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!

I Believe in Miracles, I Live With One! By: Kristi Pena

Today is a special day for us! (Chris Peña, Justin Peña) This is the 2 year anniversary of Christopher's hospice discharge.I am continuously grateful for the abundance of blessings God has given to us. BELIEVE in miracles! They DO happen! Here is the post from the day we got the news ♥ My son's heart is CROSSHEALED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​!!!!!!!!!






I am still sitting here trying to process the events of this afternoon. Chris got a call from Dr. Smith, the cardiologist, and my heart just dropped. The same for Chris. He just listened with the strangest look on his face and then asked if he could put doc on speaker phone so that he didn't have to try to relay the info, doc knows how I am about questions. Anyway, what he called to say was that he did not feel like our visit was finished yesterday. The whole subject of hospice recert. was heavy on his mind, so he went back and looked at Christopher's echo again. Then he had Dr. Gaines look also. What they have found is a very significant improvement on Christopher's heart. He told us that with his dx, Christopher is NEVER supposed to get BETTER in their opinion. He is floored by this and says that the Beta blocker can be attributed but there are still many questions. He wants to have Dr. Frasier from ACH, the transplant coordinator look at the echo also and get input. This was the same doctor who told us that Christopher would never live 6 months without a transplant and if we didn't do it then we chose to kill him. But he lived! Anyway, doc is waiting to see what is said from her, he is leaning towards NOT signing the recert for Christopher's hospice. He said that Christopher's function has improved so much that he is no longer hospice material. Again, I stress, we were told that THERE IS SUPPOSED TO BE NO IMPROVEMENT WITH THE DX OF LVNC. Put NOTHING past God!!!!

Christopher is still sick and he will still be special needs,and be on a ton of meds, but my baby boy is HEALED in the name of Jesus Christ! This I truly believe and have had that faith the whole time.

Y'all, this is such wonderful news and I don't have the words to express how I feel. JOY is not enough. My child WILL LIVE! (this I already believed, but having the doctors back you up on it is just SOOOOOO huge)MY BABY BOY WILL SEE KINDERGARTEN,:) I AM LITERALLY IN SHOCK.

God still continues to bless us daily and I will not forget how much we have been blessed this day of August 13, 2009, this is a life-changing day for my family. We can now look to the future. I will never forget the lesson learned though, to live life to the fullest. No one knows when their time will come.

GOD IS STILL IN THE MIRACLE BUSINESS!!!!!!

Brady: A Little Guy with a Big Heart!

"Through sincere, broken-hearted prayers- we've found God’s heart for us as his children"- what beautiful words from Kelly Archuleta, who is mother to little heart warrior, Brady.


Here is Brady's story...

It was September 17, 2008...the day our lives would forever change.
I had gone to my 20 week ultrasound, and was so excited to see our baby and find out the sex. My Mom went with me to my appointment. Frank was at his own very important appointment. We had been part owners in a family business, and he was at the closing. It was a big day, in many respects, and there was a ton of excitement in the air.

The ultrasound technician can tell you the sex of your baby, but cannot discuss anything else she sees. When it was time, she asked if I was ready to hear what the sex of our baby was. "It's a Boy", she said. I had a feeling it was a boy and was just so excited to have another son. After that, I had an appointment to see my OBGYN. I have known her for years. She took me in the room and closed the door. I said, “It’s another boy, exciting huh?". At that point I remember very little of the conversation. I think I zoned out and only saw her mouth moving after she told me that something was wrong with the baby's heart. I couldn't move and I was in shock.
She came over and asked if she could pray for me. At that point, I knew things were out of my control completely. The only person that could give me hope was God.
I was then sent to see a cardiologist. He did an ultrasound and focused on the heart. It would be the start of many ultrasounds to come.

He diagnosed Brady with Pulmonary Atresia with VSD also known as Tetralogy of Fallot with Pulmonary Atresia. What that means is, there is a hole in the wall of the heart and an absent valve in the Pulmonary Artery. The doctor told us that when Brady was born, he would have to have a shunt put in at a few days old, and then a major operation at around 4-6 months. As he grew, he would have to have that valve replaced. The heart is formed by the time the baby is 8 weeks old, so the doctor told us we would not see any changes.

