs and More! God bless you Judy for ALL you do for this ministry!

Fabs and More is not your ordinary fabric store. They custom design gifts and baby items. They also upholster and offer innovative window treatments for every room in your home. Pictured above is an adorable baby gift for your next shower! My daughter loves her animal snuggie blanket which was given to her by a great friend before her last heart surgery! Check out Fabs and More on Facebook to see lots of other ideas!

Judy has Halloween treat bags for your trick-or-treater!

Fabs and More is located at 1106 Washington Street, Downtown Vicksburg, MS 39180

You may also contact Judy at 601-636-0510!

A note from Judy Busby, owner of Fabs and More: For the month of October, Fabs & More would like to present to Cross Healed Hearts 15% of all fabric sales for the month. You can support this ministry by purchasing fabric from Fabs & More at a discounted price to donate to CHH. If you live out of town and would like to purchase fabric for this ministry, I can send a paypal invoice. What a wonderful God we serve!
I was reading this blog several weeks ago and was so moved by the stories. Many parents are finding the support they need thru this ministry. I just wanted to help raise awareness for Cross Healed Hearts- what an awesome God we serve. It is amazing what prayers can do!

I Serve a Big God! ~ Sawyer's Story, Part I

While I found no words of my own to describe the following story, a particular song comes to mind. The lyrics are "Our God is greater, Our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other, Our God is healer, Awesome in power, Our God, Our God." Please read as Emily pours her heart into telling the story of an amazing little boy named Sawyer! ♥ Megan

A Perfect Broken Heart: Sawyer's Story (So Far)

This story is true and very long. I feel with all my heart the Lord wants it to be shared....

My husband Dustin and I had been married for three years when we decided we were ready to start our family together and have ourselves a little one. This was a big decision to make and we realized that, so we entered with prayer and waited for God's timing. We wanted this baby to be loved, nurtured, and most of all raised in a Christian home. We were overwhelmed, to say the least when we found out we were expecting. I can still remember the butterflies in my tummy as I waited on the test to show, and the look on Dustin's face when he found out! We felt we were ready to take this responsibility and when it happened we thought God saw us ready as well. Unable to be happier at the time, we started preparing! The fun, excitement, and joy of picking out things for your baby can only be known by experience. I still remember the first time I felt Sawyer move, I couldn't wait to get home so Dustin could feel it too!

It wasnt long before Sawyer started showing a personality all his own. I must say, he was a very hyper peanut from the very beginning. Due to his activity, it always took more than just one ultrasound visit to get all his measurements and pictures they needed to assure us he was healthy. We knew from the beginning that Sawyer was going to be on the move. We couldn't wait to see him! We had always called Sawyer our miracle from God, but we had no idea of the miracles God had in store for us and what a complete blessing Sawyer would be to everyone.

I was around 22 weeks pregnant and still working, eventhough my mind was anywhere but work. We had recently had 4D ultrasounds and I couldn't keep my eyes off Sawyer's chunky cheeks! One day when I was working I got a call that no expectant mother wants to receive. They wanted to let me know they had been reviewing some of the ultrasound images and they were concerned that something could be wrong with Sawyer. When I hung up the phone, my whole body felt numb. I kept thinking it must have been a dream. Then came the fear, along with the tears. I broke down and ran outside calling my family to pray. Then I made my way to the restroom where I hit my knees and poured my heart out to the Lord, begging for help. At the time, I had no idea what else to ask for... I didn't even know what was wrong but I knew God knew exactly what was needed and He was able and would see us through.

Time was passing so slowly that it seemed as though it were standing still as we waited for our appointment with a specialist at UT for a diagnostic ultrasound. I knew in my heart we were being surrounded by prayers, still yet, it didn't take away the fear for God hadn't assured me that nothing was wrong and Sawyer would be OK. I knew that if something were indeed wrong, God was able to heal. That, however, was not the answer God had given me. He told me that He would be there with me and Sawyer.

