Hi, my name is Noah Abner Clark. During my 20-week ultrasound, I was diagnosed with a severe right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Essentially, my diaphragm failed to fully form, and thus, many of my abdominal organs (namely my liver), herniated into my chest which in turn inhibited the growth of my emergent lungs. The average survival-rate for babies specifically like me is around 50%--a proverbial coin toss. My mom and dad thought that perhaps in-utero surgery would be best, but they ultimately decided that for my case, surgery after my birth would give me even a better chance to survive.

In order to find the finest care, my parents consulted with or actually visited many far-away places, including San Francisco, Houston, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Denver, Baltimore, and Seattle. Ultimately, however, we decided to travel 3500 miles from home so that I could be born and live at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in sunny St. Petersburg FL. My doctor is Dr. David Kays and my nurse is Joy Perkins. You should pray for them.

My road will be long, one potentially wrought with many setbacks and "close-calls." I'll do my best, but I would appreciate some much-needed help. So if you would, pray for me. And if I don't make it, still know that it is "well with my soul."


Sincerely, your pal,
Noah

P.S. You can learn more about what I'll be experiencing if you watch "Adam's Story"--a video my folks found while surfing the web. Right-click HERE.
P.S.S. Check back regularly to see my blog updates.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

October 17, 2016: My Family And My Hospital


That’s my family standing in front of the hospital; they’ll be helping me out. My dad’s name is Daniel; my mom’s name is Shannon; the girl on the left is my sister, McKenna; in the middle with me, is my older brother, Lincoln; my older sister on the right, Johanna, is wearing the yellow shirt. My birthday will be on October 20th! Don't forget to pray, and I won't forget to breathe.





31 comments:

Jayne said...

Lots of prayers sent your way.

Unknown said...

Wishing you all the best. Sending lots of positive thoughts

Michelle said...

hugs, love, and prayers:-)

Anonymous said...

We miss you neighbors! We will pray for baby Noah, his doctor and nurse, and of course mom, dad, brother, and sisters! All our love, The Mitchell Family (Ryan, Megan, Maliah, and Maverick)

Anonymous said...

Love you guys! Sending our thoughts and love to you all. Hugs

The Patneys

Jenn Ryan said...

We love you and miss you all so much!!! Sending hugs to you, and praying for you every day. Thank you so much for keeping us connected with this blog. Love Ben, Jenn, Audrey and James

Unknown said...

Love the pictures. So good to see you! Miss you all. Sending love, hugs and prayers. (Lane, Melissa, Grace, Tommy, Ellie and Sadie).

Alison said...

Love you guys! Sending you all hugs and prayers - The Sokols

Teri said...

You just do what you need to do Noah. The Dr's and nurses are going to do everything they know to do. There's a lot of people asking Jesus to help those Dr's and nurses fix your little body so it works properly. There's so many people that already love you and are anxious to meet your little self. Have a happy birth-day on Oct. 20. You are loved little man. We're all praying for that sweet family of yours also.

Anonymous said...

Love and hugs all the way from Ireland. Look forward to seeing you gorgeous little face!

Tommy said...

Very best of luck Shannon and family. Thinking of you tomorrow and will say a prayer for you and Noah....

Beth said...

Praying for guys tomorrow and for all of your family as they stand by you through this next journey.

Unknown said...

This is Ashley, miss you guys, and love you guys.

Unknown said...

Daniel, Shannon, Johanna, McKenna and Lincoln,

I am pleading with the Lord for Noah's safe delivery and a miracle where we can all stand and say "Only God, the true Healer". We are praying without ceasing.

Donna

Heather Faye said...

Prayers, prayers, prayers and double prayers! We all love you so much! Fight little man, fight with all your little might!

Heather Faye said...

Prayers, prayers, prayers and double prayers! We all love you so much! Fight little man, fight with all your little might!

Kora Young said...

Tons and tons of prayers for all of you. Love all of you very much!

Unknown said...

Many blessings and prayers from CA... This is such a time of faith, hope and love and we will be praying that His grace and mercy will be multiplied these next few weeks. I praise the Lord that He will be glorified and your faith strengthened in a way that will have eternal impact for all watching. Once step at a time, one day at a time. Thank you Jesus for all that you do for us. Father you are our All and All... surround this family with the peace that only You can give. In Jesus holy name... Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion Psl 103:2-4

Miller family said...

Prayers for you little Noah and for your family. Our thoughts are with you and your beautiful family Shannon. Jesse, Carolyn, Cole and Rielle Miller .

Janet said...

Thinking of you all and keeping Noah (and everyone) in my prayers.

I Can Work With That said...

I am a friend of Mark and Joby. Praying this little one is well and the birth is uneventful and easy on mom too.

Yearicks said...

Also friends of Joby and Mark, we add our prayers for peace as you anticipate Noah's birth tomorrow. May God bless you all abundantly and beyond imagination.

BAC :) said...

Thinking about
and praying for you!

Anonymous said...

Today is a big day!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the name Noah, to me it embodies strength, faith, perseverance and belief in self in the midst of chaos.

I will take time through out the day to celebrate Noah and your family, and will send you all strength, love and faith!

Nicole Rousseau

Anonymous said...

Love and prayers for you and your family. Holy Spirit come.

Stephen & Mildred Broadwell said...

We've been praying for Noah every day since we found out. Have faith that everything will happen according to God's will. Remember Exodus 14:14: The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

northj2002 said...

We are praying for Noah and for all of you. We are praying for God to breathe life ad strength into Noah's body and bring perfect healing to his physical body. Praying also for you Daniel and Shannon.

northj2002 said...

We are praying for Noah and for all of you. We are praying for God to breathe life ad strength into Noah's body and bring perfect healing to his physical body. Praying also for you Daniel and Shannon.

Anonymous said...

I'll be praying for you Noah (and for Dr Kays!).
Think Thin!!
Love Mutti

Anonymous said...

YIPPEE you made it!!
All the organs in their right place.
God is good!

Mutte

Aunt Barb. said...

Hi, little guy. What a fine little trouper you are. Come home as soon as you can; the neighborhood is waiting. And I look forward to giving you a big hug. Aunt Barb.