Ava Update

Hi everyone. Ava has been placed on ECMO, as of Sunday. She's responding well, and will have her repair surgery today at 10am. Below is an email from Jennifer...


"Hello,

Todd and I had lengthy discussions today with Ava's lead surgeon, Dr Chen, about the details of her hernia repair. She is strong enough for surgery now which allows her to stay on ECMO post surgery to recover. Team Ava will begin to operate at 10:00 AM tomorrow (well technically today) which will mark the beginning of her recovery from this condition. She will have an incision on her lower left abdomen and they will pull her liver, bowels, stomach, and spleen back down under her diaphragm. If the hole is too big to repair with the just the muscle they will stitch a patch made of an organic material called Permacol to complete her diaphragm. Permacol will allow scar tissue to form and grow with Ava. Her room will be converted into the operating room and the surgery should take about 2 hours.

Ava is responding remarkably to ECMO. She was responding to us today by lifting her arm, wiggling her feet (so cute!) and opening her eyes to look around. I think these are all signs from Ava letting us know she's ready for surgery.

We are so moved by the amount of love and support we've received over the past few weeks. We have otherwise strangers calling, visiting us at the hospital, and emailing us to show their support for Ava. All of your prayers, love and support for Ava will get her through surgery and recovery. Thanks to each one of you; we truly appreciate you reaching out and spreading the love for Ava.

Love,
Jennifer and Todd"

Everyone, please say a special prayer today at 10am for Ava that she does well during her surgery. Please also pray for the doctors and nurses that will be working on her. Pray for strength, courage and hope for her parents, and Ava as well.

Love,
Stephanie