After what seemed a lifetime of waiting, we finally made it to UT for our ultrasound. I remember my palms sweating as I sat down and filled out the mountain of paperwork. The ultrasound showed that Sawyer has a cleft lip and possible palate. Knowing this wasn't anything life-threatening and was mainly cosmetic really put my mind at ease. Even after all the appointments were made and they informed me that some cleft babies would require a trachea due to trouble breathing. I was glad they had taken the time out to talk and prepare us for the "could happens", but in all honesty, it's hard to prepare yourself for something you have yet to experience. We once again turned to God for guidance and for his help to prepare us for Sawyer's arrival. We then continues to prepare by researching, meeting with cleft teams of doctors, and purchasing special bottles for babies with clefts. God did his job by placing it on someone's heart to have special prayer at church as Sawyer's due date drew near. It is hard to explain but I had a peace about everything. Even without knowing what our future would hold.... still I found peace. We knew that with God at our side, we could make it through this.

On April 20,2010, 9:24pm, I gave birth to the most precious baby boy of all time! Sawyer Kline Singleton finally made his arrival at Morristown Hamblem Hospital! I can't describe the joy that was felt as Dr. Clark placed that perfect little angel on my chest! Finally getting to look into his eyes... well eye, he only opened one for us. Still holding him melted all my feared I had been keeping inside.After holding him for what seemed like seconds the nurses took Sawyer aside where a team of doctors including his pediatrician, Dr. Wilkinson, were waiting to evaluate Sawyer and to make sure his breathing was ok. When they told me everything checked out ok I was on cloud 9! Dr. Wilkinson's only concern was that Sawyer's color seemed to be blue when compared to other newborns. He decided to be safe and informed us that he would stay overnight with Sawyer in the nursey to monitor and periodically reevaluate Sawyer's condition. Although I wanted Sawyer with me, I had great confidence in Dr. Wilkinson and with him saying it was best, we agreed.

It was difficult to sleep without Sawyer close by. I couldn't wait to get home so I could hold and care for Sawyer myself. But with the news we were about to receive, I didn't know how long that would be. Dr. Wilkinson came in bright and early to let us know Sawyer was ok, but had developed a heart murmur overnight and was having trouble keeping his oxygen stats at normal range. He told us we shouldn't worry, sometimes babies have heart murmurs that dissapear on their own. However, he wasn't a doctor that liked taking risks. He wanted to have Sawyer transferred to Knoxville Children's Hospital where he would get his heart checked by a cardiologist. So we signed the paperwork and waited for transport team to come. I held strong while Dr. Wilkinson was in the room, but as soon as he left, the tears came pouring. I couldn't imagine Sawyer going to Knoxville alone. It was heartbreaking for me to think there wouldn't be one voice e would recognize! What if he got scared? Luckily my OB decided the stress of me being apart form Sawyer would be harder on my body that leaving the hospital hours after giving birth so he discharged me early so I could go to Knoxville and be with Sawyer.

The trip to Knoxville seemed to take forever! It was tough seeing that empty car seat in the back of the car. When we did make it, we made our way to the NICU where we were told we could find Sawyer. The staff buzzed us through and we scrubbed in, put on gowns and the nurses escorted us to Sawyer's spot. I noticed the nurses had a strange look in their eyes. It almost seemed sad... as though they felt sorry for us. At the time, I couldn't understand, but deep down it made me feel sick. Have you ever been in that position where you could see someone's words they couldn't speak just by looking into their eyes? That's exactly how I felt looking at these nurses. After briefly looking at Sawyer in his incubator, the nurses took us back to a consult room where two doctors were waiting to speak with us. I didn't know much but I do know that your usual good news reports don't come from inside a consult room. The steps were short and the halls so very long, and with each step we took I could feel the knot in my stomach getting stronger and stronger; my fear greater and greater. We never expected the news we recieved.

First, they began to discuss Sawyer's cleft lip/palate (which we were prepared for). They told us they believed it was linked to some other issues they had found. Needless to say, we weren't prepared for the news. The next thing we were told was they believed Sawyer was blind, that his eyes didn't fully develop during pregnancy, and that his left eye had a coloboma. Then they explained to us that they weren't sure if he would be able to hear. The cleft sometimes affected this as well. Still in our conversation, I thought to myself everything was alright. People raise blind children all the time! Who cares if he can hear really? I could be both his eyes and ears! I just wanted to keep him, however the Lord saw fit. He was still my perfect little boy! Then there is his heart.

