Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Aidan gets to be a three year old!





A note from Diane:

"Aidan is keeping us both very busy, he is loving life and being a 3 year old to the "MAX"!  Like all children he has us laughing at his antic's, makes us smile just to watch him play, run, climb, eat and we even smile inside when he is naughty... HOW BLESSED WE ARE!  Tomorrow will be 3 months post transplant and we are so excited at how well he is doing, we know all too well that it does not always go this well for other children...
We've had the pleasure of being able to travel around New England with Aidan the past 5 weeks and share all the beautiful site's with him, it's been amazing! "

Praise God! I can't believe that it has been three months already and that a year ago today this little champion was in a fight for his life. Your prayers were inspiring to me. There were so many people praying for him and for his family it was incredible. This blog has been viewed almost 7,000 times! Aidan has touched all of our hearts and it is such a privilege to share that he is doing so well. I pray that Sam and Diane continue to rely on the Lord as they heal from such a challenging year and can look back and stand strong in their faith. 
We love you guys! 

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:16

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The sun is shining bright today!



Praise God! Aidan, Sam, and Diane are leaving the hospital today after 13 months!  They are very thankful to God for His over ruling watch care and for all of your prayers. We are so thankful for all the wonderful and amazing staff at Children's Hospital of Boston. They went above and beyond for our Aidan! We remember the donor's family and pray that they find comfort in God and knowing that they helped to save a precious life.
They will stay in the Boston area until December so Aidan can go to weekly appointments at CHB.

"Go, go, go!"
Aidan, keep up the good work! You can do this! You are one amazing kiddo that has touched so many hearts. I pray that you grow to know how much God loves you and to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding" Proverbs 3:5




Sunday, August 7, 2011

Free at last! No more IV pole!!



An update from Diane

"Aidan is almost 6 weeks post transplant and doing wonderful! We did have a few rough weeks, but he has turned the corner as of this past Monday!  The doctor's were very concern that Aidan was in rejection mode, so they threw the "book at him"! Looks like things are now going forward and Aidan is feeling great... On Thursday they removed the last of IV pumps & pole that he has been attached too for over a year! He is free at last!  Yesterday in Aidan style he "threw up" his feeding tube, we pray that is the last one for him, he has had 100's of them...  He is taking all his meds by mouth and there is a "boat load" of them, he is such a trooper about it, we are so proud of him. Running and playing has now become fun, he loves to be out in the garden feeding the birds and squirrels, they will all weigh 30 lbs. each by the time we leave here!  Speaking of leaving... My gut tells me it should be in the next 2 weeks.  Aidan has a "Cath/Biopsy" Thursday the 11th, and if all the numbers and pressures look good, I believe they will discharge us the next week. We will stay with Aunt Helen & Uncle Bruce in Shirley, MA for few months (thank God for them!), and then we hope to be able to get back to "Papa Rick" back in Alabama!  Oma has been driving into Boston on her own and coming a lot to help, Aidan loves his Oma and always eats so good for her. Oma has made so many friends here and they are always looking for her, she is the "Mayor" of Children's Hospital!  I just got off the phone with Aunt Helen and she said her and Uncle Bruce are so excited for us to come, she needs a list of what Aidan likes so she will be ready for him!  So blessed we are to have not only my family all around us but also all the of "Chase's" ! This has been a journey that no one could ever prepare us for, and somehow through the grace of God and all the amazing people in our lives we have tromped through it! Our hearts are so full of love to every family member and all our friends to stuck by us through thick and thin... We thank you, we love you all!!!   I also need to mention the beautful, smart and loving people here at Children's Hospital who have not only given Aidan the most amazing care, saved his life but also keep Sam & I safe and loved!  Children's Boston Hospital Rocks!   We will post another update soon when we get to leave...
                                            xoxox, Diane, Sam & Aidan"

We are so proud of you too Aidan! Keep up the great work and let God continue to lead the way :)

"In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and He answered by setting me free" Psalm 118:5

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

One week post transplant

Diane asked me to let you all know that Aidan is doing great. He is awake, talking, and telling the nurses "no more boo-boos!" You go Aidan! Keep up the good work. You got this buddy. The power of prayer is amazing!






