View Full Version : RIP Aidan /Please Continue To Donate As Bills Are Still Coming In
LilChief
01-08-06, 10:13 AM
Many of you have read my previous threads regarding our friends little baby Aidan. Aidan was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma at the age of 10 months.
http://www.stjude.org/disease-summaries/0,2557,449_2167_7426,00.html
He was on a priority 1 waiting list for a liver donor, which ideally would be another small child...but time was getting short and last March it was determined that while not the ideal situation, his mother Kimberly could donate part of her liver to him. Kimberly and Aidan underwent their surgeries in March of '05, and have been at the Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh since that time. By Thanksgiving, after months of chemo and several ups and downs, it looked like Aidan would be home for Christmas. On December 1st, he turned 2 years old, and his family celebrated what they thought was the light at the end of the long tunnel towards Aidan recovery.
Then on December 6th, Aidan took a sudden and serious turn for the worse. His organs were failing, and he was on life support. It didn't look like he would survive the next few days. But Aidan is a litle fighter, and with alot of extreme medical help and answered prayers, he was able to pull out of his critical state. Unfortunately, his new liver is irrepairably damaged, so now Adian is back on the donor list...this time as a priority 2 candidate because he is now "Cancer Free" from all the chemo and surgeries. He is back at square one in terms of his recovery, and now must wait for a more age appropriate match.
His mother Kimberly left her job before the first surgery to take care of him, and has not been home to Connecticut since early March. His father Kevin has to remain here and keep working to keep up insurance and pay the mounting bills. He drives to Pittsburgh (8 hrs each way) on weekends to be with them. As many bills as have accumulated over the past 10 months, they are looking at starting the whole process over again, with even more expenses.
I know a few of you had already sent donations to Aidan's fund in the past, but in light of these new challenges ahead of them, Jim and Deb kindly agreed to let me sticky this thread with information on Aidan's Fund, so that we might all be able to help this poor family in any way we can. If you'd like to donate, you can either send your donations directly to the fund, or maybe if people wanted to send them all to me and I could put them together in one envelope from NYYFANS.com. If you want to send it to me, just PM me and I'll give you my address. Either way, please send what you can and spread the word. There will also be a raffle at an upcoming fundraiser dinner here in CT and they are looking for some bigger ticket items so they can sell the raffle tickets for $10 each, so if anyone would like to donate any tickets or memorabilia for that, please PM me.
Here is the link to Aidan's webpage at CaringBridge, and it has the info for his fund, as well as his Mom's journal, a guestbook, and a few pictures.
http://www2.caringbridge.org/hi/aidan/index.htm
The address for his fund is:
Aidan Stewart Cancer Fund
c/o Farmington Savings Bank
117 East Street
Plainville, CT 06062
Sorry to be so long winded, but I want to make sure everyone knows the whole story so they can decide (hopefully) to help in any way they can. Every little bit helps!
Thanks in advance everyone!
LilChief
01-09-06, 08:25 AM
Barb, thanks for the PM and I will let you know when I recieve your check. Your donation will be greatly appreciated!
Barb51850
01-09-06, 08:30 AM
Barb, thanks for the PM and I will let you know when I recieve your check. Your donation will be greatly appreciated!
I'm happy to help, even in a small way. I was just looking at Aidan's web page, and the photo of his mom holding him after 4 weeks in intensive care made me cry.
LilChief
01-09-06, 10:41 AM
Thanks Paul...your donation is greatly appreciated...
LilChief
01-09-06, 08:22 PM
Thank you Rita! I'll include your donation in the NYYFANS envelope.
Please keep the donations coming if you are able folks! Thanks!
LilChief
01-10-06, 05:21 AM
Just a thought for those of you who want to send your donations in directly, how about putting "NYYFANS Member donation" or something in the memo field on your check...I just thought it would be nice if they knew they were part of the same group that is mailing their checks to me to make one group donation. I know in the past they have wondered where some donations have come from or how people heard about them. Just a suggestion...Thanks Again!
LilChief
01-10-06, 05:30 AM
I just received another email update from Stacie of Aidan's Angels- FYI
Good Morning Everyone,
Aidan has had a bad day. He has developed a fungal infection which has
taken him off the transplant list for at least 21 days. At the same time he
now is receiving the plasma exchange every day This is because tests
are showing that indeed part of the liver has died. The transfusionss will
continue for 2 months and will keep him stable. Hope is high that a
liver his size will become available once he is back on the transplant
list, but if not then perhaps a cadaveric liver will become necessary.
We continue with our prayers and keep hope alive ...everyday is a
miracle for Aidan as he struggles to overcome these issues. Our
love and prayers are so important and they surround Kimberly and
Aidan and give them strength.
The first meeting of Aidan's Angels was held last Sunday. We discussed
a number of ideas. Our next scheduled meeting is for
Friday, January 27th at 7pm at Dinallene's home in Wolcott.
Please bring any paperwork you have from last year--thank you list,
anything you have. Also, please bring in cans and jars for our
coin collection as we will be putting new pictures and update on them.
This year will be less work as we did so much and learned so much
last year. We are attempting to get non-profit status for Aidan, which
will really help in getting funds from grants and philanthropic foundations.
Please come to the meeting. We need you ideas and your help to make
this year more successful than last year.
Take care and God Bless all of you,
Stacie
:(
texasyankee
01-10-06, 08:24 PM
Doing what I can to spread the word for Aidan.......
LilChief
01-10-06, 09:25 PM
Doing what I can to spread the word for Aidan.......
Thanks Paul...Hopefully we'll get a few more forumers involved and it will begin to snowball, but no matter what, every donation helps, and every person who is made aware of his situation is one more person who might want to get involved and help out.
LilChief
01-11-06, 07:50 AM
Just a thought/request...I realize that it's right after the holidays and most of us are low on funds, but even if you can't send a donation right now, if you could add the link to Aidan's website to your signature as Texasyankee and I have done, it might make people aware of the situation who wouldn't have come to this thread to read the story. That way you could still help by bringing attention to Aidan's fund without having to send any money. Thanks.
texasyankee
01-11-06, 07:59 AM
Would it be okay if we passed along Aidan's website to others via the internet & other message boards who we trust?
This child needs our help. The more the word gets out, the more help he can get.
LilChief
01-11-06, 08:05 AM
Would it be okay if we passed along Aidan's website to others via the internet & other message boards who we trust?
This child needs our help. The more the word gets out, the more help he can get.
ABSOLUTELY!!!
Please feel free to forward this to friends and family, or post it on other message boards that you are a member of...the more people who see it the better! I have already emailed it to everyone in my address book.
Thanks Again!
Dave Visbeck
01-11-06, 09:34 AM
Jenn and I will participate with a little donation to the envelope as soon as we get back to California on Thursday evening. Sooner if Jenn brought our checkbook along ... I'll have to go see.
Wishing the little guy lots of the Red Sox luck from 2004. If we could turn it around ... so will Aidan.
LilChief
01-11-06, 10:43 AM
Thanks Dave (Bless your little Red Sox heart!) and Thanks Jenn! Your contribution is greatly appreciated! Every dollar we can send them is one less dollar off that huge mountain of bills over their heads. :2thumbs:
I added the link to my sig. It's the least I could do at the moment.
Thanks for keeping us posted! Also sending my prayers along as usual.
LilChief
01-11-06, 02:33 PM
I added the link to my sig. It's the least I could do at the moment.
Thanks for keeping us posted! Also sending my prayers along as usual.
Thanks so much! Even having the link in your sig will expose it to more people who might be able to donate, or pass it along themselves..your help is appreciated! ;)
LilChief
01-13-06, 08:25 AM
I received some cautiously optomistic news on Aidan last night...his condition/infection is improving faster than they expected, and they may be able to put him back on the transplant list as soon as 72 hours, as opposed to the 21 days they had expected. Hopefully this way, if an approriate match liver becomes available, at least he will be stable enough and on the list to receive it.
Keep the prayers coming, hopefully they are working!
Thanks!
texasyankee
01-13-06, 08:28 AM
glad to hear some good news. he's a fighter!
Barb51850
01-13-06, 10:56 AM
Thanks for the update. This little guy is amazing.
With continued prayers for Aidan -
Barb
LilChief
01-13-06, 11:02 AM
Thanks for the update. This little guy is amazing.
With continued prayers for Aidan -
Barb
My husband and I were discussing all he's been through, and my husband wonders, what kind of long term effects is he going to have from all this chemo, and surgery, and medication? I think even once he gets his new liver and finally comes home, it will be a long time, if ever, before things will be 100% normal for the poor little man.
But then when you think about how strong he's been throught it all, he never stops surprising us all!
Thanks for caring guys...;)
LilChief
01-15-06, 12:09 PM
I'm happy to help, even in a small way. I was just looking at Aidan's web page, and the photo of his mom holding him after 4 weeks in intensive care made me cry.
Barb, I got your check in yesterday's mail. Thank you so much for your generous donation! I will probably wait till I get a few more in, and then forward them to his fund as a group effort.
Thanks Again! :clap: :2thumbs: :clapping: :cheer:
Dave Visbeck
01-15-06, 08:06 PM
Barb, I got your check in yesterday's mail. Thank you so much for your generous donation! I will probably wait till I get a few more in, and then forward them to his fund as a group effort.
Thanks Again! :clap: :2thumbs: :clapping: :cheer:
Give me a PM when you get ours. I want to know about the post mark and time it took to get there. Hope some guy named Mickey doesn't work for the Loveland Post Office in Ohio! :eek:
LilChief
01-16-06, 12:35 AM
Give me a PM when you get ours. I want to know about the post mark and time it took to get there. Hope some guy named Mickey doesn't work for the Loveland Post Office in Ohio! :eek:
I'll be sure to PM you Dave, but as far as the postmark and the time...we have been having HORRIBLE mail delivery times here lately, to the point that my mail carrier has complained to me about it!
"Mrs. M, you see this? We just got these out of date sales flyers, they changed where the mail is being sorted from Hartford to Wallingford, and everything is getting to us days later than it should"
But it will get here...just maybe on the back of a turtle! ;) :P
Thanks again for sending it...don't forget to add the "Help Aidan" link to your sig if you can!
LilChief
01-17-06, 12:00 PM
I'll be sure to PM you Dave, but as far as the postmark and the time...we have been having HORRIBLE mail delivery times here lately, to the point that my mail carrier has complained to me about it!
"Mrs. M, you see this? We just got these out of date sales flyers, they changed where the mail is being sorted from Hartford to Wallingford, and everything is getting to us days later than it should"
But it will get here...just maybe on the back of a turtle! ;) :P
Thanks again for sending it...don't forget to add the "Help Aidan" link to your sig if you can!
Still waiting for the mail to show up Dave...I'll let you know if it's there as soon as/if the mail ever gets here! :dunno:
Just a reminder to those who can't donate anything right now...please add the "Help Aidan" link to your signature to help direct others who might be able to donate or help in some way. Thank you all so much!
LilChief
01-17-06, 12:09 PM
Dave, Paul, and Barbara...please accept my belated thanks for your kind messages in the guestbook on Aidan's webpage...I haven't read the guestbook in over a week and this was the first I'd seen your entries.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
LilChief
01-17-06, 05:22 PM
Dave, I got your check today! Thank you so much! I am going to wait for a few more that are on thier way to me, and hopefully others will follow. Once we have a nice group donation I'll submit tham all together.