Heart? What coud be wrong with his heart? What did this mean? Would he still be ok? These were the questions flooding my mind. He had Tricuspid Atresia with a limited VSD. More specifically Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome, along with two holes in his heart. One of the holes is in every child's heart but begins to close after birth. This all meant that Sawyer's right ventricle was underdeveloped, leaving it small and incapable of performing its job. All these problems were causing Sawyer's red and blue blood cells to mix, not allowing the blood to pass by the lungs. This meant that his body was sending blood without oxygen throughout the body causing unsafe levels of oxygen. Even though this was a major complication, still I thought "FIX IT".... heart surgery is a common thing and surely it could be repaired!!! Right? Then Dustin and I would act as Sawyer's eyes and ears to the world. The doctors explained that there was a series of three heart surgeries that could give Sawyer's heart the ability to function as a healthy heart. We then realized that the doctors weren't quite finished with the diagnosis. For as soon as they had given us that thread of hope... they cut it when they refused surgery. The thing was.... they believed Sawyer's multiple issues to be linked to a genetic disorder called Trisome 13. I had no idea what Trisome 13 was and we began to question why they wouldn't do the surgeries to help Sawyer's heart function properly. They explained Trisome 13 was rare and was not compatible with life. One with this disease could not survive. Life expectancy was 3 months to a year...

What? 3 months to a year?.... I couldn't believe what I was hearing! They still continued with Sawyer's case and condition... He would have heart failure in 3 days...

Both Dustin and I were in tears as we tried to comprehend what we had been told. We returned to Sawyer's bed in the NICU nursery, where both our mothers were waiting (eager grandmas). We knew how badly we needed to tell them the news, but we couldn't seem to find the words. I mean, how do you tell two grandmas that the grandbaby they have been anxiously awaiting for 9 months, wouldn't be here in three days? The staff must have known we couldn't speak and came over to explain their findings once again. I must say, hearing those words the second time was no easier and only made things more real. For us, it seemed all was lost. All that hope, the future, our plans.... vanished in that very moment. We had no idea what to do.

After a few minutes of watching Sawyer lie in the incubator, they decided in his condition, for our sake, it would be best for privacy. They placed Sawyer in an isolated room to himself and papered up the windows. They told us that in this situation, they wouldn't limit our visitors or visitation time. We were simply told to spend as much time with him as possible. I found myself searching, even though it was impossible to find, for that one person, a nurse or doctor, who still seemed to have a glimmer of hope for little Sawyer. They began testing almost immediatly to confirm their diagnosis of Trisome 13. However the results would take at least 4 days even if they were rushed, and they didn't expect him to last that long.

The next day they sent in the cardiologist to further explain and discuss the plan for Sawyer's care. He informed us of how he would like to medicate him in attempts of keeping him comfortable until his body no longer fought for life. Dustin and I did not like this plan. We couldn't see throwing in the towel and giving up on him.When we asked of other options, such as those that would allow us to keep him longer, he replied, "I think you need to come to the realization of the quality of life that your child will have." The conversation ended. Once again any hope we had come up with was crushed by those words. Later that night, Dustin told the nurse that we didn't care for the doctor we had spoken with earlier because of his negativity and how he spoke as though all hope was lost. She tried to explain how he was only trying to prevent us from having false hope. Dustin immediately replied with, "I SERVE A GREAT BIG GOD" with tears in his eyes. We then talked with the nurse of he Bible and how Lazarus was raised and all the other miracles God performed. It was then I KNEW deep down in my heart that Sawyer wasn't beyond GOD'S ability to heal!

As the next few days passed we had many visitors to see Sawyer. Everyone back home let us know that not only our church but every church around was praying for him. Prayers were sent up one by one each and every day. Cards were sent and calls were made some from out of state. Friday was day 3, it came and passed with Sawyer still hanging on. The next morning we were told Sawyer tested negative for Trisome 13!! Needless to say, we were shouting down the NICU! Nurses even had tears of joy in their eyes as they spoke with us of how they had been praying! The nurse my husband had spoken with said all she could think of were his words "I serve a BIG GOD!" Although he wasn't fully healed we knew this meant the doctors would proceed with the surgery! My heart still overflows with joy when I think back to this day!

It wasn't but another day or two they moved Sawyer out of isolation and began feeding him through NG Tube and some by bottle. He was a new baby, he loved his food! They the eye doctor stopped by examined Sawyer's eyes and looked at us with disappointment on his face and told us he wouldn't have very good vision but would be able to see. We were tickled!!! Just knowing he could see! It wasn't long either before we knew he could hear because he responded to Mommy and Daddy! Even though we were having life in the hospital we were blessed to have him at all!

