Saturday, January 19, 2008

(Bump) Transplant Patients

(If you're just joining us, I'd like to ask you to read Here, Here & Here before you do anything else. Outside of a something big, I won't be posting again until tonight. Please, when you think of us today, also think of the following.)

I would like to ask you to join me today in praying for:

> All those who are currently awaiting an organ or tissue transplant.

> The organ & tissue donors who either in death or life will give the gift or life.

> The families of those who will make the choice to give life through death.

> The families of those who have lost a loved one while waiting for a transplant.

See the comments under this post to learn of some of the people you are praying for.

Let me introduce you to my friend, Sally.


Sally is a 28 year old CF patient, mother of two. Sally lives in the UK and has been on the Lung Transplant List for 28 months.

Sally is only one. There are so many more. Please, join with me on Saturday, January 19 as I dedicate the entire day to pray for Sally, Tricia and all the other candidates awaiting a lung transplant.

If you are on or expecting to be on the Lung Transplant List (or any transplant list for that matter), or if you have a friend of family who is, please, let us know by leaving a comment so that we can pray for you, your family, your transplant team and your donor.

Prayer, among other things, allows us to turn our minds and hearts from our own worries and problems (whether small or large) and carry the blessings of God to others who are in need. Being given the opportunity to be praying for others over the past few weeks has been such a blessing for me.

Thanks!

Nate

79 comments:

Anonymous said...

Will gladly pray with you on Saturday. Will also pass the word along. God's love and peace, Amy and Casey

Laura said...

i will continue to pray and add sall as well.
i am not waiting for a lung transplant but we did just find out that my 1st born who is 18 weeks pregnant is a cf carrier and like you wait to hear on your little baby girl, we have to wait to hear on her precious baby. the baby's father has left the picture because (in his words) this is all so inconvenient and has refused to be tested. so we must wait...

Jackietex said...

I am one of many who would appreciate your prayers for a lung transplant for Jeff in Texas. Thank you!

Alice Vogt said...

I've been waiting for 7 months, prayer would be appreciated! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Nate, Here I am, checking your blog again, praying that you & your two girls are doing well. I will join everyone in special prayer for those waiting & those who have been given the special gift of transplantation.

-Bobbi

Princess Talana said...

I will join you in prayer on Saturday. I have had several friends go through transplant, are waiting, or are being evaluated. I will probably be in this situation before too long myself, still a few years off if all goes as planned.

Anonymous said...

We will be praying for your family and all the familes that are on the waiting list for transplants, as well as all those affected by CF.

Bill

Anonymous said...

here is to another good day for your girls and Trisha to do well being weaned of the sedatives.

I would appreciate your prayers for Gina, a woman who has miraculous stamina and has been waiting for new lungs for around 3 years and has been waiting in ICU for a large part of last year due to her condition.

http://www.friendsofpepe.blogspot.com/

Scott said...

We will definitely add this request to our growing burden for prayer. Thanks for making us all aware.

debangel said...

It's 2:48 a.m. so forgive me if I sound discombobulated..but I just now realized that if I died tomorrow and my lungs were donated...that Nate and his family would be praying for me and my family. If anyone is reading this and doesn't have that little red dot on their driver's license (or whatever your state's equivalent is), I urge you to become a donor. You won't just save the life of the recipient, you'll save their families from tears and heartbreak as well. My mom died of cancer two years ago Monday and to her disappointment could no longer donate her organs...but her corneas gave two blind people the ability to see their loved ones once more. Just something to think about..

Love to you and Tricia and Gwyneth, Nate! Get some sleep!

Anonymous said...

we're all organ donors here, even the children.
jasper just came up to me and asked to see "baby winif". they know that they once looked just like her (except she has hair!) and they join us in praying to Father God to help her do a "poopers" and heal quickly.

bye from charles and tess

Mandy said...

Saturday is my oldest son's b-day and we will join you in prayer.

Mandy
GA
www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com

Alison said...

prayers will go up!

Anonymous said...

Let me interupt for a brief spot of humor..
I was checking out your "map" showing where people have checked in from. There are google ads in there. Most were about organ donation and double lung transplants. There was one for "hair loss" and "hair replacement". Ummm, think google got the wrong blog site! Uless, of course, you are looking into DONATING some of yours! Cracked me up.

