Update from Michael - Wednesday, August 13, 2:15 a.m.

HealthBridge Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital
393 South Tustin Street
Orange, CA 92866
Room 6

Dear Friends,

I’m sorry I haven’t updated Melissa’s story for a while. It has been very busy for us. Here is the latest:

1. Melissa experienced a high fever (105°F) from 7/22 to 7/27. Lab tests revealed a bacterial infection in both her brain and trachea area. In addition to being treated with antibiotics for three weeks (ending 8/10), she underwent two surgeries - the first on Monday, July 28 to remove the shunt and clean out the bacterial infection, and the second on Monday, August 4 to replace the shunt. Both surgeries were successful.

2. For five days (8/4 - 8/8), Melissa suffered continuous vomiting … losing all her food and medicine. Following prayer and an adjustment in her feeding speed and volume, she improved completely.

3. Her neurosurgeon says that her brain is stable and she can go home in the very near future.

4. Cardiologists continue to evaluate her heart (one of her heart valves was damaged by the endocarditis she suffered at the beginning of the year). At this time, a heart surgery to replace the damaged valve may not be possible. Simply put, her body is too weak and this surgery poses too great of a risk. The CHOC team is referring her case to UCLA for a second opinion. If the mitral valve cannot be replaced, her high heart rate could cause death within 1-2 years.

5. Many arteries in her brain appear to be narrowing. This is definitely not a positive sign. At this point we’re not sure what can be done about this.

6. Melissa was discharged from CHOC on Monday, August 11, and transferred back to HealthBridge Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital to continue her rehab. journey.

7. Melissa has shown great improvement in physical therapy, occupation therapy, and speech therapy.

Praise and Thanksgiving:

1. Melissa is smiling her great smile every day since last Saturday (8/9).

2. Even though Melissa has suffered great damage to her brain (50% damage), her memory is totally preserved … she remembers and recognizes everything.

3. Through therapy she has gained strength in both hands and legs. She has been able to push her DVD player’s start and stop button by herself.

4. She played Connect Four checkers game (the vertical four-in-a-row) and won the game.

5. She can give you high five and shake hands.

Prayer Requests:

1. Pray for strength and that we will not grow weary physically.

2. Pray for Melissa to sleep. She has not slept, or even closed her eyes since last Saturday (8/9).

3. Pray for the medical teams at CHOC and UCLA as they evaluate Melissa’s eligibility for a mitral valve replacement

4. Pray that Melissa’s heart will remain strong.

5. Pray for a miracle … that the mitral valve will grow back and heal itself. This is impossible from a medical point of view, but we know nothing is impossible for God!

6. Pray for her cramps to stop. These are very painful for her.


In Him and In Love,
Michael