Anyone up for trying to meet a challenge/goal?
So far (not counting the checks I haven't received yet) we have collected $120 for Aidan's Fund...I'd really like to get enough people involved to bring that up to at least $500...what do you say everyone?
I know not all "members" are active, but the site lists a membership of over 12,000!!!
If only 1% of that membership sent it just $5 we'd have $600! So far we have a total of 3 donations received and 2 more on the way. I'll keep updating the total every few days or so...Please don't think a small donation won't be enough to help, it all adds up!
Thank you all so much!
Dave Visbeck
01-19-06, 01:09 AM
Anyone up for trying to meet a challenge/goal?
So far (not counting the checks I haven't received yet) we have collected $120 for Aidan's Fund...I'd really like to get enough people involved to bring that up to at least $500...what do you say everyone?
I know not all "members" are active, but the site lists a membership of over 12,000!!!
If only 1% of that membership sent it just $5 we'd have $600! So far we have a total of 3 donations received and 2 more on the way. I'll keep updating the total every few days or so...Please don't think a small donation won't be enough to help, it all adds up!
Thank you all so much!
That doesn't look like a lofty goal to reach or hope for. Sorry I can't do more at this time.
LilChief
01-19-06, 05:05 AM
That doesn't look like a lofty goal to reach or hope for. Sorry I can't do more at this time.
Dave you've done your part, the donation that you and Jenn sent was very generous...we just need more people to get involved now.
Thanks again!
yankeebot
01-19-06, 05:18 AM
I am a little confused about the link. I want to donate online but can I target my donation to help Aidan and family directly or is it a general fund for Caring Bridge? Is it better to send you a check? Thanks.
Linda
LilChief
01-19-06, 06:32 AM
I am a little confused about the link. I want to donate online but can I target my donation to help Aidan and family directly or is it a general fund for Caring Bridge? Is it better to send you a check? Thanks.
Linda
Hi Linda,
Sorry for the confusion. There is a link to donate online to Caring Bridge, but to donate directly to Aidan, you'd have to either send it to the address for his fund:
Aidan Stewart Cancer Fund
c/o Farmington Savings Bank
117 East Street
Plainville, CT 06062
Or BETTER YET send it directly to me (I will PM you my address)
I have a few checks here already and am hoping to be able to collect as many as possible and submit them all together as a combined donation from NYYFANS. I'm trying to reach a goal of at least $500 but we're still a long ways off...so tell your friends and neighbors! ;)
Look for my PM with my address...Thanks again for your kind donation.
LilChief
01-20-06, 04:17 PM
Thank you so much for your donation Sandy! I was suprised it got through the mail to me as fast as it did! I know a few others are still floating around in the US Postal service! Your help is really appreciated! I'll post a new running total after I get a few more donations, maybe the start of next week or so!
PLEASE- Keep them coming people! Thanks!
Dave Visbeck
01-20-06, 06:11 PM
http://www2.caringbridge.org/hi/aidan/98.jpg
Here is the little guy. God bless him. I have a hard time looking at him and just thinking how can it be? :(
*Shoot. On my preview it showed his picture. I must not know how to do it. Is it against the rules to get his picture here? I'm sorry if it is - I just didn't know. :upset:
obsessedyankeefan
01-20-06, 10:15 PM
Thank you so much for your donation Sandy! I was suprised it got through the mail to me as fast as it did! I know a few others are still floating around in the US Postal service! Your help is really appreciated! I'll post a new running total after I get a few more donations, maybe the start of next week or so!
PLEASE- Keep them coming people! Thanks!
Glad it got to you quickly. Sorry this was all I could do for now. Hopefully many more people can donate and it will add up.
Please keep those donations coming everyone! Aidan needs our help! Thanks!
LilChief
01-20-06, 10:44 PM
http://www2.caringbridge.org/hi/aidan/98.jpg
Here is the little guy. God bless him. I have a hard time looking at him and just thinking how can it be? :(
*Shoot. On my preview it showed his picture. I must not know how to do it. Is it against the rules to get his picture here? I'm sorry if it is - I just didn't know. :upset:
Dave, the picture may not have posted but the link works fine...I tried it and got the picture just fine...;)
I think what really shows what he's going through is to follow the link on his webpage to the pictures his Mom has posted and see the one of him with the Christmas hat on, and the one where she finally got to hold him after 4 weeks...those pictures speak 1,000 words.
LilChief
01-20-06, 10:47 PM
Glad it got to you quickly. Sorry this was all I could do for now. Hopefully many more people can donate and it will add up.
Please keep those donations coming everyone! Aidan needs our help! Thanks!
Thanks Again Sandy, and you're right, every donation helps no matter how large or small! ;)
LilChief
01-21-06, 03:19 PM
Teri/GiambiRocks..just recieved both of your generous checks!
Thank you so much!
That was very kind of you to send both a personal donation and one from your company!
So far we have raised $230 total, and I believe there are 3 more donations in the mail.
If you've sent something and I haven't thanked you yet, please let me know, I may not have recieved it yet.
We have a ways to go to get to $500 but we are getting closer...so
PLEASE keep the donations coming!
Thanks to everyone who has helped so far!
Barb51850
01-21-06, 03:57 PM
Teri/GiambiRocks..just recieved both of your generous checks!
Thank you so much!
That was very kind of you to send both a personal donation and one from your company!
So far we have raised $230 total, and I believe there are 3 more donations in the mail.
If you've sent something and I haven't thanked you yet, please let me know, I may not have recieved it yet.
We have a ways to go to get to $500 but we are getting closer...so
PLEASE keep the donations coming!
Thanks to everyone who has helped so far!
Great news!! More...More :)
LilChief
01-21-06, 04:24 PM
Great news!! More...More :)
What she said!!! :rockin: :cheer: :clapping: :rockin: :cheer: :clapping:
texasyankee
01-22-06, 01:05 PM
I dont know about everyone, but as a father of a boy who is only 3 months younger than Aidan, this story strikes close to my heart.
I just want to challenge everyone here to do what they can to help this little boy have a chance at life. Whether it is a donation - whatever the amount, passing Aidan's story to others so they have an opportunity to help, and remembering him in your thoughts & prayers - whatever.
None of us know what life holds for us. But this kid needs a chance.
Just check out the link below. Look at his picture and that smile. Pass the word.
http://www2.caringbridge.org/hi/aidan/index.htm
LilChief
01-23-06, 03:03 PM
I just wanted to post a few excerpts from the lastest email I received from Stacie of Aidan's Angels:
(start quote) Hello Everyone,
I hope you all understand. Some of you are far away friends and some are near. You far away friends---I realize you can't come to meetings, but I hope you will use your voice, and send an email to all the people in your address list and ask them to participate in this cause for Aidan. His medical expenses have sky-rocketed since he was put into the ICU on December 6th. He is still there.
I have no current news of Aidan. He is still receiving plasma phoresis daily to keep him in good health for a transplant. Continue to pray for a matching donor.His window of opportunity is only about 2 months. +
Kimberly and Aidan have been in Pittsburgh for almost a year! The cost of maintaining their home away from home is not cheap. The Ronald McDonald House alone cost $600 a month. Aidan's medical expenses have soared. They expected to be home last June.
This years fund-raiser is so important. We have learned alot since our beginnings in Dinalene's front room. We are now working on getting non-profit eligibility for Aidan, which will help to open more doors for us. There is the Blood /Plasma Drive in Aidan's name, we are working on financing the purchase of the wrist bands we talked about last year. Deb Dawson, who along with her husband, Scott, gave us so very much help at the dinner last year, held her own fund raiser at her hair salon in Plainville--The Hair Spa--and sold Angels...she raised about $400 for the Aidan Stewart Cancer Fund.
Stephanie Milton, whose husband works with Kevin, has been talking up a storm on the NYYfans.com forum and has already started to collect from that group and, if we can get the non-profit status, she will attempt to get us something from the Yankees for our raffle. She also has a connection with a ScoutMaster (something I was thinking about in the Plainville area)..who has offered to have the scouts do something to raise funds so we need to discuss ideas for that.
So--alot going on. (end quote)
So as you all can see, things are not getting any easier any time soon. This poor family has already been through so much and this little man is such a fighter, but they have such a huge challenge ahead of them, and regardless of the outcome, the bills are not going away on their own. If you've been debating sending a donation, or thinking your donation wouldn't be enough to make a difference, PLEASE...now if the time to help...whatever you can send will help, it doesn't have to be alot...a few dollars sent in by many people adds up fast! How much do yo spend on your morning coffee? A newspaper? A fast food lunch? A cocktail after work?
I am trying to do whatever I can through every organization I know or belong to...I'm counting on all of you to help me out here..to help this poor Baby and his family. This has always been a very compassionate and giving group of people...Please help Aidan and his family!
LilChief
01-24-06, 11:38 PM
Thanks so much Tom (FredMuggs), I got your donation today! When the time comes for any fundraising dinners in the area I'll be sure to post them here, as I'd love for you and any others within driving distance to join us there and meet Aidan's family.
shutout
01-25-06, 01:20 PM
How's everything with Adain now???? Any improvement?
LilChief
01-25-06, 02:18 PM
How's everything with Adain now???? Any improvement?
Thanks for asking Michael, I wish I had some good news to report, but he's doing about the same...as far as I know.
He's getting the plasma trasfers daily to keep him stable until they find him a new liver. I guess they can keep that up for about 2 months, and then they have to find a liver. Keep praying they find him one well before the 2 months have passed.
MT_Yankee
01-26-06, 07:19 PM
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!
Hello, my name is Stacie Gannon, I am the Chairman of the Aidan Stewart
Cancer/Transplant FundRaisers. I had to come in and see for myself this
wonderful place called NYYfans.com. I have worked with alot of people this
past year raising funds to help defray the huge medical expenses, many that
are NOT covered by insurance. What you folks are doing here is just plain
NYYFAN-tastic !!!
A successful transplant is the beginning. Aidan
and his family will bear the brunt of many expenses over his lifetime. He will be
on anti-rejection drugs forever. Many of which are not covered by insurance.
Hopefully they will be able to work something out with the pharmaceutical companies. You can't imagine how much medicine he has to take (and I know how hard it was for me to get my little ones to take medicine when they had a cough or cold!!) Kimberly and Kevin are miracle workers when it comes to all the meds they have to get
into Aidan. And Aidan is just a little sweetheart!! The Chemo was very hard on his
little body. The chemo he received was very strong. In a lifetime an adult can only
have four doses. Aidan had all four. Some of the chemo has left him with some hearing difficulties, which was explained to his parents, and some could have had
severe affects to his heart. It is the age old axiom---damned if you do and damned if you don't. But, there a many successful liver transplant children growing up and leading happy, successful lives. I am just continually amazed at the grace and giving of the American People. If every person gave $1.00...imagine!! You are all doing more than I could ever have imagined. I will continue to update LilChief so she can pass it on to all of you. Remember to "donate life" by being a organ donor if something should happen to you and make sure you tell folks who know you that you want to be an organ donor. If people don't know, your gift may go unused.