We were in our CPR class when the doctor and primary nurse slipped in to tell us that Sawyer's oxygen was decreasing quite often and he wasn't snapping back like before. We were told to get our things together because if we waited much longer, they would not be able to transport him if he lost stabilization. Once again the fear hit us like a ton of bricks. We knew nothing more that we could do except to pray to The One who was in control. They sent Angel, the NICU aircraft, to come fly Sawyer to Vanderbilt where he would undergo his first open heart surgery. Since he traveled by air and we drove, Sawyer arrived at the hospital long before we did. It was so hard to be separated from him yet again, but I knew we were doing what was best for Sawyer. After a few long and stressful days of managing Sawyer's extremely low oxygen levels, he was taken into the OR for his first heart surgery.

While in the waiting room, we helplessly waited upon each phone call for an update on Sawyer's condition. The hours pass so slowly. My heart was beating so fast when the nurse came to tell us that the surgeon would be out shortly to let us know how everything had went. Dr. Bichell finally came and told us that everything had went just as planned without any complications and that we would be able to go to the recovery room and see him shortly.

The next few days were nothing short of emotional rollercoasters at every turn. A few nights after the surgery when things were looking so good, we got bad news. Dustin and I were in our sleep room down the hall from where Sawyer's room when the phone rang. It was his nurse asking us to meet her at the door. We had no idea the news that we were about to recieve. Instead of taking us to Sawyer's room, she led us back into a quiet conference room. When we sat down I could see the nurse's hands shaking. She said,"There has been a change in Sawyer's condition, and it's not looking good. His heart has stopped, they are currently preforming CPR trying to restart it, but so far they have been unsuccessful." Then they left the room. I grabbed my phone and sent one text message to my mom that said, Call Everyone! Sawyer's heart stopped -pray! 20 minutes later the nurse returned and told us that his heart was still weak, but it was beating. Because his body was under so much stress and his incision had opened back up from the compressions, we were forced to go back to the sleep room without seeing Sawyer. However, only minutes after we got back, we got another call that his heart stopped again and that it wasn't a good sign. However, through prayers of God's people, Sawyer's heart unexpectedly began to beat! We went to sleep that night, not knowing what to expect, but knowing God had given us a peace.

Over the next few weeks with some small complications, Sawyer began to recover. He had a minor brain and adrenal hemorrhage from the cardiac arrest that corrected themselves. The ventilator, oxygen, chest tubes, ivs, etc. were all removed one by one. And on May 19, 2010 we finally took little Sawyer home for the first time. He had a ng tube and an apnea monitor, but to us, life couldn't have been more perfect!

This is all I have completed for now, I will post the rest of Sawyer's story soon. Thanks for reading... thank God again for what He has done!!

~ Emily Singleton, Sawyer's Mommy







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Miss Avery- Cross Healed!

More Cross Healed Hearts

Mr. Blake- *please say a special prayer for little Blake

Mr. Sawyer

Emma's Story of Hope

Emma Rayne Temple was born on June 25, 2011. She is truly our miracle child. When I was pregnant at about 16 weeks we went in to the doctor and had our first ultrasound. It was an exciting time that quickly became one of nerves and concern. We were told that she had the same thing that our stillbirth daughter, Emily, had which was fetal hydrops with a cystic hygroma. We went into this thinking we were looking at the same outcome we had with Emily. We quickly had an amniocentesis which diagnosed our baby girl with Turner Syndrome- not the heart defect that our Emily had.

We knew nothing about Turner Syndrome and the research online about this was heartbreaking. At this point, due to the severity of the hydrops and hygroma, the specialist told us to prepare to have this baby not make it. So we went to the funeral home and started making arraignments for a funeral. However, something kept nagging at me. This baby, that we decided to name Emma, had a wonderful heartbeat. I just could not phantom why she would not make it.

I started to research this further, and came across the Facebook support group of Cross Healed Hearts. In this support group I met other women that were facing difficult times. It was also through other women that had (and were pregnant with) Turner Syndrome children that helped me have hope. It was through them, that I learned this wasn't necessarily a death sentence for my daughter. Emma did indeed have a good chance of survival...if she could make it to week 28. These women started praying for Emma and me, and I started to believe that there could be a miracle in this.