The Mac Fam said...

we will be joining you saturday just as we have every other day and add all others praying for the same miracle. it's an honor. blessings from florida.

Andy Lawrenson said...

We will be there with you praying for Sally and Tricia.

Grwyneth's Great Uncle Andy

Andy Lawrenson said...

and for jeff and alice

Anonymous said...

http://www.emilysjourney.com/
Emily has been one of my closest and best friends since we were children. Like your wife she is on a "journey" and not fighting CF. Emily is the most amazing person i have ever known, and her love and faith for our Lord is always an encouragement to those around her. Her journey has blessed her with her baby girl whom they named Faith, and has now brought her to being on the lung transplant list since last June. It has been a hard road for her, and we are all in prayer for her transplant. She needs new lungs so that she can have many more years with her sweet baby girl and her wonderful husband. My prayers also go to you and your family.

Lorraine said...

Hi Nathan. I am the mother of 2 boys with CF and I've been following your Blog over the past few weeks. I live in England. So very happy to hear you have your daughter and Tricia is continuing to improve. Sending you all positive vibes and love for the future of you family, xx

Chelle' said...

Hi Nate- my (now almost 6 year old)son had emergency gastrointestinal surgery 3 years ago and met a wonderful boy in the hospital with CF.

They instantly became friends and continue to be friends today. Because it was an emergency surgery and we were out of town at the time we don't live near Spencer (our 9 year old friend with CF) but we visit him a few times a year and keep in touch with him from a distance.

We have also found out through our friendship with his family that Spencer's older brother has CF. Please add Spencer and his brother to your prayer list this Saturday.

Our family coninues to hold your family in our prayers daily. Please know how delighted God is in you as you continue to serve Him and others in the midst of your trials. I am spurred on to holiness as I read your blog everyday.

Anonymous said...

I would appreciate your prayers too please, I am 20 years old and have been waiting for a lung transplant for 6 months. You are an amazing family to think of others when you are going through so much yourself. Iwill be sure to join you on Sat, sending you best wishes and love.

Anonymous said...

My friend Kerry is on the lung transplant list. She has CF and 1.5 years ago, she was in the same place that Tricia is now. Her baby, Aiden, is now happy and healthy. Miracles do happen to those that call on the Lord!
I will be praying on Saturday!
Shannon

Court said...

We will be praying with you on Saturday. We continue to pray for each hour to be better than the last for both of your girls! Praying for you in Houston....

Anonymous said...

Suzi in Jacksonville has PF and due to her health, we cannot get the insurance company to evaluate her to put her on the list. Her meds are not helping her and time is running out. Please keep my Suzi in your prayers.

Beth said...

My cousin, Dale just received her second double lung transplant at Duke in November. She is 27, just got married in May, has CF, and is in Durham now, still working on recovery. She has been so strong through all of this. Please add her to your prayer list Saturday as well. Thank You!!

Aspiemom said...

This is a great idea, praying for the waiting Transplant patients on Saturday. I, myself, have decided against getting one, partly due to my age (soon to be 48!). I was going to offer Gina's name, but I see someone already has. Also, "Bree".

I will be praying for Tricia and Sally, among the others, on Saturday. Debbi (Aspiemom)

Anonymous said...

I will join you in prayer on Saturday.

Carol

Anonymous said...

Sign me up! I would be honored to lift up such brave and amazing people :) Thanks for letting us know.

Praying for y'all today!

The Dalgo Family said...

We continue to pray for you every day!! My mother had a kidney transplant, so I know about waiting list and such...good luck and blessings that it will go great when the time is right!

Kym Dalgo

Kim said...

Nate,
Please count me in. I will continue to pray for you and you precious family and all others who are suffering around the world. Your blog has opened my eyes to so much.
Thank you,
All my prayers,
Kim

Amy said...

I will most definately pray for Sally too. I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to read your blog. I am going to do all I can to help get the word out about the utter importance of organ donating. Not to mention to get as many people on board praying for Tricia, Gwyneth and you. Sending lots og hugs to you all today!

Anonymous said...

