Road blocks...

Pretty in pink...

The transplant doctor came to visit today and delivered some concerning news.

Rylie's tissue antibodies are indeed high which means she would reject a new heart. The doctor said this caught him off guard, and he even called several other centers for suggestions.

Tomorrow Rylie's mom is having blood work to see if the antibodies are coming from her. If they are the transplant team will be able to move forward toward transplant. If the antibodies are truly Rylie's then we have to go back to square one which means trying to regulate the heart function with medicine and completing the 3-step bypass procedures.

We hope that we won't have to go that route. As it stands now, we will be here through at least Easter which means our plans for celebrating at the zoo will be again postponed. Rylie's mom is completely frustrated with what seams to be an endless sea of road blocks. Hold Rylie and her family in your prayers.

Rylie's Story

Rylie Crenshaw is an 8-week old baby girl who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (the left ventricle of her heart never developed).

This condition was not diagnosed during the pregnancy and she was released home after birth. At her one-week check up Rylie appeared to be fine; however, two days later she was in the emergency room, close to death.

She was transported immediately to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas where we were told children sent home with her condition do not usually live.
Rylie beat the odds.

She has already undergone open heart surgery but her heart is still only operating at 30 percent. She is now in severe heart failure and is currently waiting to be put on the transplant list.

Rylie's dad is a deputy with Grimes County and her mom is unable to return to work. Her mom and her 2-year old brother are currently residing at the Ronald McDonald House in Houston so that they are able to help with Rylie's care. Rylie spends some time at the Ronald McDonald House and some time at Texas Children's Hospital depending on her health.

Rylie is not allowed to return home because she lives too far from Texas Children's Hospital. Since her dad resides in College Station, Texas and her mom is residing in Houston, Texas it has created financial stress on their family (it is a 2-hour drive).

Mom spends the better part of her day caring for Rylie and when time permits she is making blankets for other patients at the Ronald McDonald House and Texas Children's Hospital. The monies raised will help cover the costs of travel to and from Houston, parking at the hospital (which averages $12 per visit), medicine not covered by insurance and other unplanned costs of caring for a very ill baby.

Help Rylie and her family.

To send a card to Rylie or her family, write to:
401 Harvey RD 3015
College Station, TX77840