After going to the cardiologist, who stated that Emma’s heart appeared normal at that time, I went back to the specialist to see how my girl was otherwise. At week 28,the hydrops had almost completely disappeared, but by week 29...my miracle happened! The hydrops was completely gone!! There was no fluid in her heart, abdomen, or anywhere else. My girl was hydrops/hygroma free! I am a true believer if it had not been for these women who gave me hope and prayed diligently my Emma would not have made it. I would not have had the faith to believe that my Emma could be part of a miracle. Our miracle did happen and now I am sitting here, typing this, celebrating my baby girl’s 2 month birthday!







Thank you everyone that was and is consistently part of my family’s life. I feel this support has been instrumental in my miracle, Emma Rayne Temple, being here with me.

~Jennifer Temple


A note from Emma's Daddy:
Emma is doing so well and I am so proud of her. I would like to take this chance to thank a few of my wife’s friends. All of our friends and family played a pivotal role but a couple people provided a unique perspective. All of Emma’s doctors were giving us such bleak news some of them even went so far as to tell us to make plans for ...her funeral. However, when my wife started to talk to Jillian, Laura, Emma, Megan, Caitlin, and Courtney things began to change. Emma’s hydrops began to resolve, and Jenn finally found a doctor that was positive and not so doom and gloom. Now Emma is almost a week old and taking great strides to being able to come home. I believe that it is the result of everyone’s prayers and the positive attitude of her friends that change our lives for the better. THANK YOU!!!


If you ever wonder what your prayers mean to someone in need, I hope this story gives you some perspective. While the world seems to teach us to look after ourselves, the Bible clearly states, we are to look out for one another in love. In situations like Jennifer's, people from across the country (and from other countries) shared their hope, love, and prayers with her through a connection God created on Facebook. He can use you in big and small ways to enrich and further his kingdom- don't ever think he can't! A very special thank you to the Temple Family for sharing this amazing story! ♥ Megan

CHH T-Shirt Fundraiser Update

I am selling a new Cross Healed Hearts T-shirt to raise money for our Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital pillow and blanket ministry. Heart "cough" pillows are given to pediatric heart patients recovering from surgery in the PICU. Blankets are given to infants and mothers carrying babies diagnosed with Congenital Heart Defects.

...The idea behind this shirt is to hope in the Lord to heal your heart- lifting your brokenness to the cross-He will piece you back together, stronger than you were before. ♥

Shirts are sapphire blue with the logos as shown. The small logo is the right front pocket area, and the large logo will be on the back of shirts. They are Gildan brand (I believe Toddlers are Rabbit Skins brand). The shirts we had last year were the same brand, and have washed and worn really well- no fading, etc.

All shirts are short-sleeved.

Youth and Adult Sizes: $20.00

Toddler Sizes: $15.00
*toddler sizes will only have the little cross-heart logo (a larger version of the pocket design) centered on the front. They will not put anything on the back due to their size.

Shipping: $3.00

Unfortunately, I found out that she can't get long sleeves! I'm sorry for those of you that wanted them- I guess they can't get them in the sapphire blue.

The Cross Healed Hearts' T-Shirt Fundraiser!

Shirts= $20 each + $3 for shipping!

It's time for what will now be our annual t-shirt fundraiser! The shirts will be in the color shown above. The larger logo will be on the back of the shirts, and the smaller logo is in the front pocket area. For now, I am only taking orders for youth and adult short-sleeve shirts. I am waiting on confirmation and pricing info. on toddler sizes and long-sleeve, but will post that as soon as possible.

Simply message me at crosshealedhearts@yahoo.com, or post on my wall (or send a message) on Facebook if you'd like to order. If you need your shirt(s) shipped, please also send your mailing address.

Profits from this sale support the...
"Heart Pillows and Blankets for Batson Project"

A team of lovely ladies volunteer to create heart "cough" pillows for pediatric heart patients at Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital in Jackson, MS. The children receive these pillows after heart surgery in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Not only do these pillows provide comfort as they use them for coughing in recovery (which is necessary to prevent pneumonia), they are also a token of our love, support, and prayers that become a keepsake as visitors, doctors, and other medical staff sign the back side for patients. Sharpie markers are also supplied by us for signing. One side of the pillows is made of a ultra-soft "minky" fabric, while the other is made of red cotton twill. Materials are sold to CHH at a discounted rate by Judy Busby at Fabs and More in downtown Vicksburg, MS. We also create fleece tie-knot blankets for infant patients and pregnant mothers carrying "heart" babies at Batson.