Take care and thank you!
obsessedyankeefan
01-26-06, 07:52 PM
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!
Hello, my name is Stacie Gannon, I am the Chairman of the Aidan Stewart
Cancer/Transplant FundRaisers. I had to come in and see for myself this
wonderful place called NYYfans.com. I have worked with alot of people this
past year raising funds to help defray the huge medical expenses, many that
are NOT covered by insurance. What you folks are doing here is just plain
NYYFAN-tastic !!!
A successful transplant is the beginning. Aidan
and his family will bear the brunt of many expenses over his lifetime. He will be
on anti-rejection drugs forever. Many of which are not covered by insurance.
Hopefully they will be able to work something out with the pharmaceutical companies. You can't imagine how much medicine he has to take (and I know how hard it was for me to get my little ones to take medicine when they had a cough or cold!!) Kimberly and Kevin are miracle workers when it comes to all the meds they have to get
into Aidan. And Aidan is just a little sweetheart!! The Chemo was very hard on his
little body. The chemo he received was very strong. In a lifetime an adult can only
have four doses. Aidan had all four. Some of the chemo has left him with some hearing difficulties, which was explained to his parents, and some could have had
severe affects to his heart. It is the age old axiom---damned if you do and damned if you don't. But, there a many successful liver transplant children growing up and leading happy, successful lives. I am just continually amazed at the grace and giving of the American People. If every person gave $1.00...imagine!! You are all doing more than I could ever have imagined. I will continue to update LilChief so she can pass it on to all of you. Remember to "donate life" by being a organ donor if something should happen to you and make sure you tell folks who know you that you want to be an organ donor. If people don't know, your gift may go unused.
Take care and thank you!
Welcome Stacie! :)
Please tell Kimberly and Kevin that they have all the support of the NYYFans community and they and Aidan are in our thoughts and prayers. Aidan is such a resilient guy, I have every hope that he will pull through this well. Take care.
Please help Aidan everyone! Every bit helps, no matter big or small the donation!
LilChief
01-28-06, 10:06 AM
Just a quick update..the NYYFANS donation to the Aidan Stewart Cancer Fund is up to $380...
We getting closer to our goal of $500...keep it coming everyone!
Thanks a million to those who have already donated!
Barb51850
01-28-06, 12:57 PM
Just a quick update..the NYYFANS donation to the Aidan Stewart Cancer Fund is up to $380...
We getting closer to our goal of $500...keep it coming everyone!
Thanks a million to those who have already donated!
That's fantastic!! :cheer: :clapping: :clap:
Dave Visbeck
01-29-06, 04:43 PM
Steph. Hope you don't mind that I stole a few quotes from your thread and added them in the (Who am I?) thread in the History, Trivia & Memorabilia (http://forums.nyyfans.com/forumdisplay.php?f=52) section here. I needed some to tie-in with the Who am I? #42. :)
Dave Visbeck
01-29-06, 04:48 PM
Steph. Hope you don't mind that I stole a few quotes from your thread and added them in the (Who am I?) thread in the History, Trivia & Memorabilia (http://forums.nyyfans.com/forumdisplay.php?f=52) section here. I needed some to tie-in with the Who am I? #42. :)
And needed them also for the answer to that question. ;)
LilChief
01-29-06, 05:53 PM
And needed them also for the answer to that question. ;)
No problem Dave! Thanks for all your help!;)
Dave Visbeck
01-30-06, 06:30 AM
Steph. Hope you don't mind that I stole a few quotes from your thread and added them in the (Who am I?) thread in the History, Trivia & Memorabilia (http://forums.nyyfans.com/forumdisplay.php?f=52) section here. I needed some to tie-in with the Who am I? #42. :) And needed them also for the answer to that question. ;)
No problem Dave! Thanks for all your help! ;)
Well... that's good Steph. Because you and Stacie Gannon, the Chairman of the Aidan Stewart Cancer/Transplant Fund Raisers... just might be interested in something quoted from a past Yankee that was added after the right answer was given by NYYFans forum member Steve J Rogers for the Who am I? #42.
The quote was made by a former Yankee star player and is (http://is/) related to part to what Stacie said in her note to all of us here. You both and others here may like to take a look at who the quote came from: :) :NY: :dunno:
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!
Hello, my name is Stacie Gannon, I am the Chairman of the Aidan Stewart
Cancer/Transplant FundRaisers. I had to come in and see for myself this
wonderful place called NYYfans.com. I have worked with alot of people this
past year raising funds to help defray the huge medical expenses, many that
are NOT covered by insurance. What you folks are doing here is just plain
NYYFAN-tastic !!!
A successful transplant is the beginning. Aidan and his family will bear the brunt of many expenses over his lifetime. He will be on anti-rejection drugs forever. Many of which are not covered by insurance. Hopefully they will be able to work something out with the pharmaceutical companies. You can't imagine how much medicine he has to take (and I know how hard it was for me to get my little ones to take medicine when they had a cough or cold!!)
Kimberly and Kevin are miracle workers when it comes to all the meds they have to get into Aidan. And Aidan is just a little sweetheart!! The Chemo was very hard on his little body. The chemo he received was very strong. In a lifetime an adult can only have four doses. Aidan had all four. Some of the chemo has left him with some hearing difficulties, which was explained to his parents, and some could have had severe affects to his heart.
It is the age old axiom---damned if you do and damned if you don't. But, there a many successful liver transplant children growing up and leading happy, successful lives. I am just continually amazed at the grace and giving of the American People. If every person gave $1.00...imagine!! You are all doing more than I could ever have imagined. I will continue to update LilChief so she can pass it on to all of you. Remember to "donate life" by being a organ donor if something should happen to you and make sure you tell folks who know you that you want to be an organ donor. If people don't know, your gift may go unused.
Take care and thank you!
LilChief
02-03-06, 07:35 AM
Ok Folks, time for an update from the "Tally Board".....
Drum Roll Please.............................................................................................................
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We have reached a total NYYFANS combined donation of $480!!!!:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
We are nearly at our goal of $500+...won't YOU be the one to put us over the top? If you were thinking about sending something and haven't done so yet, now would be a great time!
To all who have already donated something, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
texasyankee
02-03-06, 07:50 AM
That's great news. I dont think it will be too difficult to go beyond the $500.
By the way, how is Aidan? What's the latest news?
LilChief
02-03-06, 07:57 AM
That's great news. I dont think it will be too difficult to go beyond the $500.
By the way, how is Aidan? What's the latest news?
Hi Paul! No change in Aidan's condition or status at this point...still having the plasma transfers daily to keep him stable...still waiting for a donor.:( I wish there was more good news to update, but he is stable, so thats a good thing...
Barb51850
02-03-06, 08:15 AM
Ok Folks, time for an update from the "Tally Board".....
Drum Roll Please.............................................................................................................
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We have reached a total NYYFANS combined donation of $480!!!!:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
We are nearly at our goal of $500+...won't YOU be the one to put us over the top? If you were thinking about sending something and haven't done so yet, now would be a great time!
To all who have already donated something, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
Wow!! Fantastic news!! :cheer: :clap: :clapping:
texasyankee
02-03-06, 10:09 AM
Wow!! Fantastic news!! :cheer: :clap: :clapping:
I hope people dont stop sending in donations even if the goal is met.
PS: you might ought to do some cleaning of your PM box.
Barb51850
02-03-06, 10:31 AM
PS: you might ought to do some cleaning of your PM box.
Will do. Thanks.
csc5782
02-03-06, 05:20 PM
Can you Paypal a donation?
obsessedyankeefan
02-03-06, 08:26 PM
Ok Folks, time for an update from the "Tally Board".....
Drum Roll Please.............................................................................................................
>
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We have reached a total NYYFANS combined donation of $480!!!!:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
We are nearly at our goal of $500+...won't YOU be the one to put us over the top? If you were thinking about sending something and haven't done so yet, now would be a great time!
To all who have already donated something, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
Wow!!! Awesome news!!!!! :clapping: :clapping: :clapping:
LilChief
02-03-06, 11:09 PM
Can you Paypal a donation?
Sorry, unfortunately Paypal isn't set up for Aidan's Fund at this time.
Let me know if you want my address to send a donation to by mail...
Thanks in advance!
csc5782
02-04-06, 09:43 AM
Sorry, unfortunately Paypal isn't set up for Aidan's Fund at this time.
Let me know if you want my address to send a donation to by mail...
Thanks in advance!
I found this in the beginning of the thread. I'll send it there, thanks.
Aidan Stewart Cancer Fund
c/o Farmington Savings Bank
117 East Street
Plainville, CT 06062
LilChief
02-04-06, 03:33 PM
I found this in the beginning of the thread. I'll send it there, thanks.
Aidan Stewart Cancer Fund
c/o Farmington Savings Bank
117 East Street
Plainville, CT 06062
Thanks! That's fine...just put NYYFANS in the memo field if you don't mind...just so the family knows where it came from...the ones that have come to me will go in an envelope as one combined "team" donation from NYYFANS, but there have been 1 or 2 that went right to the bank...the main thing is that it all adds up either way to help them!
We are so close to our NYYFANS goal of $500, so anyone else who is still thinking about donating...you can be the one who puts us over the goal!
Once we get over that $500 mark, I will probably go ahead and present it, unless there are checks in the mail that I know I'm waiting for...after that, I will still continue to accept donations, they will just add to our previous total!
So..Keep them coming folks!
Thanks Again!:D
ritaylnil
02-06-06, 11:53 AM
Unexpected expenses in January has delayed my donation, but I definitely will be sending a check which will put it over the top, if that hasn't happened already!
LilChief
02-06-06, 12:03 PM
Unexpected expenses in January has delayed my donation, but I definitely will be sending a check which will put it over the top, if that hasn't happened already!
Thanks Rita, I hear you about the unexpected expenses...seems to be the norn around here these days! I'll probably be turning the NYYFANS donation in sometime next week, but any more donations that trickle in after that are cool too, I'll just give them to the fund once a week or so.;)
LilChief
02-07-06, 08:36 AM
Just to give you all a little update on Aidan....
My husband talked to his Dad Kevin yesterday, and there is no improvement. They are still doing the various transfusions they need to keep him stable, but there is currently no signs of a donor. They can't continue these procedures indefinitly, so they are looking at having Aidan's 19 year old half-sister donate part of her liver now. She is the only other family member who is a possible donor for him. Unless a donor comes along soon, I don't think they have any other choice.:(
Please keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming that a donor is found very soon.
Thanks for all your support everyone...
Dave Visbeck
02-07-06, 08:49 AM
Just to give you all a little update on Aidan....
My husband talked to his Dad Kevin yesterday, and there is no improvement. They are still doing the various transfusions they need to keep him stable, but there is currently no signs of a donor. They can't continue these procedures indefinitly, so they are looking at having Aidan's 19 year old half-sister donate part of her liver now. She is the only other family member who is a possible donor for him. Unless a donor comes along soon, I don't think they have any other choice.:(
Please keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming that a donor is found very soon.
Thanks for all your support everyone...
