Thursday, February 6, 2014

A Legacy In the "Fight of Her Life"

One of the greatest fears we have as parents is that something will happen to our child that keeps up from protecting them. For us, this fear has come true. Our daughter, Josie, is currently in the PICU at Saint Francis Children's Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

In September, Josie had low hemoglobin which led to a short stay in the hospital for a blood transfusion. She was better for a short time, but slowly her hemoglobin began to drop again. After regular visits to the oncologist, more blood transfusions, a bone marrow extraction, and pneumonia we were left with a questionable diagnosis of iron deficient anemia.

Josie was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, January 28 with pneumonia. Shortly after she was admitted she was put on life support because her lungs were failing. The doctors believe she has a disease called Pulmonary Hemosiderosis which affects only 1 in 1.5 million people. After several tests, examinations, and a lung biopsy we are still awaiting the results for a definitive diagnosis.

I've always had a solid faith, but more than ever I understand the power of prayer. I started a Facebook page, "Prayers for Josie", to ask others to pray for my sweet girl. The overwhelming response leaves me speechless and my heart full of gratitude. 

During this time, I am reminded of our symbol, the anchor. It represents hope. I have hope that the doctors will be able to treat her. I have hope that my girl will be able to live as normal a life as before. I have hope that her body will be completely healed and maybe one day they will find a cure. I have hope that one day, she too, will wear the anchor. 

The friendships I made through Delta Gamma have grown throughout the years. The value of sisterhood is priceless. I continue to humbly request your prayers for our daughter. We don't know the path ahead of us, but we have HOPE that we will make it through.

ITB,
Jesseca Welch, Alpha Iota-Oklahoma

27 comments:

  1. Deep thoughts of healing for Josie. Take care of you too, so you can remain well as can be for her.
    ITB,
    AC

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  2. Sending hope and prayers from Washington, DC. ITB <3

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  3. Sending Hope and Prayers for your daughter and family from Kentucky!
    ITB,
    SC

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  4. Praying and sending good vibes from Maryland ITB ♥

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  5. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. ITB

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  6. Sending prayers from California!
    ITB ♡

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  7. Sending you positive vibes from Ohio sister.

    ITB <3

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  8. Prayers for yout sweet daughter, Josie. God can heal all things and my prayer is for healing and strength for her and you as well. ITB- Epsilon Nu Virginia

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  9. Praying for your sweet girl! Talitha koum!
    ITB,
    Ashley from NC

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  10. Sending prayers from WA!
    ITB,
    Carly B

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  11. Hugs to you and your family. May God embrace you during this time of need. God bless sweet Josie. I'm so sorry to hear that she's I'll. What a beautiful little girl. God will watch over her and you as well.

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  12. With many prayers and much love from Pennsylvania. <3 ITB

    Lisa

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  13. Praying for Josie, for you and family. May your little angel get better and may you find the strength to get through this diffiult time. Hold her close when you can, let your love and faith carry you through this moment. Praying for the best possible outcome. ITB, LRH

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  14. jesse! we are each others champion. like kate says, no one tells that we will support each other through this stuff. thank goodnes we have Jesus and the anchor to lean on. i love you and your sweet Josie!
    xoxoxo

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  15. Hope and prayers from Tennessee. ITB, Melissa

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  16. Sending prayers and positive thoughts to your beautiful little girl and your entire family!

    Love from California! ITB

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  17. Prayers for beautiful Josie and to your family! Much love from Illinois. ITB, Anne

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  18. Love from Beta Epsilon-American University!

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  19. Added her to Anchored in Faith group page on Facebook. Prayers for Josie and your family from Tennessee.

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  20. Praying, Praying, Praying ...... Mom of a Delta Gamma Girl

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  21. Prayers for Josie and for her family. I ask The Lord to give you strength and hope and find a cure for Josie. Such a little cutie.
    Heidi O AI chapter, Durango Co

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  22. Sending Hope and Prayers from Alabama!

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  23. hugs and prayers for Josie and your family from Indiana. ITB! <3

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  24. Thoughts and prayer for your little girl and for you, stay strong!

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  25. Sending Josie our love and prayers from Edinburgh, Scotland

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  26. Praying for Josie, and for you and your family! Love and healing wishes from PA. ITB, Kristen

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  27. Praying for your little girl.
    ITB, Teri
    UConn

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