Brady was born on January 27, 2009, at 11:56 a.m. at St. Luke’s Hospital. He weighed 6 lbs & 13 oz, and was 19 inches in length. I got to hold him very briefly before the nurses took him to the NICU (Intensive Care for Newborns). Brady was there for a few days and then transferred by ambulance to Children's Hospital. He then had his first operation when he was 6 days old. This operation was to place the valve that would allow the blood to flow and provide oxygen. The operation was successful. We went home after 10 days in the hospital. I could not wait to get home to be with my oldest son and husband, was ready to be a family again.



Brady did great the first 7 months. He had regular doctor's appointments with the cardiologist. With each visit we had, his operation was pushed further and further away. That was a good and a bad thing in our minds. Brady had a very sheltered life. He was our "bubble boy" that rarely left the house. We were so worried about germs and Brady getting sick, that we just felt safer at home. Brady got sick for the first time around 7 months old. We ended up at the ER, and then were eventually transferred by ambulance to Children’s Hospital. He had a double ear infection which caused terrible flu-like symptoms. Brady then became dehydrated. His oxygen level dropped to the 50's and 60's (normal is 95).

After that, he had chronic ear infections for the next 4 months. He was in and out of the hospital for different things, and had a number of ambulance rides.
At 11 months old, he had tubes put in his ears. Thankfully, the tubes made a world of difference. He was able to stay healthy for his upcoming “Big Operation." As Brady grew closer to turning 1, his lips and finger tips began to turn blue. He was breathing a lot faster, and his oxygen saturation levels were in the low 70's and
60's. Brady's normal levels, at the time he was born, were in the 80's.
This meant he was outgrowing his shunt and the "Big Day" was coming.



Brady had his second operation on February 23, 2010. The operation was 10 hours long. The nurse would give us updates throughout the day. This was open heart surgery that required a bypass machine. On a bypass machine, Brady’s body temperature was greatly reduced, his heart was stopped, and his circulation/survival was dependent upon a machine. When the operation was done, the doctor came out and gave us an update. The operation was successful! The doctor said that Brady had completely outgrown his shunt, and couldn't have waited any longer.

We were finally allowed to see Brady. He was hooked up to so many machines, and had tubes coming out everywhere while sedated. It was unexpectedly disturbing. It is no exaggeration when I say, he looked like a pin cushion. I cannot fully express the feeling of seeing our baby boy, lying unconscious on the hospital bed with over 20 tubes, IVs, and a ventilator secured to his motionless body.

Through this past year, I have only allowed myself to cry a few times. I always told my husband that I had to stay strong for the family, and strong to take care of Brady. This is one of those times I let myself shed a few tears. It wasn't the tubes and machines that made me cry. It was the machine that showed Brady's oxygen level at 100%. I had never seen that number before with Brady, and I had never seen his skin look so pink.

The first part of Brady's recovery was rough. He caught RSV and some other viruses while in the hospital. He couldn't keep anything down. We eventually went home, but Brady had to be on oxygen. Within two weeks of his operation, he really started to come around, and no longer needed the oxygen.

By 6 weeks post-recovery, Brady was like any other normal kid. Looking at Brady, you would never know he had such a rough start in life, that is, unless you looked under his shirt. He had more energy than any kid I know. After his heart was repaired, he was able to finally play outside for the first time. He fell in love with the outdoors, and now spends most days outside.



After going through so much with Brady, we had to re-train ourselves and try to treat Brady like a normal kid.





We could have never made it through this last year if it wasn't for all the people praying for Brady and our family. We literally had people praying all over the world for Brady for over a year. It is during difficult times like those that we get (and are still getting) closer to God. The main learning experience and joy that we can come away with in this situation is, that through sincere, broken-hearted prayers- we've found God’s heart for us as his children.

Psalm 147:3 "He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.”



Thank you all for caring about our little guy with the big heart!♥
~Kelly Archuleta

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