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.

Friday, October 28, 2016

OCT 28TH, 2016--A Brother's Touch


Good morning yet again to all of my friends!!! After having been pricked and prodded, repeatedly messed with, and even cut open, I still find that I can't complain. You know why? Because I have been blessed with a brother-of-a-lifetime. I never knew that a four-year-old sibling would care so much for a broken kid like me. His name is Lincoln. 

For example, when I was in my mama's tummy, Lincoln was always afraid of waking her up in the morning for fear that I wouldn't grow big enough. And when he earned enough money from his "money chores" to buy a toy, what did he do? He bought one for me instead of himself! And when he first saw my mama on the day of my birth, he didn't think of himself. Instead, with a quiver in his voice, he asked about me: "Mama," he said, "is Noah alive? Is he going to live?" Well, I sure hope so, because its a good thing to be born, but its a better thing to be born with a good brother. I do hope to share him with you all some day. Your pal, Noah.

P.S. I would like to also welcome two of my newest friends who live in the far away countries of Iceland and Mongolia!

11 comments:

Jenn Ryan said...

Love this! Lincoln you are an amazing boy! What a special brother. Love you all, we will continue to pray and we love getting the updates!

Unknown said...

What a great big brother! Love you all so much and continued prayers for your healing.

Aunt Snookie

Unknown said...

Keep it up Noah :)

Unknown said...

Keep it up Noah :)

Kyleen said...

Awesome! What a beautiful picture.

Anonymous said...

Donna said... Aww... So sweet. Keep on fighting Noah. You are lucky to have such a great brother and family! D x

Hilda Pash said...

Keep on working hard. I'm sure you had fun having your brother by your side. You are amazing Noah, you sure are. I can't wait to meet you in person.
Keep on working hard and we will keep on praying for you!

Debi Vinnedge said...

Hi Noah - I have been away in Maryland for a few days and I am soooo happy to read how great you are doing! God is so good to answer so many prayers for you! Give your mama and daddy some extra special snuggles cuz I know they were so worried about your surgery. Love you little guy...can't wait to meet you some day!

Mary said...

Thanks for telling us about your big brother Lincoln! You boys are going to have a lot of fun together! Look at all the places you will have to visit to meet all the friends you are making! Hope you had a great day Noah. Can't wait to hear about in the morning.

The Mitchells said...

Way to go Lincoln! By the way, your friend Maverick misses you very much! We are praying for you ALL!

Janet said...

Always so happy to hear great news from you Noah and to read your adventures. Lincoln will be your best buddy forever.