Friday, November 30th 2012

We have been able to see Abbey's big brown eyes a lot today.

She has been waking up a lot more, which has been exciting because we have been able to tell her about all of the visitors that have stopped by and all of the fun cards that her classmates and friends made her.

family

neighbors

friends

co-workers

Abbey is doing very well, considering how sick she was before the transplant.

They will be taking her breathing tube out, and we CAN'T WAIT!

We are looking forward to the nurses and doctors getting to know Abbey's sweet and fun personality.  

Thank you for all of your love and support.

The Owen's

Yesterday morning we heard of a possible donor for Abbey, but because of the extensive process required, we didn't know for sure until midnight.

At 1:00 am this morning, the 9 hour surgery began and Abbey received the greatest gift that anyone could give, a chance at life.  We are forever grateful to this person and their family that gave life to our sweet, fun, strong, brave, and optimistic 11 year old girl. 

Seems as though we can't say enough how blessed and thankful we are to have such great surgeons, doctors, and nurses that have been so kind.

Although we know that the journey for our little Abbey has just begun, we couldn't be more happy and grateful that she has a fighting chance.

Please continue to keep her in your prayers as we know this is just the start. 

Love,

The Owens

We just wanted to start off by saying thank you for all of the love, support, and prayers.  We have truly felt the tender mercies of our Heavenly Father through your prayers and fasting.  As much as we appreciate all of the texts, Facebook messages, and phone calls we have received our focus right now is on Abbey's health, and thought it would be best if we had one source where everyone could be updated on Abbey. 

Abbey was diagnosed with Wilson's Disease, which is a rare genetic liver disease.  Wilson's disease is a build up of copper in the liver that cannot be metabolized.  Most of the food in our diets have traces of copper, but are easily eliminated.  The disease cannot be diagnosed until signs of liver failure are manifested, usually in the early teens.

On Friday, Nov. 23rd Abbey was treated for a bladder infection with an antibiotic which is assumed now to have triggered the acute liver failure associated with the disease.  

Abbey was taken to Cache Valley Specialty Hospital on Sunday, Nov. 25th and was quickly flown to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. 

She is being cared for by the best doctors and nurses we could ever hope for.  Abbey is very sick and is remaining strong to receive her much needed liver transplant.  The nurses and doctors have been amazed by her strength and bravery.  We know that there are angels helping her through this. 

We will periodically update as new information becomes available.  Please continue to pray for our Abbey. 

Once again, thank you for all of your support through this terrible time.

Love, 

The Owen's