This is my little miracle girl, Avery, modeling with her heart pillow.

They are given with a Sharpie marker.

Here is an example of one of the blankets.


Aside from the hospital ministry, Cross Healed Hearts applique pillow cases are made by Linda Turner. We purchase small pillow inserts for these pillows, and ship them across the U.S. to children we come in contact with who are living with medical difficulty.
Modeling with this special pillow is miracle girl, Juliana, who lives in Michigan.


As you can see Cross Healed Hearts is much more than an informative and inspirational blog- we strive to bring the love of Christ to those who are suffering. As a mother who has been through the mental and emotional distress of fetal cystic hygroma, Turner Syndrome, and Congenital Heart Defects, my hope is for others to understand that God loves them and they are not alone in their struggles. I also hope to bring hope in knowing that parents and children can both become healed, whether in life or in death, and that God has a specific purpose for each and every one of us regardless of the outcome in our own personal situations.


If you wouldn't like a shirt, but will still like to support this ministry, fabric donations can be made at Fabs and More, and we sell hair clips at Willingham's in downtown Vicksburg and at Private Collections in Madison, MS for the same cause.

Pillow Stuffing Party, August 2011

I found out earlier this week that the pillow supply at Blair E. Batson was dwindling. I immediately contacted my mom and all of the wonderful ladies who help me. They all came together, and we were able to create 32 heart pillows which will be delivered in the next week. Without them, someone would not receive a heart pillow, so I am extremely thankful for this!!


Avery- testing out the pillows!


The inspiration behind Cross Healed Hearts!

Cooper- being cute!

Heart "Cough" Pillows for Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital PICU Heart Patients!



My mother, Laura Beauman, worked so hard to help this week (as she always does). She cut out pillows, delivered some to be sewn, sewed some herself- she goes above and beyond to help me with this ministry. I couldn't do this without her- thanks Mom, I love you!


Ms. Barbara Willingham, of Willingham's in downtown Vicksburg, always lends a helping hand! She has such a big heart, and I'm very thankful for all of her love and support! Make sure you all stop by her store to see all of her 'pretties.' Thank you Barbara!!

My sis-in-law, Rebecca Beauman, came again to help us out. Thank you, Rebecca, for loving us and taking time out to work on these pillows!


Last but certainly not least, is Ms. Judy Simmons. Judy is always there to help, and has such a giving heart. Not to mention, she usually comes armed with sweets (although not today because she was out of butter)! Thank you for all that you do for us Judy!
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Mrs. Pat Hartley joined our efforts this week, and sewed for the cause- Mrs. Pat, we love you and appreciate all of your help! Thank you for always loving us and praying for us!

Although she couldn't make it to stuff today, Mrs. Linda Turner took time out of her busy week, and sewed pillows at the last minute. She goes above and beyond to help, and is always there when I need something.
Mrs. Linda lives just down the road from my parents, however, the bridge between their streets, is closed down to be replaced. Linda brought applique pillows to my mom's house several weeks ago, and had to drive out of her way to get there. To pick up heart pillows this week, my mom and Linda met at the bridge- you can see the pics below. They were both dressed from work- now that is what I call dedication!


I'd also like to thank Judy Busby of Fabs and More in downtown Vicksburg for giving us discounted fabric and support. God bless each and everyone of you who donate Sharpies, pray, and help with this ministry in ANY way. You'll never know just how much it means to me and those who are touched by Cross Healed Hearts!


People are always commenting on how great it is that I do this. The truth is, I don't do very much, and I don't expect the recognition. The ladies above, along with many others who donate, contribute to fundraisers, and pray for this ministry and those on our prayer list- they are the ones who deserve credit. Above all else, God deserves the most praise. He is the one who makes things possible, and He is the one who blessed me with Avery, urged me to begin the Cross Healed Hearts journey, and has continually made things happen along the way. All of this for the sake that others may be comforted by Him, and come to know Him and depend on Him more.


Be sure to check out our upcoming posts about the CHH T-shirt Fundraiser! Our funds have been used, so this will help us to purchase more materials to keep up with the demand. I was told this week that approximately 5 pediatric heart surgeries are being performed weekly at Batson. We will need to supply almost double the amount of pillows, so we need your help!