On Friday, October 8th, Kelsey was removed from the bypass machine that had kept her alive and on Monday, October 11th, Kelsey's chest was finally closed. She did remain, however, on an external pacing device, her heart was in complete block and unable to pace itself. Another week would go by with no improvement. Kelsey’s heart wasn’t responding. As devastating as one could imagine, the decision was made; Kelsey now needed a permanent pacemaker inserted. This meant back to the OR, back on the ventilator, back on the paralytic drugs and yet once again, opening Kelsey’s tiny little chest incision. The operation was successful, but so fearful of infection, Kelsey’s surgeons kept her on three IV antibiotics.
Kelsey has been on so many drugs, she’s not the vibrant, active 16 month old, they once knew. John and Lisa haven’t seen their little girl smile or laugh in over a month. They have not left the hospital in all this time, months of stress, anxiety and disappointments. They have been Kelsey’s advocate from the very beginning. They have stayed strong for her. Even when they feel like they cannot go on any longer. When they want to give up, when they are just too tired and exhaustion takes over their bodies and minds. They just look at this precious little girl who is their prize fighter. Kelsey will not give up, and they are her biggest fans!
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