Quote:
As made by Mickey Mantle himself:
"The best gift I ever got was on June 8, 1995 when an organ donor gave me and five other patients at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas the organs we needed to live. I guess you could say I got another time at bat.
"Now I want to give something back. I can do that first by telling kids and parents to take care of their bodies. Don't drink or do drugs. Your health is the main thing you've got, so don't blow it.
"Second, think hard about being an organ and tissue donor if the time ever comes. Sign this card, carry it with you, and let your family know how you feel. "Thanks for your prayers and kindness. I'll never be able to make up all I owe God and the American people. But if you will join me in supporting the cause of organ and tissue donation, it would be a great start."
texasyankee
02-07-06, 08:21 PM
Just to give you all a little update on Aidan....
My husband talked to his Dad Kevin yesterday, and there is no improvement. They are still doing the various transfusions they need to keep him stable, but there is currently no signs of a donor. They can't continue these procedures indefinitly, so they are looking at having Aidan's 19 year old half-sister donate part of her liver now. She is the only other family member who is a possible donor for him. Unless a donor comes along soon, I don't think they have any other choice.:(
Please keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming that a donor is found very soon.
Thanks for all your support everyone...
Thanks for the update. I hope the procedure is a "go" with Aidan's half-sister.........reminds me of that great song from my teenage years...
"He aint heavy, he's my brother......"
LilChief
02-07-06, 09:47 PM
Thanks for the update. I hope the procedure is a "go" with Aidan's half-sister.........reminds me of that great song from my teenage years...
"He aint heavy, he's my brother......"
So true...as much as I hope things work with his sister being a donor, I think the best option for Aidan would be if they can find him the match he needs elsewhere. I'm not sure there wont be the same issues of size difference that they had when his Mom gave part of her liver last year. It's a matter of the ducts not being the right sizes etc I guess.
In any case, he just needs our prayers that help will arrive soon.
Thanks again for all your support.
Barb51850
02-08-06, 11:56 AM
Stephanie,
I will be going to a silent retreat for women this weekend at a local Catholic retreat house. There are usually about 100 women attending. Imagine 100 women being silent for that long? :) Seriously, it is a very beautiful experience. Aidan and his family will be in my prayers during that time. I will also pray for you and all my nyyfans.com friends.
Barb
LilChief
02-08-06, 01:20 PM
Stephanie,
I will be going to a silent retreat for women this weekend at a local Catholic retreat house. There are usually about 100 women attending. Imagine 100 women being silent for that long? :) Seriously, it is a very beautiful experience. Aidan and his family will be in my prayers during that time. I will also pray for you and all my nyyfans.com friends.
Barb
Thank you Barb, The prayers are very much appreciated!
LilChief
02-13-06, 07:23 AM
Hi everyone, I just wanted to post the latest update I received this morning from Stacie of Aidan's Angels:
"
Please continue to pray for Aidan, as I know you all do. He is having a difficult time these days. It seems like one thing is fixed and something else goes wrong. Kimberbly is constantly by his bedside, although exhausted, she makes sure all that can be done for Aidan is being done. Aidan is under more sedation and he is still on the respirator. He had to have some small surgeries to re-do his IVs because they were not stable. His lungs are having some problems as is his heart. I do not have details, but all of this is having a toll on his little body. He continues to fight the good fight. His smile makes your heart break for him. Dear Lord, bless and watch over this child.Send your Angels to protect him and strengthen him as he waits for the transplant. We pray for a miracle Dear Lord, we pray for a miracle for Aidan.
Take care ..........Stacie
:(
Hi everyone, I just wanted to post the latest update I received this morning from Stacie of Aidan's Angels:
"
Please continue to pray for Aidan, as I know you all do. He is having a difficult time these days. It seems like one thing is fixed and something else goes wrong. Kimberbly is constantly by his bedside, although exhausted, she makes sure all that can be done for Aidan is being done. Aidan is under more sedation and he is still on the respirator. He had to have some small surgeries to re-do his IVs because they were not stable. His lungs are having some problems as is his heart. I do not have details, but all of this is having a toll on his little body. He continues to fight the good fight. His smile makes your heart break for him. Dear Lord, bless and watch over this child.Send your Angels to protect him and strengthen him as he waits for the transplant. We pray for a miracle Dear Lord, we pray for a miracle for Aidan.
Take care ..........Stacie
:(
My heart is breaking for this poor kid. :(
LilChief
02-15-06, 05:27 AM
I got an IM from Stacie late last night that Aidan is having a difficult time, so please continue the prayers.
Kevin is going down to spend the long weekend with them, and it looks like Aidan's older half sister will be donating part of her liver as no other donor has become available. It's really not the best option, but at this point it may be their only one.
I plan to give Kevin our NYYFANS donation when he gets back from Pittsburgh after the long weekend, so if anyone else wanted to add to it, now would be a good time. I still have 3 or 4 that are in the mail to me, but if they aren't here when I give the donation to Kevin, I'll just pass them along when they do get here...
Keep praying folks, he needs us now more than ever! :(
texasyankee
02-15-06, 06:34 AM
I feel so helpless - I'm sure the parents are beyond desperate. Reading about Aidan and the latest developments makes everything else so insignificant.
With increased urgency, my thoughts....my prayers....for Aidan.
Barb51850
02-15-06, 06:54 AM
My heartfelt prayers are continuing for Aidan and his family.
texasyankee
02-15-06, 06:56 AM
......I plan to give Kevin our NYYFANS donation when he gets back from Pittsburgh after the long weekend, so if anyone else wanted to add to it, now would be a good time........
Keep praying folks, he needs us now more than ever! :(
Steph - In addition to my prayers, I've got a check I'm sending to you in the mail today for Aidan.....Hopefully you will get it by Friday.
LilChief
02-15-06, 07:53 AM
Thank you all for your continued prayers, Aidan needs all the help he can get.
Paul, Thank you for yet another donation on it's way....this is what, your 3rd donation?
You are awesome, Sir!:clap:
You are all awesome...those who have donated, those who have sent prayers or cards.
This family needs every bit of extra strength we can send their way, and I know they truly appreciate it. Thank you all again, from the bottom of my heart.
texasyankee
02-15-06, 08:10 AM
I only wish I could do more.......I'm a father.....when I look at his face in the picture below, I see my own son....I search my heart & find myself helpless..... :(
http://www2.caringbridge.org/hi/aidan/98.jpg
LilChief
02-15-06, 08:29 AM
There is an older picture of Aidan in this thread, taken before the first surgery.
http://forums.nyyfans.com/showpost.php?p=1961808&postcount=4
He was just a baby in this one. :(
Hang in there little man!
My prayers continue to go out to Aidan and his family. This has to be so hard for them.
LilChief
02-15-06, 03:06 PM
Just to update everyone a bit more....Aidan's Dad Kevin is going to stop over after work tomorrow for a visit before he heads to Pittsburgh for the long weekend. I am going to go ahead and give him what we have collected from NYYFANS so far. I know there are a few more donations on the way, I will give those to him every week or so as they come in.
This by no means closes this fund-raiser...PLEASE keep the donations coming, and I will continue to pass them along to Aidan's Fund.
There haven't been any new donations in almost 2 weeks, so the total NYYFANS donation we will be giving him as of todays mail is: $480
(I will be adding my own donation to that) I realize there are still some donations I haven't received yet, but since he will be here tomorrow, and things are not going terribly well, I thought it might be a very small morale boost for him to share the news with Kimberly when he gets to Pittsburgh.
I know it helps keep their strength up to know that people are thinking of them and trying to help.
Let's hope for some answered prayers, very soon...
Thanks again everyone....
LilChief
02-17-06, 11:19 AM
Dear Friends,
Aidan's Dad Kevin came over last night before leaving early this morning for Pittsburgh for the long weekend. I gave him the envelope with the NYYFANS donations that I have received to date. He was overwhelmed as he read my short cover letter, telling him where this was coming from. He started to open the individual envelopes, and read Barbara's card first. He began to get choked up, and decided to take the entire envelope to Piitsburgh and open it with Kimberly. He said to tell you all how much it meant to him, and what a wonderful boost it would give Kimberly to know how many people are thinking of them. He was totally amazed that strangers could care so much for them.
Unfortunately, the update he gave us on Aidan was not very good. He now has a blood infection which he apparently received from all the blood transfusions. Because of all the antibiotics he's had to be on at various times over the past year, they are no longer having any effect on him. They tried to take a very potent, adult strength anti-biotic and test it in a petri dish to see if it would take care of the infection, but while it helped some, they said he would have to be on it for 14 days or more, and that would be too much for his little body to handle. They are looking for other ways to fight this infection. They can not do a transplant until he gets rid of the infection, and right now, they are not able to find a way to treat it.:( His sister is ready to be a donor, and she went down with Kevin this morning. Hopefully they can clear up the infection soon so she can give him part of her liver before its too late.
I'll update everyone again when I have more news...hopefully it will be good news next time.
Thanks again for all your support, you can't imagine how much it means to this family.
texasyankee
02-17-06, 08:28 PM
I'll update everyone again when I have more news...hopefully it will be good news next time.
Thanks again for all your support, you can't imagine how much it means to this family.
Thanks, for keeping us updated Steph. I hope & pray to God that Aidan will come thru this crisis safely and that his family stays strong.
One question - now that you turned in the money from NYYFANS.COM members, where do you recommend mailing in any future donations?
Gringaloca
02-17-06, 08:48 PM
I'll update everyone again when I have more news...hopefully it will be good news next time.
Thanks again for all your support, you can't imagine how much it means to this family.
Thanks for the update, Steph.
My heart just aches for Kevin & Kim. While you know I'm having my own 'health challenges'...but nothing compares to an innocent child being stricken with such a devasting illness as this.
I'll be filing my taxes this weekend....there will be some extra $$ available to donate, I'm sure :D
texasyankee
02-17-06, 09:03 PM
My heart just aches for Kevin & Kim. While you know I'm having my own 'health challenges'...but nothing compares to an innocent child being stricken with such a devasting illness as this.
More courage than I could ever imagine is expressed in your's & Aidan's battle.
LilChief
02-18-06, 09:49 AM
Paul, I am still receiving donations herre, so any additional ones can still come to me and I will turn them in periodically...Now that we've given Kevin the 1st donation and he knows we are thinking of them, my husband can bring him any additional donations at work. The one you mailed out the other day will be in the next envelope we give him.
Vicki, how are you feeling my friend? Thinking of you daily...Hugs!
Rita, I received your donation yesterday, it will be in the next batch we give Kevin...I'll post when we give it to him. Thank you so much!
Anyone else who is still thinking of donating, please keep it coming...Thanks!
obsessedyankeefan
02-18-06, 08:40 PM
Steph,
I know you PM'd me your home address to mail donations but I can't get to it since PMing has been disabled. Could you please email me your address again. Thanks.
LilChief
02-18-06, 11:41 PM
Steph,
I know you PM'd me your home address to mail donations but I can't get to it since PMing has been disabled. Could you please email me your address again. Thanks.
Hi Sandy,
I tried to email you but it says you don't wish to receive emails.;) Can you try emailing me and see if that works, and I can reply to you with my address? Please be sure to put Aidan in the subject line, in case I don't recognize your email address. If that doesn't work we'll go to plan B.
