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As most of you know, the very next day our lives were turned upside down with the news that Jordan had a very large tumor inside his heart. He was immediately transferred to Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital for evaluation, and the situation was bleak. He had his first open heart surgery at only 3 days old to try and remove the tumor. It was unsuccessful. They placed him on a heart and lung bypass machine to keep him alive - a heart transplant was our only hope.
The rest of the story is contained in the links below, but as you can see from his smiling face he is doing wonderfully. He just had his first annual biopsy which showed no signs of rejection. The doctors say his heart function is great. One doctor even said, while reading his echocardiagram, that if he didn't have Jordan's chart next to him he would have had no idea he was looking at a transplant patient. We will never get tired of hearing that.
None of this would have been possible without a special little girl and her mom.
To Breanna:
While Jordan was getting his last echo, I stared at the screen and looked at his heart beating away, all four chambers working together as Jordan smiled, distracted by the TV. I couldn't stop thinking of you. That is your heart keeping him alive, and your mother's courageous decision that made it happen. I keep your picture permanently on this site because we can never forget that without you and your mother, we would not be celebrating Jordan's birthday today. I'll never understand why things turn out the way they do, but I feel I must accept it, and try to make as much good out of it as possible. I'm pretty sure your mom feels the same way. We will never forget you.
To Jordan:
One day you'll understand why I'm just a little bit crazier than the other Dads. When I come into your room each morning, welcomed by your smiles and laughter, I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. You continue to amaze me with everything you do. I beam with pride everyday because you and your mom (and Oscar too) are the family I always wanted. And I know when your little sister comes, you will be the best big brother in the world!
Thank you for being so strong and for making it through a very difficult ordeal. And for trying to tell me so soon after your surgery, that you would be o.k. And for making this year the best of our lives. Your mom and I will do everything we can to make sure your life is filled with happiness. We love you so much.
To Everyone:
There are so many people - family, friends, strangers - who have supported us though this past year, and for whom we are so thankful. I started making a thank you page back in February, but never posted it for fear of leaving out too many people. I hope you all know who you are.
We wouldn't have made it through this year without all of you. Please continue to spread Jordan's story so that people can learn the importance of organ donation. We hope you continue to check in on Jordan, and that you keep Breanna, and all organ donors who have given the gift of life, in your thoughts and prayers.
Jeff (1/18/06)
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