Just out of interest, how do you pray for the donor? Do you pray that there be a donor soon? Or do you pray for peace for the donor's family? Even though I know it's absolutely necessary for transplant patients, like your wife, to live it's hard for me to think about praying for a donor to come soon. Or it's hard for me to think about not being on the donor list for very long because in essence, that means we are praying for someone else to die. I guess with my finite mind and my new faith, I just don't know how to pray for something like this. It seems both right and wrong. Maybe you can share your thoughts on how you pray for the donor? I am honestly at a loss.

Anonymous said...

My 6 year old daughter (Jill)has a best friend and is going to be put on a list soon. Her name is Morgan Ann Flynn, we call her morgie. She is going to be 7 in April. Also, Morgie has a little sister Chloe that is 5 and has cf. She is not as sick as Morgie but could use your prayers too. Jaymison is the big brother of both the girls and he is 9 1/2. He is the BIG BROTHER. This kid is full of love for this family. Amy the single mother of 3 has her hands full as you can see. Please be in prayer for our friends and there family. Thanks Cari, Harmony OK.

Anonymous said...

We will pray with you on Saturday...just as we pray for you and your family every day.
Lots of love,
Wil and Dana Haupfear

Anonymous said...

My friend's brother, (Zack) would be greatful to know your praying for him. As you pray for Zack I ask that you pray for his wife and entire family. I'd like you to lift up Zack's sister as well, give her rest and comfort for each day as she thinks of her brother and his future.. Thanks so much for your love..
.......
God will Bless you so........

Anonymous said...

Hi Nate,

I will be praying for you and your family as i always do. My dad had a kidney transplant on 10/14/07 and is doing extremely well. He had been on dialysis for 6 1/2 years. He is 60. We are so thankful to the family and young man that donated. It's such a precious gift of life. God Bless you.

Anonymous said...

Have you heard about Job McCully? He's a little boy that recieved his new lungs (old one's were destroyed by chemo) about a month ago. He's doing awesome! His story will give you encouragement.
http://www.caringbridge.org/ar/job/

Anonymous said...

Oh, what a AWESOME God we serve. How, blessed are we to serve such a God. I will pray for you right now.

God, give us the life you want to live through us, let us see the open doors you have provided and let us be strong to step forward and follow you with all our might. God I pray for all the children who are waiting for a cure and for the teenagers and adults that feel like sometimes giving up and the lose of hope. God , I pray your will be done and that we will give you the praise and glory you deserve whatever way you choose for our life. God make us a example today Lord, to trust and obey.
God, I just ask you with all my heart to touch us with your amazing love and refresh us to your loveing kindness. Thank you my Lord for the lives you have touched and for the things you have prepared for us. God give us rest and increase our faith in you daily, as we need you more and more God. You know each and everyone who need your sweet spirit to rest with them and it is my pray that they will ASK, Ask Seek and Knock God I love you and thank you.

.......Your Child........

Anonymous said...

My father-in-law is a double lung transplant survior, 3 years this May! I have been praying for your family, and your amazing girls. God Bless from Greer, South Carolina,Kala

Julie D. said...

praying for tricia, sally, and all those waiting!

Anonymous said...

Please pray for me. My name is Suzy and I am waiting for a double lung transplant. I'm in the UK. I need a prayer because I have a rarer blood group and rhesus d antibodies so my choice of organs is very small. your daughter is so beautiful. Love to Tricia, I hope she recovers well. I think you are amazingly strong.

Bree said...

I too am waiting to be listed for a lung tx. I read this site a lot (as i'm a memeber of CF.com myself)

I pray for Tricia and Gwyneth every single day. God bless all of you. I too have a blog called the Blog Blog about my journey into the transplant world.

Take care and God Bless,
Bree

Anonymous said...

Nate,We'll all pray tomorrow on the way to the airport to take everyone that's going on the Helene mission trip.Please pray for safety for the ten going on the trip. Especially pray for life changing experiences for the people on Helene Island through the Holy Spirit opening hearts to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.As always our thoughts and prayers for you and all of your family will continue.It was awsome to see Trish.She looked beautiful and sweet as always.I hope you're holding up well. Your brother in Christ, Tommy

Anonymous said...

Joining you in prayer today....a friend in Utah

Anonymous said...

