Car Wash/Raffle Fundraiser

Today was another sleepy day for Hannah although she did open her eyes a couple of times. They have her on Xanax (sp), an anti-anxiety drug, so she won't thrash around so much and it seems to work pretty well.

I think I've mentioned before the overwhelming support and love shown by so many people. Everywhere I go people stop me and inquire about Hannah, Billie and Dave. It's also so touching when kids ask about her. If I go to the school or a church event, there are always a few children who ask me how Hannah is doing. I think it's so awesome that so many kids are caring and compassionate and almost two weeks after the accident they haven't forgotten about her.

A car wash fundraiser will be held tomorrow (Sat) at the Taco Time parking lot from 11am -3pm. They will be raffling off some really great items like a Browning X-Bolt 300 Win Caliber rifle donated by Sportman's Corner, gas cards, Winger's gift cards, oil changes and much more. If you're in Price, please come down and get your car washed and pass the word along to all your friends! :)

Pinewood Derby

Hannah's surgery went well yesterday and they loaded her up with pain meds which have totally knocked her out. They decided to be nice today and just let her sleep. She's been sleeping so soundly that the physical therapists even decided to leave her alone.

That's about all there is to report on Hannah's condition for the day. So while she's been sleeping and healing, Jaxton's had a busy afternoon and evening. We invited his best friend over to play and wow, is it different having to keep track of two really busy boys! For those of you who don't know us, we have three girls and our neighborhood is 90% girls so that's all I really know. Jaxton and Jacob were in a different spot, playing a different game about every 3 minutes. I'm exhausted!

This evening we were able to take Jaxton to his Pinewood Derby race. Dave came down and really enjoyed being able to spend the evening with Jaxy and watch his awesome car race. Jaxton's car took 2nd place in his Bear group and won the prize for the Most Realistic. Dave did an great job making the car...it's one of the coolest cars I've ever seen. It wasn't totally finished when the accident happened last week, so his friend, Steve, finished Jaxy's car and a car for Hannah.






Hannah's car was reallycool. Purple and pink with flames on the hood...it beat the overall winner every time down the track!! We'll show her the pics and video when she's more coherent.

Hannah's 1st Surgery

Here are a few pictures from my visit with Hannah today with some pictures of items around Primary Children's Hospital.

When I arrived just after lunch, Hannah was being prepped for her first surgery. At first the doctors were planning on wiring her jaw shut to help the jaw heal, which is fractured; however after reviewing the procedures and risks of damaging her permanent teeth not yet in they decided to insert a metal plate. The metal plate acts like a bandaid bracing the fracture together and will be in place for about 6 weeks at which time the doctors will remove the plate.

Other than this major step, Hannah looked really good. Her swelling continues to decrease. Her bruise on her eye and check are healing (slowly). Because of the surgery she continues to have breathing assistance, but as she gets stronger she will rely less and less on the machine.

Another step taken today was the removal of the breathing tube in her throat and the implementation of a trach. The trach was inserted for safety and possible emergency situations that may arise in the future.

Overall Hannah continues to make positive baby steps...stay tuned for more...by Mark J.

Smile!

Since I don't think it's appropriate to post pics of Hannah in this state I've decided to post pics of her little world right now. This picture shows one corner of Hannah's ICU room. So many people have dropped by and expressed their love and concern and brought balloons, blankets, cards, pictures, stuffed animals and so much more. Here are just a few of the gifts that have been given to help bring comfort and encouragement to Hannah and her family.

Another gift, that's going to the hospital tomorrow, is this Radio Flyer wagon from our neighbor Sam, a veteran of Primary Children's Medical Center. He said a wagon is a must-have in that hospital for a couple of reasons: 1) to cart all the gifts and gear when she changes rooms or taking stuff to the car; and 2) taking Hannah for rides around the hospital as soon as she's ready. He also said to have all the doctors, nurses and specialists sign it so she will always know how many people cared for her at the hospital. What an awesome gift!! Thanks Sam!

Now for the update. Hannah gave us more reasons to be hopeful today. She has spent more and more time off the ventilator last night and today and they're hoping she'll be totally off tomorrow. The docs want to start fixing her jaw and are getting ready to wire her jaw shut so that can start healing. In order to do that she has to be off the ventilator and they've proposed doing a tracheotomy in case she needs help breathing. I'm not going to lie, it disturbs me that they would do that to a little girl but the doc has assured Hannah's parents that it's a minor procedure and it will heal very well. So, we trust the doctors know what they're doing and hope she continues to grow stronger and won't need to use the trach tube. But, with a jaw that's wired shut it sounds like it's time to learn sign language.

Hannah's been responding to pain like most people would...irritation, anger, agitation...and today she responded to be tickled by smiling! Billie said it was sooo cute. We love hearing news like that and hope to have little victories, little celebrations each day.

Hannah's New Buddy

This is Hannah's new companion at the hospital. When we checked in at the hospital last Tues night, the security guard gave this Care Bear to Jaxy to give to Hannah. It's been right next to her in her bed ever since. I wonder if she knows it's there? I wonder if it gives her the comfort we hope it does.

More good news at the end of this day. Hannah was off the ventilator all day long which was a great accomplishment. As soon as she can breath on her own and get enough oxygen she'll be moved out of ICU. She opened her eyes again today but she's pretty groggy so falls back asleep.

Jaxy also had a successful day going back to school. Although he was apprehensive at first, he fell quickly into the routine and even talked about Hannah and what it's like at the hospital. We appreciate all the help and support that is available to him from his teacher, the school counselor and the principal.

Two big days for a brother and sister who are so lucky to have each other.

Saturday Night

I was up in SL for the Young Women's General Meeting and ducked away to visit Dave and Hannah at the hospital. Dave was pretty tired and I interrupted his nap but we had a nice visit. Mr Averett (Hannah's teacher) had brought up two scrapbooks filled with get well cards that all the first graders had made. I read through a few of them and they brought me to tears. Okay, that's really not that hard to do...They were so sweet. One little girl had written, "Hannah, Remember the game we were playing? I miss you. Get well soon." Thanks for all the work you put into that Mr. Averett, Mrs Marchello, Mrs. Erramouspe, and Ms. Ritchie. Hannah's going to love reading those.

Our neighbors Sam and Annie also dropped in for a visit and brought lots of gifts. Sam has been a great help to us since he knows the ins and outs of PCMC.

Yesterday, they took her off the ventilator for an hour and she breathed on her own, although it was labored due to her bruised lung and broken ribs. Last night they took her off the sedation meds and she actually opened her eyes!!!! Yay Hannah! You can do it!! Keep fighting, girl!!!

Dave has read this blog and the comments and is very touched (to say the least). He is so surprised and overwhelmed at the generosity, prayers and well-wishes that have been expressed for his family and wants to tell everyone "Thank you, thank you, thank you".

Fast for Hannah

Our family will be dedicating tomorrow's fast to Hannah and would like to invite any of you fasting types who are able and willing to do that to join us.

Please fast and pray for Hannah.