First day of school!

A note from Diane:

Hi Everyone!  Well this was a big morning in our lives, Aidan's first day of school!  He was so excited to get to school this morning.  When we got to his class all the other sweet little one's were sitting in the their chairs, oh not our Aidan, he was all over the place checking everything out, and made a new friend in a matter of seconds!  Of course I was a mess, crying... Sam was taking pictures and trying to get Aidan to sit... Rick was standing there smiling...  He waved good-bye to us and said "love you" and that was it, Aidan is in school... How amazing that we are able to have this very special day, so grateful we are. Thank you all for always keeping Aidan in your thoughts and prayers, life is good, we are moving forward!!!  
Always Diane xox
 
Wow! I am so excited for you Aidan. You are one amazing little boy who is loved by many!! 

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

One year ago today...

There is nothing like the love of a boy and his Papa!

A note from Diane:
Life is so good, we have had an amazing year, not always easy, but so blessed!  Aidan is living life to the fullest thanks to all the prayers, love and hope that came our way through the doctor's, nurse's, our incredible family and our loving friends!  Our family and friends never stopped coming to see us (they flew and drove from all over the country), it's what got us through...  We never forget that there is an "angel" and "a family" that gave Aidan this gift of life, how brave and full of love they were to do this...  We are so proud of Aidan, he went through so much to get where we are today, God Bless him always...  We love you sweet boy...

We always pray for all the little heart friends that came into our lives but were not able to go home with their families, we never forget them, knowing that they are pain free, running and playing in heaven gives us some peace...  Fraser, Sam, Amya, Jax, Lily, Sarah, Brooklyn, Jackson, Bobby, Gideon, Evie, Chole & Ethan, we miss and love you, God Bless you all...

We are so proud of all you have done Aidan! You have overcome so much and are an incredibly strong and brave little boy! Keep up the great work. We love you!!

 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

Aidan update

Easter

I would like to apologize for those who have been looking for updates.. I thought no one checked this blog. I am sorry!! Diane will be sending out a one year post transplant update so I will make sure that gets posted.
From what I have heard Aidan is doing pretty well. They have to trek up to Birmingham hospital every 6 weeks but with stomach bugs and small bumps in the road it seems like they are there once a month. There is a cath scheduled for June. He is keeping Sam and Diane quite busy! He has a teacher that comes to the house and he is making great progress.
Aidan's story is an amazing one and I will keep it going! I hope that one day he reads these blogs post and will see how God over ruled for him. That he can draw strength and have unwavering faith in God no matter what is before him.

^"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

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

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

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

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

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!!

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!

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! 

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!

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

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

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

Happy New Year

Rick was discharged a few days after being admitted and is doing ok. Aidan has moved out of the cardiac intensive care unit and is now on the "floor". Go Aidan go! We pray this new year brings you all even closer to God.

An email from Diane:
To all our friends and family please know that we love you all and know how blessed we are, there has been more blessings around us than I could ever count! So for the New Year we all know what we are wishing for... Of course we are hoping and praying for Aidan to get his new heart and have a happy healthy life, we also wish that for all our sweet little one's with us at Boston... May everyone who has touched our lives have a wonderful blessed New Year! Love, hugs and Kisses xox

"Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary " Isiah 40:31

Prayers needed

Rick aka "Pop-pop" was admitted to the ER today in Boston for chest pains. The EKG did not look good and they will be doing a CAT scan soon. Diane said maybe a cath will be done tomorrow. I will post again when I hear more.

If any family can handle this it is the Benardo's. We love you all. Stay strong and lean on the Lord.

"The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble"       Psalm 37:39

Gratitude

An email from Diane:

Dear family and friends,     

All the love, prayers, thoughts and gifts just keep coming... We are blessed in so many ways that my healthy heart is full to the brim with love and gratitude to each and everyone of you!!  So many people have touched our lives with money, gifts, food, cards, a hug and smiles, and it all helps to give us the strenght to get us through this. Waiting and watching Aidan go through this is not easy at all, but I could never imagine doing this without all the support we have gotten from all of you. So to everyone please know that not a day, an hour, a moment goes by where I don't thank God for all the love and beautiful people who are sharing this all with us in New England, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Washington, North Carolina, Florida, New York and the hospital... May all your holiday dreams come true! 

My love to all, Diane

 

P.S. Before I forget Aidan had a wonderful weekend, he is doing great, and had lots of fun with his Oma, Tanta Pattie, my son Stephen and Dayna & Eileen (friends from Boston), he was awake and got to play with everyone! We have made around $600.00 in tee-shirt sales for "The Resource R" thanks to Sam, Laura, Rick and my niece's in Maine!

 

 

Aidan and his NEW blanket from a sweet mother named Heather =)

Rejoicing with you guys that you are able to be together for Christmas and that Aidan has been having some good days. We too are thinking and praying for Aidan every day, every hour, and every moment. You all are doing an amazing job relying on the Lord and trusting in Him. 

"May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance." 2 Thessalonians 3:5

On the move

A text from Diane: "Aidan is doing great! Walking more and more everyday! His personality is coming back. Yeah!"
Go Aidan go! I love seeing these pictures of him out of bed. He is stronger now and is ready for that great gift. There has been talk about moving him off the cardiac intensive care floor to the cardiac floor because he is doing so well.

We pray that Aidan is in God's hands and is working on his behalf. May the family who gives Aidan his gift find strength in the God and peace in knowing that they are saving this amazing kid.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

"I am going for a walk"

After 17 weeks in a hospital bed Aidan decided he wanted to go for a walk. Wearing a diaper and slippers Aidan walked half way down the hallway and back! Go Aidan go! Today was a good day. He has had a rough couple of days with a fever and casts building up. The Lord's timing is perfect and we patiently wait. Keep up the good work Aidan, you are so amazing.

"Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act..." Psalm 37:7

Walk in the rays of a beautiful sun

Special love to "Pop-pop's" (Rick) coworkers at Thyssenkrupp Steel. Thank you for all your prayers and support