I would like to share another website that might convince you to do organ donation if you haven't. It's the story of Jason Ray ~ the former mascot Rameses of UNC.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/
eticket/story?page=rayofhope

Oh I don't know if the whole thing will post or not. Hmmmm so make sure you copy the link and backspace the eticket part to the espn/ part.

It tells the story of Jason's life and the lives of four individuals that Jason saved by being an organ donor.

Anonymous said...

I would like to add Lee Bulluck (67?) He will getting a kidney transplant from his son (who lives in Durham). Lee was scheduled to get a transplant at Duke at the end of this month. However, his surgery had to be cancelled due to a drop in his blood platelets. He is currently going through various testing to find out the cause.
In the MEANTIME, his wife, Carol wasn't feeling good and was ordered to have some heart test. She had a heart cath on Friday at Duke and is now in the hosp and is scheduled for heart surgery on Tuesday - valve job and blockage.
Lee & Carol are wonderful Christians who live on the Outer Banks - they are our ministry partners and heavily involved with their church, Gideons, etc.
Lee sees the hand of God once again in this situation. He figures get Carol fixed first since she will be his primary care taker during his transplant recovery.
God's timing is always perfect.
Thank you,
Cindy Wise

Anonymous said...

I have a question for the 40 year old man who left a comment yesterday. He said he has CF and has 4 children. We have two children with CF and have been told our son will be sterile because of it. Is this true?

We continue to pray for all of you, Nate. You, Tricia, and Gwyneth are an inspiration to us all. Looking forward to the time you announce lungs have been found and Tricia is strong enough for the surgery.

God Bless.

I am Heather...creator of all things crafty! said...

Please pray for my good friend Michelle W. in Houston who is awaiting her 3rd kidney & pancreas transplant. She is 34, on dialysis. Diabetes since the age of 4. Thanks so much!

Anonymous said...

HI. We have been praying and thinking of you all. SO wonderful to see Tricia yesterday via pics. We hav ea family friend waiting for a kidney transplant. He has been on dialysis for five years...the list is a five to six year wait. He is anxiously awaiting his news. Please be in prayer for our friend. Thanks.
We are praying for you.
Luke, Tara and Kylie Jackson-VA BCH

Florida_Mom said...

Standing in the gap with you today. Thinking and praying for all you have mentioned.

I've been listed as an organ donor for as long as I can remember.

In Him

Myra

Anonymous said...

Nathan

I have been checking your blog for updates several times a day. I do not know you or your wife but reading your story an dhearing your faith is just AWESOME. I have alwasy had faith etc but in 2001 when I lost my 13 month old daughter due to a heart defect my life changed and it was deepened. I know see the power of God's will. I see that in you two as well adn its awesome that you already had that going into all of this. Reading Tricia's words that she would not change her CF dx is what I say about my daughter. Those conditions are how God made them and shapes them into how he planned. I love reading about you two. Your baby is preciuos and so beautiful. I think you are affecting so many people with your words in a good way and will strengthen people's beliefs. The way you live your life is amazing.


Tina

Julie Miles said...

Nate,

I've been reading your blog for weeks now, thanks to Patience & Jordan. Like them, my son was born with only half a heart too and we were given the options of doing nothing, having surgery, or having a transplant. We started out with the surgery option - he's having his 2nd heart surgery this coming Tuesday, 1/22 at UNC. Hopefully the surgeries will do the job and we wont' have to be on a transplant list, but we're so thankful that transplantation may be an option for him down the road if needed. Donors and their families are special people. I consider it a priviledge to get to join you and so many others today in praying for Tricia, Suzy and all the other transplant patients and donor families. We serve an Awesome God and I know His will be done through all you're family is facing at this time. To God be all the glory forever and ever, AMEN!

Katie said...

I will join with you in prayer.

Please pray for my brother-in-law, Ken. He's been on the kidney transplant list for some months, and last night he unexpectedly got the call!!! He is in surgery today, and I can't think of a better day for his transplant to take place. Thanks for your prayers.

Erin said...

Last I knew, our family friend Vicki was waiting for a double-lung transplant. I am not sure what her medical condition is, and I'm not sure whether she ever received the transplant. Please add her and her family to your prayers! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

My grandfather received a kidney transplant in 1993 and it was truly a gift from God. I will pray along with the thousands today for all those waiting for organs and for the families of the donors. God Bless.