Thanks!
Steph
obsessedyankeefan
02-19-06, 11:48 AM
Hi Sandy,
I tried to email you but it says you don't wish to receive emails.;) Can you try emailing me and see if that works, and I can reply to you with my address? Please be sure to put Aidan in the subject line, in case I don't recognize your email address. If that doesn't work we'll go to plan B.
Thanks!
Steph
Hi Steph,
I changed my settings last night to allow emails so you could email me. Maybe there have been technical problems with email settings, because your profile also says that you do not wish to receive emails. So it looks like we're going to have to go to plan B. ;)
LilChief
02-19-06, 04:51 PM
Hi Steph,
I changed my settings last night to allow emails so you could email me. Maybe there have been technical problems with email settings, because your profile also says that you do not wish to receive emails. So it looks like we're going to have to go to plan B. ;)
Hi Sandy,
OK, I used the option to have the admin. help with email, so hopefully Jim & Deb or whoever handles that will be able to forward my info to you...Please let me know if you get it!
Thanks Again!
Steph
Hi Sandy,
OK, I used the option to have the admin. help with email, so hopefully Jim & Deb or whoever handles that will be able to forward my info to you...Please let me know if you get it!
Thanks Again!
Steph
I believe I saw Jim mention that emailing through the site was also disabled, along with the PMs.
obsessedyankeefan
02-21-06, 03:18 PM
Thanks Krystl. Didn't realize they were both disabled. That sucks. :(
So Steph, what's plan C? ;)
LilChief
02-21-06, 03:27 PM
Thanks Krystl. Didn't realize they were both disabled. That sucks. :(
So Steph, what's plan C? ;)
Oh Boy...:P Well I hesitate to just post my address, but we'll think of something.
I didn't hear anything back from the Administrative Help request...Hmmmmm
Do you have AIM? Maybe somebody has both our email addresses and could hook us up without having to post the info here? I hate to make this so complicated just to give you my mailing address...:dunno:
obsessedyankeefan
02-21-06, 05:18 PM
Oh Boy...:P Well I hesitate to just post my address, but we'll think of something.
I didn't hear anything back from the Administrative Help request...Hmmmmm
Do you have AIM? Maybe somebody has both our email addresses and could hook us up without having to post the info here? I hate to make this so complicated just to give you my mailing address...:dunno:
Thanks for mentioning AIM. You just gave me an idea. :D Call me crazy but here goes....
Maybe one of us could open a second AIM address and use it as a "junk" email address of sorts. We could post the email address publicly (not our regular address that we registered with) and either use it as a junk address or just not use it again. I know it sounds like a crazy idea but it may be the only way to do this right now. What do you think? :)
texasyankee
02-22-06, 05:38 AM
....... Maybe somebody has both our email addresses and could hook us up without having to post the info here? I hate to make this so complicated just to give you my mailing address...:dunno:
Let me add my 2 cents. I dont know if this will work, but I will throw it out there for your thoughts. Maybe JimF can be the go-between? I dont know if that would be acceptable and/or if he would be able to do so, but just thought I would throw that idea out there.
LilChief
02-23-06, 06:14 AM
Sandy, I emailed Jim and asked him to forward my info to you. Let me know if/when you get it. Thanks Again!;)
LilChief
02-23-06, 06:18 AM
While I try to keep everyone updated with the information I have, the best source is Kimberly, Aidan's Mom. I thought I'd share with you all her last two journal entries on Aidan's web page for anyone who hasn't had a chance to read them yet.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 9:16 PM CST
Aidan remains in Intensive Care and has, unfortunately, been on a downward spiral since my last journal. His condition has become more serious over the past couple of weeks to the point where he is back on the ventilator and moderately sedated for comfort. He is receiving plasma exchange on a daily basis and has yet another abdominal drain to release fluid. Aidan has been unable to clear an infection for the past several weeks and is not currently eligible for a liver transplant due to that fact. This is a considerably serious condition and may prove to be life threatening as we have been told that we have run out of antibiotic options. Aidan's infection has not responded to the four antibiotics that he is currently taking, but we will continue to try making them work by re-dosing them and by changing out his central lines. The source of Aidan's infection has not been determined as it is growing throughout his blood and every catheter.
A clot has been found in Aidan's heart that may also be infected. The cardiologist has decided that it would be best not to try to remove the clot with the risk of it breaking up and traveling to Aidan's lungs. We will continue to watch it and will have a more involved, internal echo performed tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 11:17 PM CST
Many conferences and discussions have taken place during this past week and some serious decisions have been reached. Aidan will undergo a liver transplant despite the infection that remains active. The transplant team feels that Aidan has a fifty percent chance to survive the operation and that the liver could actually be the source of the infection, which remains in his bloodstream and has now spread to his airways. It is still to be determined what will be done with the clot in Aidan's heart. If it is reachable, it will be removed during the transplant by the cardiac surgeons, otherwise a bypass surgery will be planned, shortly following. Aidan remains on the ventilator, but has been strong enough to breathe on his own for a couple of hours at a time over the last couple of days. He remains on the strongest antibiotic treatment possible.
Unless an organ becomes available in the next few days, my nineteen year old daughter, Jennifer will donate a portion of her liver to Aidan next week. She courageously underwent the testing and has been determined to be a good match for her brother. This decision has not been reached lightly, nor without great consideration for all of its risks. Please join me in prayer for both of my babies.
LilChief
02-23-06, 06:30 AM
New pictures posted on his site as well...
http://www2.caringbridge.org/hi/aidan/photo.htm
ritaylnil
02-23-06, 06:35 AM
For her 19 year old daughter to be at such risk, too! The whole situation is truly heartbreaking! :(
obsessedyankeefan
02-23-06, 03:13 PM
Steph, that is one incredibly courageous family. I don't know how they do it. My heart just breaks for them. :(
Thanks for emailing Jim BTW. I'll let you know if I get anything.
Luvtino
02-24-06, 12:56 AM
I can give Jim and all of you a hand and act as the go between. Just post in this thread that it is okay for me to give your email info to Steph and vice versa and I will do so. I will put in the subject line Aidan's name so all of you will know the email is safe to open. :)
LilChief
02-24-06, 05:28 AM
I can give Jim and all of you a hand and act as the go between. Just post in this thread that it is okay for me to give your email info to Steph and vice versa and I will do so. I will put in the subject line Aidan's name so all of you will know the email is safe to open. :)
Thanks Sweetie! Yes PLEASE, give my email address to Sandy and anyone who needs to reach me regarding Aidan....that way I can give my mailing address as needed without having to post it here! ;)
obsessedyankeefan
02-24-06, 10:54 AM
I can give Jim and all of you a hand and act as the go between. Just post in this thread that it is okay for me to give your email info to Steph and vice versa and I will do so. I will put in the subject line Aidan's name so all of you will know the email is safe to open. :)
Yes, please give my email address to Steph so she can email me her address. Thank you so much Larissa. This means a lot. :)
3M'sBoys
02-24-06, 11:05 AM
Those pictures of Aiden are heartbreaking. I'm not much on prayer, but I've made it a point to say one for him. He is in my thoughts. :(
Luvtino
02-25-06, 11:07 AM
No problem gang. It's the least I can do to help. :)
I just sent Steph's email address to obsessedyankeefan. She should have it shortly. I will check in tonight to see if anyone else needs assistance. :cool:
Luvtino
02-25-06, 11:09 AM
I am going to email you tonight Steph as I need your address too. I will send out a money order on Moday!! :)
obsessedyankeefan
02-25-06, 11:51 AM
Steph, I got your email address and I just sent you an email. Hopefully you'll read it shortly.
Larissa, I really appreciate your help in all this. Thank you so much. :)
texasyankee
02-25-06, 01:17 PM
Thanks for your continued updates on Aidan. I dont know what more I can say that I havent said already.......just my continued thoughts & prayers for this little guy.
LilChief
02-25-06, 01:37 PM
Thanks for your help Larissa!
Sandy, I just read your email and sent you my address.
Paul, Thanks for your continued prayers...
obsessedyankeefan
02-25-06, 08:23 PM
Steph, I got your email with your address. I'll be sending a check first thing Monday morning.
LilChief
02-27-06, 07:17 AM
Well folks, it's looking imminent that his sister Jenn is going to have to be the one who gives him part of her liver very soon...from what I understand it's a very hard operation for the donor and will leave a big scar, but I'm sure that isn't a concern to her. She is a brave young girl who is doing what she can to try to save her baby brother.
Please add Jenn to your prayers...
texasyankee
02-27-06, 01:39 PM
......Please add Jenn to your prayers...
I sure will. Jenn is a very brave young woman, indeed. God bless Aidan, Jenn & the attending physicians.
LilChief
03-01-06, 08:44 AM
Just wanted to share Kimberly's latest journal entry-
Journal
Monday, February 27, 2006 4:44 PM CST
Aidan has had some negative blood cultures, which seems to indicate that we may be having some effect on the infection with the numerous antibiotics he is taking. We have decided to hold off on the transplant for a week or so, in hopes that the infection will clear and also in hopes that a cadaveric donor will be located, so that Jennifer will not have to go through the surgery. We have rescheduled Jennifer for March nineth, which is ironically the very day we arrived in Pittsburgh last year for the first transplant.
LilChief
03-01-06, 08:45 PM
Pray hard everyone...Aidan's Dad Kevin just called to tell us he was leaving immediatley to drive to Pittsburgh tonight- Aidan isn't doing well at all.:( Hopefully it's just another setback and he'll pull through again, I just don't know how many times this poor baby can keep fighting his way through all these setbacks.
Hang in there sweet little man...:(
Barb51850
03-01-06, 08:47 PM
Pray hard everyone...Aidan's Dad Kevin just called to tell us he was leaving immediatley to drive to Pittsburgh tonight- Aidan isn't doing well at all.:( Hopefully it's just another setback and he'll pull through again, I just don't know how many times this poor baby can keep fighting his way through all these setbacks.
Hang in there sweet little man...:(
I will say an entire Rosary for you tonight dear Aidan. God be with you.
texasyankee
03-01-06, 08:49 PM
I'm sending urgent prayers.
LilChief
03-02-06, 03:32 PM
My last update is that Aidan's heart is enlarged...:( that combined with the blood clot he has in his heart does not look good. I'm waiting for more news, but for now, his family, Kimberly, Kevin, Jenn and Eric are all by his side.:(
Dear God I hope they can still do the transplant using Jenn as a donor...:( I'm just not sure his condition will allow it anymore.
Keep praying folks, he always seems to pull through somehow, and never ceases to amaze us all, but this is not looking very hopeful at the moment.
Gringaloca
03-02-06, 05:54 PM
Awww Steph...this poor little guy. Please know that Aidan is in my thoughts every morning and every night.
Please continue with the daily updates, no matter how sad or serious. Many of us need to know the little guy is still fighting the fight.
I would like to send another check, but cannot get your address from my old PM's. Please ask one of the Mod's to pass it on to me.
Thanks,
Vickie
texasyankee
03-02-06, 07:02 PM
:( Our continued prayers for little Aidan and his family. :(
texasyankee
03-02-06, 07:05 PM
I'm praying for a miracle.
texasyankee
03-02-06, 07:25 PM
.........I just have to say I gotta lot of love for everyone here and especially for reminding me how precious life is......