"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" Mark 11:24

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

This is the day

" This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalm 118:24


Aidan's transplant went really well and he is now in the ICU. Praise God! What a wonderful gift a family of a child who passed gave to Aidan. I pray that they find peace in comfort in knowing that they were able to save such a precious little boy. May they lean on the Lord and find refuge in Him.  

It has been such a long wait but the Lord's timing is perfect. What a privilege it is to share this wonderful news! I know a long road still lies ahead for Aidan these next few weeks but there is no denying that he is a strong little boy! We love you Aidan!!

Monday, June 27, 2011

It's on it's way

Aidan's gift is coming tonight!! We pray for the Lord's over ruling watch care over Aidan and for strength for Sam, Diane, and Rick. You can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens you.
Go Aidan go!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Aidan's journey thus far

This is a slideshow made by Laki Vazakas, Video Artist in Residence at
Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital.

Love you Aidan! 

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Aidan update

Diane and Sam wanted to let everyone know that Aidan is doing well. He is a happy and playful three year old. It has been nine months in the hospital. God is in this and continue to patiently wait. Diane and Sam are thankful for all your prayers.  We continue to pray for God's continue watch care and over ruling.

Go Aidan go! We love you!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The last mile is always the hardest



An update from Diane:

Dear family and friends,
Aidan continues to get stronger and busier every day.  They moved us to a bigger room so we have more room for toys! The first time Aidan walked into the room he said "Wow!". Pop-pop was here to help us move over and we all settled in to our new space.  The room has two huge windows over looking Boston.  The transplant team is very happy with Aidan, they feel he will do great with his new heart when it comes, he's in a great place medically.  We've been able to get Aidan out into the garden twice now and he loves it, runs and runs with the nurse and me behind him running with his med pumps in our hands, and Sam trying to take pictures! He knows when he has had enough, he will stop and climb back into the stroller and lay back with a smile on his face...  Our nurse's are wonderful with him and great to us, they take such special care of our sweet and sometimes naughty boy...  So even though this is getting very hard to be here so long we are doing our best to keep our chins up.  We've been in Boston 6 months and Aidan has been in hospital's for over 7 1/2 months now, he does not seem to notice though and is very happy.  Aidan is a strong little boy and if he can keep this up so can Sam and I. Thank you all for keeping us safe in your thoughts and prayers, it means the world to us.  We are very blessed with a beautiful family that is always there for us and amazing & loving friends... I thank God everyday for each and everyone of you...
love Diane

My sister, who is a runner, told me when you are running a race in the beginning you have lots of adrenaline to get you started. In the middle you find your pace and settle in. The last miles you start asking yourself why you are doing this and question how much further you can go. The Aidan marathon is a long one but unlike a runner who only has his body to rely on- in this marathon we have the Lord giving strength and endurance. One foot in front of the other- one day at a time. Keep trusting in God and He will give you the strength you need.

"..run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.." Hebrews 12:1-2

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Roar Aidan roar!

Aidan had his trach removed! Yay go Aidan go! He has started talking again which is something he couldn't do when the trach was in. He loves making animal sounds and being loud. Aidan likes to spend his days now climbing around his room (which I know is a work out for Diane and Sam to keep those IV lines from getting tangled!) and playing with his toys. Diane says he loves dancing also. I think this is just so awesome that Aidan is getting to be the Aidan we know. Praising God for this time of relief for Aidan.
Diane and Sam have been in the hospital with Aidan for six months. They have not seen their home or slept in their beds for a half a year. Their world stopped in August but from the view from the window they can see snow! We pray that you guys continue with God and rely on Him for strength. Shout and roar Aidan so everyone can hear how brave and strong you are. We love you!





"Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name;
   make his praise glorious" Psalm 66:1-2



Sunday, January 16, 2011

Bring on the prayers

A note from Diane:

"Hi family and friends, Aidan's week has been up &  down, we had a few really good days, but the last 24 hours or so have been kinda rough again. He has some sort of infection, they are trying to sort out where it's coming from. My guess it's from the trach. Fever over-nite, but that is better, can't keep anything down at all, and heart rate is up. Started two kinds of antibiotic's, so we will see. hugs and love to all!"

  As most of you know Aidan turned three last week and today is Samantha's birthday. I am so grateful that God brought you both into this world and into my life!

Please remember Aidan and his family in your prayers today. You can do this Aidan!


 Remember Aidan, Sam, Diane, and Rick-
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13