Rick Lawrenson said...

I'll be using some of my travel time this afternoon to pray for them.

Anonymous said...

St. Therese of Liseux is my favorite saint. Called "The Little Flower", it's said that if you pray to her you will receive a rose that day or the next. Well, I receive my roses by checking this blog and seeing the miracles unfold. I'll keep praying to St. Therese in honor of Tricia and other "65 roses" patients

Julie said...

This has been really on my heart - I woke up many times throughout the night and was able to spend time praying for those who need transplants, those who might be the donors, and, of course, for your girls!

Thanks for giving us all the opportunity to pray with you!!!

Lori said...

Continuing to pray for you and your family! I am a donor and also was adopted!! I noticed you had mentioned that about your wife!!

Your wife and baby are beautiful!

Mary Beth said...

Praying.

The Johnson Family said...

Your blog has become one I follow and pray over daily, your daughter and wife are beautiful!! thank for your uplifting and encouraging words to so many others out there while you are on this journey with your own beautiful family. God is AWESOME!!

Anonymous said...

I, too, am an organ donor and have been for years. Won't need the organs when I'm in heaven with my Lord. My cousin had a kidney transplant and we were with Sallie's family at Duke when she had her liver transplant. God is good and we will be praying Saturday for Tricia and all organ donors as well as those needing the transplant. We, too, are waiting for the snow when everything will look clean and white.
Ann

Unknown said...

My daughter has alot of medical issues and we met a little boy named Gavin, who is one year old and waiting for a liver...

www.caringbridge.org/visit/babygavin1

He needs our prayers as well!

Anonymous said...

I love the fact that even though your needs are great you are able to see the needs of so many others. God has a mighty plan in place here and I know that many, many will be blessed as a direct result of your family submitting yourself to our God and allowing Him to do an amazing work. I pray that many will be saved both physically and spiritually. I did a google search on your name...wow, it's pretty amazing. I pray that each time anyone hits on your name they will come in touch with the name above all names!
"Lord Jesus, I pray that as we set aside this day to pray for all those awaiting a transplant. Give them strength for the wait and speak to them so that they may know your strength in this time of waiting. In this wilderness time prepare them for the road ahead and cause them to draw closer to you than ever before. Remind them of your love for them and give them your perfect peace. For those that have not yet made the decision to become a donor I ask that you give them clarity and understanding about this decision. More than anthing in this natural life I ask that each person who reads Nate's blog whould come to know you, the God who is so faithfully supplying him and his family with the fatih and hope and strength they need to be overcomers in this race they run. Contiunue to give them the confidence they need for each new day.
Lord I pray espically for Gwyneth today. Please Jesus cause her bowels to function and allow her to take nourishment. Cause her to grow in size and strength and in favor with God. Cause her life to continue to testify to the world about your love and mercy. Allow her to grow to tell her children's chilren about the miracles surrounding her birth. Thank you Jesus that you care."

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers to Heaven for them all!
Our daughter Valery was diagnosed at 10 weeks w/ a rare liver condition, Biliary Atresia. at 9 Months old..She recieved her GIFT, a new liver, from a living donor..HER GRANDMOTHER! They just took a portion. Wow what a GIFT OF LIFE organ transplantation truly is!
Our Valery is now 7 week post, and doing excellent! We kept the prayers going and held up our faith STRONG through the trying times she had, and now we're here POST TRANSPLANT!
God is Great! Organ Donation is Awesome! Be a Hero, BE A DONOR!

Nate praying for you & your two loves ;) You've got two FIGHTERS on your hands!

Big Hugs,
From Carly H. In South Carolina
www.cotaforvaleryh.com

Rachel said...

Praying for many more people to become donors so that they may help save others lives/ Pray for strength, peace and patience for those waiting for an organ.
Rachel in PA

Tish said...

I've posted your link to my blog sites. May God's face shine upon you! We lift you and all waiting for a transplant in prayer to our God who is always faithful!

Christy said...