Everyone, please stay strong....please keep the faith...please send prayers heavenward.......
Barb51850
03-02-06, 08:07 PM
I am continuing my fervent prayers for Aidan and his family.
Dave Visbeck
03-02-06, 09:28 PM
Prayers for the little guy coming from Jenn and I.
Luvtino
03-02-06, 10:00 PM
Count me in with those parying for little Aidan and his family. :(
LilChief
03-02-06, 11:46 PM
Thanks everyone..I wish I had some news but I haven't heard any more.:( I'm hoping no news is good news....all we can do is keep praying for miracles. They can't lose this battle after all they've been through in the past year...they...just...can't...:(
Larissa, could you please give Vicki (Gringa) my email address? Thanks
Luvtino
03-03-06, 08:15 AM
No problem. I just sent it out. :)
Barb51850
03-04-06, 08:41 AM
I just read the news on Aidan's web site that he has lost the battle. May he rest in peace with God. My prayers are with his family as they carry on without him.
I once heard this expression - "When someone you know dies, you have an angel that you know."
I will always think of Aidan as an angel watching over us.
I just read the news on Aidan's web site that he has lost the battle. May he rest in peace with God. My prayers are with his family as they carry on without him.
I once heard this expression - "When someone you know dies, you have an angel that you know."
I will always think of Aidan as an angel watching over us.
How tragic.
May he rest in peace. :(
fredgmuggs
03-04-06, 09:47 AM
What terrible news. My thoughts and prayers are with Aidan and his family. I am so very, very sorry.
May the Angels lead you into paradise:
may the Martyrs take you up at your coming,
and lead you into the holy city of Jerusalem.
May the Choir of Angels take you up,
and with Lazarus, who was once poor, may you have eternal rest.
How incredibly sad. RIP little Aidan. :(
He was lucky to have such a caring family and friends in his short little life.
Bosox Guy in Chitown
03-04-06, 10:23 AM
I'm so sorry for Aidan and his family.
Dave Visbeck
03-04-06, 10:23 AM
I don't know what to say. :( I need time to think about this and about God's little treasures that he has given to us that brings so much love. One treasure of love has departed for home. :(
LilChief
03-04-06, 12:22 PM
I'm sorry everyone, I just don't know what to type right now...but I wanted to thank you all again for your support over the past year...I'll write more later when I can.:( :( :( :( :( :(
My heart is broken.
CptCrunch
03-04-06, 12:33 PM
RIP little guy.
DontHateOnNumber2
03-04-06, 12:35 PM
I just read the news on Aidan's web site that he has lost the battle. May he rest in peace with God. My prayers are with his family as they carry on without him.
I once heard this expression - "When someone you know dies, you have an angel that you know."
I will always think of Aidan as an angel watching over us.
That's terrible...may he rest in peace. My prayers to the family. :(
LilChief
03-04-06, 12:59 PM
Kimberly's Journal Entry from last night....
Journal
Saturday, March 4, 2006 0:25 AM CST
Aidan has found peace and has come to an end of his suffering. He passed away quietly, on the evening of March third, in the gentle arms of his loving mother and surrounded in love by his father, sister and brother. He will be so dearly missed.
Please join us in prayer as we return Aidan home to our Lord, and for our family who have had to remain behind. We will forever cherish the time that we were allowed to share.
Very sad news. May he rest in peace.
ritaylnil
03-04-06, 01:57 PM
Such sad news! May Aidan and his family find peace now.
obsessedyankeefan
03-04-06, 02:08 PM
OMG. How tragic. :( I really don't know what to say except my deepest condolences to Aidan's family. I am so sorry for their loss. :(
RIP Aidan. :( :( :(
Archer1979
03-04-06, 02:25 PM
Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss. May the angels of Heaven guide him to the peace he so richly deserves.
Rest in Peace Aidan.
yankeeschic12324
03-04-06, 06:25 PM
OMG thats so horrible, Rest in Peace Aidan....:(
Luvtino
03-04-06, 06:31 PM
I can't imagine a greater or more horrible loss than the death of a child. :( May they find peace (in time) knowing that he is no longer in pain. He only knows happiness and health now. Poor baby and
family. :( May Aidan rest in peace with the angels. :(
yankeebot
03-04-06, 06:52 PM
I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child. My heart goes out to Aidan's family. May he rest in peace.
I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine the pain they are going through if I feel this badly about it.
LilChief
03-05-06, 08:24 AM
The family will be returning home Monday...I don't know much beyond that right now.
One thing I want to mention is that even though our dear sweet Aidan is gone, the enormous stack of bills for his care over the past year remains. If anyone had thought about sending a donation and hadn't gotten to it yet, please don't think it's too late to send it. Aidan's Angels is still planning to have the fundraising dinner in May, unfortunately it will now be in Memory of Aidan. :( The family could still use your help with the financial part of this ordeal. I know nobody can take away their pain, but the sooner these bills are gone the better. I can't imagine having to go on for a long time still getting bills for this to remind you of your loss every day.
Thanks again everyone for your kind messages here and on Aidan's Web Page.
texasyankee
03-06-06, 06:43 AM
I'm very, very sad to have heard this news. My most sincere condolences to Aidan's family. :(
He's with the angels now. God bless him and God bless his family.
Despite the outcome Steph, thanks for allowing us to be a part of this.
I learned something I dont want to ever forget.
3M'sBoys
03-06-06, 08:34 AM
There are no words. Aiden is with the angels now, but prayers to the family for this devastating loss. :(
allybear
03-06-06, 03:14 PM
How sad! :( I will keep his family in my prayers - I don't even know what to say, but I will pray that he is finally at peace and whole and that the Lord in his love will grant his family some type of peace.
Oh my God, I don't even know what to say. I'm just in shock. :( My heart goes out to Aidan's family, I can't even imagine what they are going through. :( It's so sad it had to happen this way, but no more suffering for that poor baby. :(
I just saw this. I'm terribly sorry. Please accept my condolences. Truly sad, indeed....
LilChief
03-06-06, 06:45 PM
Thanks Again everyone...I got a call from Stacie this afternoon and the Wake will be Thursday evening and the Funeral will be Friday. I am trying to help with the arrangements for after the funeral, Stacie asked me to talk to my brother in law about having it at his restaurant. He is of course trying to do what he can to help.
My 10 year old daughter wants very much to go to the funeral...:( She's never been to one and feels very strongly about being there for Aidan, but I'm not sure if she's ready to handle this, and I certainly don't want to do anything that would upset Kimberly and Kevin by having her there.
We have a few days to decide what to do, but any advice or experience you may have on that would be appreciated.
Thanks Again everyone...I got a call from Stacie this afternoon and the Wake will be Thursday evening and the Funeral will be Friday. I am trying to help with the arrangements for after the funeral, Stacie asked me to talk to my brother in law about having it at his restaurant. He is of course trying to do what he can to help.
My 10 year old daughter wants very much to go to the funeral...:( She's never been to one and feels very strongly about being there for Aidan, but I'm not sure if she's ready to handle this, and I certainly don't want to do anything that would upset Kimberly and Kevin by having her there.
We have a few days to decide what to do, but any advice or experience you may have on that would be appreciated.
First, I am so very, very sorry--for you, but above all for his parents. I (almost) know what they went through. May God grant them peace.
Bring her. Kids need closure, too. Not that it's any of my business...
LilChief
03-06-06, 06:50 PM
First, I am so very, very sorry--for you, but above all for his parents. I (almost) know what they went through. May God grant them peace.
Bring her. Kids need closure, too. Not that it's any of my business...
Thanks Lou, that's why I asked for opinions...I welcome the advice.
I am so sorry- what sad news, poor baby.
Please send my condolences to Aidan's family and acccept my condolences to you. It is so sad for a child to suffer so and I can't even begin to imagine what his family is going through. I hope they will find peace and comfort in their memories and in the support and love of family and friends.
texasyankee
03-06-06, 08:02 PM
Bring her. Kids need closure, too. Not that it's any of my business...
I agree with Lou - not that it's any of my business, either. Unless there is some underlying problem with a young child attending a funeral of a close friend/relative, then unfortunately funerals are a fact of life.
I recall as a 6 year old attending my Grandfather's funeral. Of course, I didnt understand all of what was going on & I am sure I didnt understand the finality of death - but to this day, I can recall I was there with all my cousins (I was the youngest cousin) and family members to memorialize my Grandfather's life. I am thankful for that.
texasyankee
03-06-06, 08:13 PM
I got to thinking a bit more after my last reply......I realize as a young child there is a difference between attending a funeral service for an "old person," versus attending a funeral service for someone so young and close in age as Aidan. It has to be more of an impact.
No, doubt it's a tough call no parent wants to make. However, from what you stated, it sounds as if your daughter needs to be there.
This is so sad. :(
My 10 year old daughter wants very much to go to the funeral...:( She's never been to one and feels very strongly about being there for Aidan, but I'm not sure if she's ready to handle this, and I certainly don't want to do anything that would upset Kimberly and Kevin by having her there.
We have a few days to decide what to do, but any advice or experience you may have on that would be appreciated.
I think you should bring her. If she feels that strongly about it I think she should go. Kids surprise us, I think they can handle more than we think they can.
I saw how my 7 year old cousins handled their grandfathers funeral. They understood that grandpa had died, and they were sad at times, but they were also really fine for it. I don't think they really fully understood that this was it though. They were ok though, they handled it well. But seeing him in the hospital was another story for them.
But your daughter is also older and a little more mature and can understand death a little more, so it'll probably be harder for her. Did you explain to her yet what it'll be like?
LilChief
03-07-06, 07:45 AM
See I agree with what you are all saying, but my husband is concerned that having my daughter there would be upsetting to Kimberly. Remember he lost his sister when she was 12 and he was 14, so he has a little more experience in this area than I do. I guess there are two sides to every situation. I certainly don't want to do anything to make Kimberly's day any harder than it has to be...
It would be different if it were an older person too...but somebody younger than her, I'm not sure.
We have a few days to think about it, and I do appreciate the feedback from all of you.
Now, I have the flu so I'm going back to bed...
LilChief
03-07-06, 01:43 PM
Would one of the Mod's please update the thread title for me?
I would like keep the "Please Help" to continue accepting donations, as the bills are not going away, but I think it should say "RIP Aidan" somewhere in there...whatever you think is best.
Thanks
I hate to ask this question, but is it typical to have an open casket for a child? I think that would make a big difference in the decision of letting your daughter go.
My son was 8 when my mom died in 2004 and he was fine at the funeral and needed to be there for closure, but like others have said, this is a different situation. Did your daughter know Aidan? I'd hate for you to not let her go if she felt so strongly about it, but it's hard to know what anyone's reaction will be to a child's funeral, young or old.
LilChief
03-07-06, 10:16 PM
If anyone cares to sign the online tribute book.....
http://www.dellavecchiafh.com/ASIMAS/dellavecchia/service_schedule.jsp?domain_id=195&deceased_id=59692
NYYBombshell
03-07-06, 10:44 PM
I'm so crushed; I was pulling for the little guy to make it through. Just know that he's in a better place right now, free from pain and that he's someplace where he can help every one of us as our own little guardian angel.
