On December 20th our lives were forever changed when we found out that our unborn son has a rare and very complex congenital heart defect. Stephen’s heart did not form the way it was designed to and without multiple surgeries he cannot survive outside of the womb. He is due April 24th but the doctors are planning to induce labor right at 39 weeks, and possibly move our family down to the Ronalds McDonald house the week before, to ensure we are where we need to be. He will be born at Sharp Mary Birch in San Diego and then immediately taken across the way to Rady’s Children’s Hospital.
He has some major challenges ahead of him as he will require three major surgeries, one within the first week of life. The surgeries themselves bring inherent risk of death with about 70-75% of babies surviving all three surgeries. The surgeries cannot fix the problem but will only prolong his life (how long the doctors do not know, but many patients face major complications in their late teens to early twenties).
We have wrestled through many emotions over the past few months. The saying “God never gives you more than you can handle” took on a whole new meaning. When we hit the lowest point in our lives we realized there was nothing we could do. God alone can see us through this trial and even gives us peace and hope along the way. We know he is in control and loves Stephen more than our human hearts are capable of. We know our suffering and Stephen’s suffering can have hope because of Christ’s suffering on the cross. We believe God can heal his heart in an instant... and that is our greatest prayer. We also know that if he doesn’t we he will ultimately use this for His glory.
Stephen already has so many people praying for him and for that we are very grateful. We created this blog to help keep you updated on our lives and to ask for continual prayer.
We will be posting more about our story and what we have learned but for now please continue to pray for a miraculous healing.
With Much Love and Hope,
Joe & Kim
May God's will be done! I will keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeletethe rohlands love the russells!!! we will be praying for your sweet stephen's healing, to God be the glory <3
ReplyDeleteStephen is already blessed with two incredible parents. Our prayers and support are with you through all of this. Anything you need, you got it! Just call :)
ReplyDeleteGod gives us "grace" for today..tomorrow we could need more..He'll give it to you most lavishly when you need it. Praise GOD for all He gives us! Jesus loves the "little" children, totally dependent on HIM! STEPHEN is in precious hands.
ReplyDelete