I will continue to pray for all those waiting on transplants and for the donors and donor families. I am a double lung transplant recipient and am now waiting on a kidney. I would appreciate the prayers for my Mom who will most likely be my donor.
Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I have just read your blog for the first time and have found it to be one of the greatest love stories I've ever seen. I have a 21 yr. old daughter with CF, Megan, who has just decided to be evaluated for a lung transplant. Megan would be so inspired to see the love you have for your wife, as she never imagines someone being willing to share her complicated life and marry her. I am so happy that I have read your story and I cannot tell you the number of times I have stopped to pray for Tricia and Gwynneth as I have read your blog, and I will continue to do so. I am going to keep reading and I am anticipating the day I will see a picture of Tricia dropping Gwynneth off at kindergarten! We do have an awesome God who has no bounds.
Nate: you are an incredible man and a blessing to this earth as well. Thank you for sharing your faith. I will post your site on Megan's webpage at caringbridge to ask our family and friends to lift you before our heavenly Father.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/meganpayne

Belinda said...

I'm from OZ & have read your blog & find it amazing. I have a GOOD friend that had a heart transplant 5yrs ago. I pray that your wife will get her gift too. You baby girl is precious. God Bless you all Belinda

Twila said...

Just renewed my drivers license the first week in January and made sure to tell them YES I wanted to be an organ donor. Hope you find a donor when the time is right.

Burnie said...

Wow, Nate, I just read through all the comments on today's blog and have written down the following names of people who have requested to be prayed for today.So we will be praying tonight for all of these: Jeff, Alice, Sally, Emily, Gina, Spencer and Spencer's brother, Tor, Kerrry, Suzi, Dale, Bree, Margie, Chloe, Zack, Lee, Michelle W., Ken, Vicki, Gavin, Megan, and of Tricia. What a wonderful community of God's people you are creating here....Thanks for the incredible way you have allowed God to use you and your circumstances to share your great faith. I mean this when I say, "You are my hero"

The Beaver Bunch said...

Okay Nate, maybe I'm a little dense or maybe God just revealed this to me today, either way, I HAD to share. My best friend's father is battling leukemia right now and I've had this email (from my best-friend) sitting in my inbox since October. Anyway, it's about donating Bone Marrow. I know that Tricia doesn't need bone marrow, but with your push to convince others to become organ donors I thought this might fit. Almost ANYONE can register to donate blood (bone marrow). The site is: http://www.marrow.org/. Along with choosing to become an organ donor, I hope everyone who is physically/emotionally able will register with this registry! It is just another way we can give the gift of life to another person!! After having this in my inbox for 3 months, I'm finally doing it today! I'm still praying for you all!

With the love of Christ...

Sunshine said...

I love this sentence from your post "Prayer, among other things, allows us to turn our minds and hearts from our own worries and problems (whether small or large) and carry the blessings of God to others who are in need."

I have never heard a BETTER description of why to pray when you hurt! HUGE! Thank you for this. Also one of my closest friends little boy is here today because of a liver transplant. I am an organ donor and I will be praying! Sunshine

Anonymous said...

Hi Nate and Tricia,
A week of fasting for you guys begins tomorrow (Sunday) with several of us "xangians" fasting throughout the week until Saturday! Just wanted to let you know!
Melissa
www.xanga.com/gracenglory75

Anonymous said...

Interestingly enough, I just checked my e-mail, and one of my friends sent a note that they took her friend off life support today. That friend was an organ donor. He was only 36 years old. Please pray for Carl's family tonight.

Praying with you all in Lynchburg, VA

Katie said...

Answered prayer :). My brother-in-law Ken's kidney transplant surgery went really well.

Thank you for praying! I'm continuing to pray for the other requests.

andria said...

I have been praying for your wife and daughter since I stumbled upon your blog last week. We consistently pray for all those waiting for transplants. My aunt received a liver six years ago and is now healthy and enjoying her first granddaughter...born the same day as yours. My neice died at age 14 waiting for lung due to something called PID, pulmonary something, that is genetic, similar to CF, and very rare.

Just know that we know a little of what you are feeling...that need to educate everyone on the benefits of organ donation.

Alice Vogt said...

I GOT MY CALL!!!!!!!!!!! WAITING TO FLY IN A FEW HOURS TIME!!!!!! THE PRAYER HELPED!!!!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!