I told my family to say a rosary and light a candle for you and your family when they go to Mass tomorrow and on Sunday.
WashingtonYankee
03-08-06, 02:06 AM
I am so sorry to hear about this. I'm crushed actually. I'll pray for Aidan.
Gringaloca
03-08-06, 08:32 PM
If anyone cares to sign the online tribute book.....
http://www.dellavecchiafh.com/ASIMAS/dellavecchia/service_schedule.jsp?domain_id=195&deceased_id=59692
Ohhhh, Steph...I am so so very sorry to hear this. I dropped off the check (we discusssed on Friday night via email) at the Post Office early Saturday morning. Came home & saw your post about Aidans passing and absolutely broke down in tears.
Please pass on my donation to Kim & Kevin...with my deepest sympathies. I don't think I'll ever forget Aidan Thomas Stewart and his familys' courage. They will be in my thoughts for a very long time.
LilChief
03-08-06, 08:55 PM
Ohhhh, Steph...I am so so very sorry to hear this. I dropped off the check (we discusssed on Friday night via email) at the Post Office early Saturday morning. Came home & saw your post about Aidans passing and absolutely broke down in tears.
Please pass on my donation to Kim & Kevin...with my deepest sympathies. I don't think I'll ever forget Aidan Thomas Stewart and his familys' courage. They will be in my thoughts for a very long time.
Thanks Vicki, I got your check and have put it with a few others I have here to forward to them. The fund is still open and taking donations so checks are still made out the same way, (at least for now)
How are you doing sweetie?
texasyankee
03-09-06, 06:56 AM
Are you gonna be able to make the Wake this evening, Steph? :(
LilChief
03-09-06, 07:13 AM
Are you gonna be able to make the Wake this evening, Steph? :(
I plan to Paul...I'm feeling a little better today...I'm up and around and the bone aches and chills are gone. Now I just feel like I have a bad cold, cough, stuffy nose etc. I'm going to try to get into the Dr this morning and see if he can give me something stronger and make sure I don't have anything worse that needs attention.
I have to go, I can't miss this. How long I stay will depend on how I feel later I guess.
I think we've decided that instead of sending flowers to the service (there will be so many) that we are going to send something more permanent to the house. Either a house plant or maybe even a nice tree that they can plant in the yard that will always be there as a rememberance.
LilChief
03-09-06, 11:19 AM
Well, I just got home from the Dr and he said I can't go to the wake or the funeral and if I don't stay in the house for the next few days I will have pneumonia.
I can't believe I'm unable to be there. :(
I think we've decided that instead of sending flowers to the service (there will be so many) that we are going to send something more permanent to the house. Either a house plant or maybe even a nice tree that they can plant in the yard that will always be there as a rememberance.
I think a tree is a perfect idea. Something that will bloom with really beautiful flowers.
Well, I just got home from the Dr and he said I can't go to the wake or the funeral and if I don't stay in the house for the next few days I will have pneumonia.
I can't believe I'm unable to be there. :(
You can't go quick enough to pay your respects and get home? :(
LilChief
03-09-06, 06:28 PM
I think a tree is a perfect idea. Something that will bloom with really beautiful flowers.
You can't go quick enough to pay your respects and get home? :(
Well I found out that the guys at work are already doing a tree. My husband and I talked about it and we are leaning towards giving them a gift certificate for a nice dinner out. They have spent most of the past year apart and have each had to deal with Aidan's illness away from each other. They need some time to be together. They can use it when they feel ready. Thoughts anyone?
Believe me, I begged the Dr. He said #1 I will get everyone else sick, and knowing how many people I would come in contact with, that's just not fair to everyone else, and #2, he said if I go out of the house in the next few days, I'll be back with pnumonia for sure next week. I guess he didn't like what he heard when he listened to my lungs today? I don't know. But in the long run, the last thing Kevin & Kimberly need after all this is to catch my flu. I'm sure they are already very run down and their immune systems would be very susceptible. Believe me, I sat here and cried about not being able to go...but my husband went, and he said he would explain to them why I couldn't come. I think they know I'd be there if I could. It still hurts to miss it though.:(
Barb51850
03-09-06, 06:46 PM
Well I found out that the guys at work are already doing a tree. My husband and I talked about it and we are leaning towards giving them a gift certificate for a nice dinner out. They have spent most of the past year apart and have each had to deal with Aidan's illness away from each other. They need some time to be together. They can use it when they feel ready. Thoughts anyone?
Believe me, I begged the Dr. He said #1 I will get everyone else sick, and knowing how many people I would come in contact with, that's just not fair to everyone else, and #2, he said if I go out of the house in the next few days, I'll be back with pnumonia for sure next week. I guess he didn't like what he heard when he listened to my lungs today? I don't know. But in the long run, the last thing Kevin & Kimberly need after all this is to catch my flu. I'm sure they are already very run down and their immune systems would be very susceptible. Believe me, I sat here and cried about not being able to go...but my husband went, and he said he would explain to them why I couldn't come. I think they know I'd be there if I could. It still hurts to miss it though.:(
Take care of yourself Stephanie. I know how much you must be hurting about not being able to go to the wake and funeral. I would be too if I was in your place, but you have to think about your own health and that of others as the doctor said. Please know that we are thinking of you, and of Kim and Kevin and Aidan's entire family. This has been so sad, but I am thankful that you made me aware of Aidan's story.
Well I found out that the guys at work are already doing a tree. My husband and I talked about it and we are leaning towards giving them a gift certificate for a nice dinner out. They have spent most of the past year apart and have each had to deal with Aidan's illness away from each other. They need some time to be together. They can use it when they feel ready. Thoughts anyone?
I think something for them to spend time alone with each other is a great idea. Like you said, they've been apart for so long I'm sure they need some alone time. But maybe something more private than dinner would be? Like where they can be just the two of them, you know?
I'm so sorry you can't go, I can just imagine it's tearing you apart. :(
LilChief
03-27-06, 09:27 AM
Just wanted to give you all an update. Kevin returned to work last week, and I felt it might be best to let him settle back in for a few days before forwarding your donations and cards.
My husband took everything else I had here to work today to give to Kevin...so if you had sent a check or card that you were wondering about, he will get them today. My husband will be out of work for the next week or two for some surgery he's having tomorrow, so he won't see Kevin for awhile after today.
Thanks Again for all your kind thoughts, prayers and support. I wish the outcome had been better, but I know Aidan's family sincerely appreciated all your support.
LilChief
03-28-06, 10:41 PM
If anyone is in CT or nearby and is interested in participating:
Connecticut Blood Services Region
aoladp://MA13247492-0002/clip_image004.jpgCorporate Affairs Department
209 Farmington Ave.
Farmington, CT 06032
www.bloodct.org
aoladp://MA13247492-0003/clip_image006.jpg
For Immediate Release Contact: Michaela Almeida
(860) 284-7001
Blood Drive in Memory of Local Child
Plainville community asked to remember Aidan Stewart
Date: Thursday, March 30, 2006
Place: Our Lady of Mercy Church
19 South Canal Street
Plainville, CT
Time: 1:45 p.m. 6:45 p.m.
March 28, 2006 (Plainville, Conn.) Members of the Stewart family in Plainville are dedicating an upcoming blood drive to the memory of Aidan Thomas Stewart, age two, who lost his long and courageous battle with liver cancer earlier this month. Kimberly Stewart is scheduled as the blood drives first donor, in honor of her son. A photo of Aidan is available upon request.
Aidan received more than 60 units of plasma throughout his treatment, stated Stacie Gannon, friend of the Stewart family and founder of Aidans Angels. We wanted to host a blood drive to honor Aidan while raising awareness about the tremendous need for blood.
Aidans Angels is an organization aimed at raising funds for the cost of Aidans medical treatments. The group, comprised of family and friends, raised more than $15,000 at a recent fundraiser.
The difference that a donor makes in the life of a patient simply cannot be overstated.
Appointments are being taken to donate in memory of Aidan Stewart. If you are 17 or older, weigh 110 pounds or more and are in generally good health, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to make an appointment to give the gift of life. Connecticut residents may also request an appointment for this or any other blood drive by visiting www.bloodct.org (http://www.bloodct.org/). Positive ID is required at the time of your blood donation.
-more-
Aidan Stewart/ Page Two
The mission of the American Red Cross, Connecticut Blood Services Region is to partner with the community to provide a safe and adequate blood supply for patients at the states 31 transfusing hospitals and acute care facilities. The Red Cross relies entirely on volunteer blood donors to meet the transfusion needs of patients across the state of Connecticut. The Red Cross needs to collect at least 650 units of whole blood each day to meet patient demand in the state. This is possible only with your help. The need for donated blood is constant.
Please Note: Red Cross representatives are available for interviews, and blood drives across the Division are available for news photographers to take photographs and record video footage. Please call Michaela Almeida at (860)284-7001 or (860)878-8098 to arrange a time and location for coverage that is most convenient to you.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE! GIVE BLOOD!
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY BY CALLING
1-800-GIVE LIFE
OR VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.BLOODCT.ORG!
###
aoladp://MA13247492-0004/clip_image008.jpg
Luvtino
03-30-06, 09:46 PM
I am sure they would love a gift certificate to go out to dinner. A gift certificate to go see a movie or even to get a manicure would also be greatly appreciated. Anything to bring them some normalcy after the hell they have gone through would be a plus. Poor things. :(
Tal Hawkins
04-01-06, 11:14 AM
Geez, what a terrible event...this puts helps put life into perspective for me, my problems are nothing compared to this. May God continue to bless all of Aidan's family, giving them His love and comfort...and may He keep Aidan close to Him in heaven, continuing the love his parents gave him here on earth.
Anyone know if donations are still being accepted?
LilChief
04-01-06, 12:22 PM
Geez, what a terrible event...this puts helps put life into perspective for me, my problems are nothing compared to this. May God continue to bless all of Aidan's family, giving them His love and comfort...and may He keep Aidan close to Him in heaven, continuing the love his parents gave him here on earth.
Anyone know if donations are still being accepted?
YES , donations are most certainly still being accepted. We are still planning to go ahead with the spring fundraiser dinner as well. Sadly, although poor Aidan is gone, the astronomical bills are not. You can either send your donation directly to the fund at the bank, or to me to give to Aidan's parents in person. I have been collecting NYYFANS donations here and giving them to the family as a group effort. They were overwhelmed that a group of people who don't even know them could come together to give them so much support. So far the total of donations from NYYFANS members is $720, with several people making multiple donations.If you'd like to send something directly to the bank :The Aidan Stewart Cancer Fund, c/o Farmington Savings Bank, 117 East St, Plainville, CT 06062.Just put NYYFANS in the memo field on your check, so they have an idea where you are from.If you'd like to send it to me to give to them, please let a mod know you need my email address, so you can email me and I can give you my mailing address here...or if PM's are reactivated soon, you can PM me for my mailing address.Thanks again everyone for all your support...the sooner the family is able to finish paying off the immense bills, the better.
ladyleo
04-02-06, 10:56 PM
This is a horrible story. I feel so sorry for this family and all they've been through.
If a moderator can send me LilChief's e-mail address or give her mine, I'd love to make a donation to be passed on to the family at an appropriate time.
LilChief
04-03-06, 07:07 AM
This is a horrible story. I feel so sorry for this family and all they've been through.
If a moderator can send me LilChief's e-mail address or give her mine, I'd love to make a donation to be passed on to the family at an appropriate time.
Larissa, Can you help us out here? Thanks
ladyleo
04-05-06, 01:39 PM
Larissa, Can you help us out here? Thanks
Stephanie--
Since I haven't heard from an administrator, and assume you haven't, I'll just send in a check to the fund, but mark it "nyyfans."
LilChief
04-05-06, 02:00 PM
Stephanie--
Since I haven't heard from an administrator, and assume you haven't, I'll just send in a check to the fund, but mark it "nyyfans."
That's fine, Thanks. I'm not sure if I should be posting this or not, I hope it's not something they'd be upset at me for sharing, but I'm just flabbergasted by the $$ figure I've heard. Keep in mind this is nothing I have confirmed in detail, and I'm only going by what somebody much closer to the famliy has told us.The hospital has told Aidain's family that they are responsible for 10% of his total medical bills....His total medical bills are approximlately $2,000,000.Yes...That's right....TWO MILLIONWhich even at 10% leaves them owing $200,000 PLEASE...continue to donate if you are so inclined, fundraising efforts continue until further notice. Hopefully PM will be active again soon so I can give people my address to send it to, but if not, just send directly to the fund and mark the memo field "NYYFANS". Thanks Again Everyone....
ladyleo
04-06-06, 08:55 AM
I mailed a check to the bank this morning. Wish it could be more.
LilChief
04-06-06, 09:46 AM
I mailed a check to the bank this morning. Wish it could be more.
Thanks Kathy!Every donation helps, no matter how big or small. I can't imagine how long it will take to pay off. :-(
LilChief
05-02-06, 06:41 AM
If anyone is interested in donating to Pediatric Cancer Research in Memory of Aidan or somebody else you've lost....here is the link to the Relay for Life page that Aidan's Angels has set up. These funds are not for Aidan's family to pay his bills, but are going to research to fight Pediatric Cancer and hopefully save somebody else from going through what they've had to go through...:( So here's the link...if you're interested...even a dollar or two will help.
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=152545&lis=1&kntae152545=97239A2923614446AF7BD1280B1C802A&supId=115663604
LilChief
07-29-06, 01:47 PM
Just an FYI, especially for those in Connecticut who may be interested or able to attend if so inclined...
While Dear Sweet Aidan has been gone for several months now, the immense pile of bills for his year at the Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh has not disaapeared. The Aidan Stewart Cancer Fund at the bank is still active if anyone still wishes to send a donation, or PM me and send it directly to me as we did in the past so I can forward it directly to his family.
The following is an email from Stacie, head of Aidan's Angels...
Hello Everyone,
We had a small meeting last Sunday to get organized for the Tag Sale to Benefit The Aidan Stewart Cancer Fund. WE are in good shape for signs and advertising.
Deb Copeland will be making hundreds of flyers which Stop & Shop has agreed to put at the end of all their checkouts and put in bags.
We will try to do the same at Pat's IGA and Walsh's...local to Wolcott.
We do need some idea of what any of you are doing to gather items for the tag sale Please email me with some idea so we can plan....thank you!!
As so far I have only heard from about 4 people.
.
chairs, tables, dressers, bookcases,CDs, books, movies,
cameras, toys, puzzles, shelves, dishes, glass ware, pictures, empty picture frames, pots, pans, trays, blankets, pocket books, hats, coats, baskets, knick-knacks, writing material, craft items, candles, games, old paned windows, tools, ladders, shovels, gardening stuff, wheel barrels, perfume, jewelry, computer stuff, coffee cups, salt and pepper shakers, bats, balls, stuffed animals, wind chimes, old signs, couches, lamps, candle holders, candle snuffers, vases, wallets, shoes, clothes, baby items, carriages, strollers, cribs, swing sets, lincoln logs, baseballs,
baseball cards, baseball hats, more craft items, coffee tables, end tables, kitchen tables, benches, rugs, head boards, foot boards, phones, old tins, crystal, longaberger, copper, all that old perfume you never opened. piggy banks, ashtrays, drum sticks, drums,guitars, flutes, skis, ski equipment, cookie jars, pitchers, planters, outdoor
furniture, old maps, old locks, crystal door knobs, pot holders, towels, sheets, pillow cases, milk crates, silverware, silver, working microwaves, toasters, blenders, mixers, stuff in the junk drawer, wrapping paper, christmas stuff, easter stuff, halloween stuff, valentines stuff, 4th of July stuff, thanksgiving stuff, .....well, I could go on, but you get..the idea.
Remember, we will have the key and be at the grange on Aug 2nd&3rd Wednesday, Thursday after 6pm and all day Friday. We can pick up big items...but will need to know to make a schedule.
The Tag Sale is Saturday August 5th 9-5pm.
The Wolcott Grange is right off the Green ...as you are looking at Town Hall it is to the right. Coming from Woodtick Rd...you would bear left the end of the green at the stop sign and then right at the next stop sign. The Grange will be right there on your right.
Coming up from Rte 69 (Wolcott Post Office) you would take the right
at the 4-way stop at the green and right at the next stop sign.
please call with any questions or email back.
my cell is 203-464-2557.
Stacie/Aidan's Angels
ritaylnil
10-14-06, 02:14 PM
Steph...I was thinking about Aidan today. I have his picture on my refrigerator. I was wondering how the family is holding up, and if the donations have made a dent in their bills?
LilChief
10-14-06, 09:34 PM
Steph...I was thinking about Aidan today. I have his picture on my refrigerator. I was wondering how the family is holding up, and if the donations have made a dent in their bills?
Thank you so much for keeping Aidan and his family in your thoughts. The donations from this group were a great help and the family was most appreciative, in awe really...that everyone here was so giving for a child/family they never met.
We had the one fundraiser at the end of the summer to raise funds for his enormous bills. Another $1500 or so was raised at the Tag Sale, so it's a small dent in a huge mountain of bills, but it's something. I can't imagine how long it will take this family to pay off the debt incurred over a full year + of hospital care and surguries, but I know they will continue to make paymets until they have paid it all off, so as of this point, the "Aidan Stewart Cancer Fund" is still active and they continue to try to chip away at over $200,000 in medical bills for a child they unfortunately no longer have.
I don't know how I would handle that myself.....It must be unbelievably difficult.
Thanks for thinking of them, and if anyone would like to donate now, it's not too late...
it won't bring Aidan back, but it will help to ease the financial burden left to his family after all they've been through already.
LilChief
01-13-07, 10:31 AM
Just thought I'd update everyone.
We saw Aidan's parents over the holidays, they invited several of their close friends over for a little holiday gathering as they try to get their lives back to some semblance of normalcy.
A beautiful portrait of Aidan hangs over the fireplace mantle...and the little artificial tree they had in their apartment in the Ronald McDonald house was to the side of the fireplace. Kimberly told me that when they had packed it up last year, they had no idea they were going to lose him. She asked me if I thought it was too depressing to have his portrait there, and his tree up, and I told her I thought it was fine...and that we all missed him and he would always be there with them in so many memories.
On a positive note, as a direct result of all her experiences at the children's hospital, Kimberly has gone back to school to be a Pediatric Nurse, and plans to work in Oncology, to help as many other families in their situation as she can. She said maybe Aidan was never meant to stay with her, but only there to show her what her true calling was.
They are still working on paying off all those medical bills, so donations are still welcome.
Barb51850
01-13-07, 03:32 PM
Just thought I'd update everyone.
We saw Aidan's parents over the holidays, they invited several of their close friends over for a little holiday gathering as they try to get their lives back to some semblance of normalcy.
A beautiful portrait of Aidan hangs over the fireplace mantle...and the little artificial tree they had in their apartment in the Ronald McDonald house was to the side of the fireplace. Kimberly told me that when they had packed it up last year, they had no idea they were going to lose him. She asked me if I thought it was too depressing to have his portrait there, and his tree up, and I told her I thought it was fine...and that we all missed him and he would always be there with them in so many memories.
On a positive note, as a direct result of all her experiences at the children's hospital, Kimberly has gone back to school to be a Pediatric Nurse, and plans to work in Oncology, to help as many other families in their situation as she can. She said maybe Aidan was never meant to stay with her, but only there to show her what her true calling was.
They are still working on paying off all those medical bills, so donations are still welcome.
Thank you for the update Steph. I think about Aidan and pray for him and his family very often. He was indeed a shining light.
Thank you for the update. I think having his picture and the tree up is not depressing as long as it gives them comfort. Whatever little thing helps.
It's nice to hear she is going back to school to be a nurse.
ritaylnil
11-30-07, 05:08 PM
Steph, my daughter noticed Aidan's picture on the fridge today. It has been there a long time and she was wondering about him. We came back and read some of this thread together. I think of him and his family now and again and would like to send them a check. What is the best way to do that at this point? Directly to their home or through you?
LilChief
12-03-07, 07:57 PM
Steph, my daughter noticed Aidan's picture on the fridge today. It has been there a long time and she was wondering about him. We came back and read some of this thread together. I think of him and his family now and again and would like to send them a check. What is the best way to do that at this point? Directly to their home or through you?
That is so sweet of you to remember them. Let me double check and see if the fund is still open at the bank where we sent the previous donations. I will let you know what I find out in the next few days.
Hard to believe he's been gone for so long. We miss your smile little man! :(
ritaylnil
12-11-07, 08:15 PM
Just wanted to bump this up to the top. Steph, did you find out about the fund at the bank?
LilChief
12-11-07, 10:32 PM
Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner sweetie! Here is the most recent info I have, and a bit of an update on what the family has been doing. (From an email they sent me recently) Too late for the toy drive part, but I'm sure they are still accepting donations towards the playmats, and as far as I am aware, they still have outstanding medical bills to pay off.
Dear Family and Friends of Aidan,
We would like to thank you for your wonderful and heartwarming response to last year’s drive to honor Aidan’s memory during this holiday season. Both the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh have expressed their deep gratitude for our generosity and commented on the immense joy we have brought to the children.
We would like to celebrate Aidan’s life in the same way this year, so we will once again be collecting new, unwrapped toys for donation to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The toys will be presented to honor Aidan’s fourth birthday (December 1st ) and will be delivered by our family on Monday, December 10th. We are also accepting monetary donations towards the purchase of two hexagon play mats (pictured below) for the Transplant Department in Pittsburgh. We are hoping to purchase two mats for a total of $1,200. The mats will be shipped directly to Children’s Hospital as a Christmas gift for the transplant children.
If you are interested in donating to either or both of these events, please contact us to pick up toys or they may be dropped off or sent to our home. Monetary donations can also be sent to our home with checks written to the Aidan Stewart Cancer Fund.
Happy Birthday, Aidan…and Merry Christmas, everyone!
Love,
Kimberly & Kevin, Jennifer and Eric[/FONT]
116 Northwest Drive
Plainville, CT 06062
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