A Year Ago Today...

I've been glancing at my watch all day and remembering what was happening each moment last year on this day. Although they had increased Megan's oxygen Friday evening she still struggled through the night to breathe.  Saturday was one x-ray and blood test after another.  At 9:30 am we learned she had pneumonia and that meant she was too sick to receive a heart even if one became available.  Our time was up according to science.  But we and our friends kept praying and fasting and believing that God could still come through.  The next five hours were a desperate battle for her life.  The family came together and pleaded before God to save Megan's life.  What we didn't know was that 1000's of children, teens, and adults around the world were doing the same thing.  Some we knew, but many we did't know.  Strangers that heard about Megan's struggle, just felt led to pray earnestly for this girl they didn't know.

By 1:00 pm, the atmosphere in Megan's room was heavy with the feeling of death. Doctors, nurses, techs, everyone had that same look.  The look that told us Meg only had a few more minutes or hours to live.   Around 2:00 pm, they decided to change one of Megan's IV ports.  It was suppose to be a simple procedure of about 15 minutes.  Well, so much for 'simple'.  When the old port was pulled, the new one refused to go in.  They tried and tried, but nothing was working.  Megan was bleeding everywhere and even woke during the procedure. They had allowed Kathie, Mandi, and I to stay in the room during this procedure.  Kathie and Mandi where under the sanitary cloth holding Meg's hand and urging her to lay still.  I was breaking inside crying out to God to help the doctors and to take care of my girl.  An hour and a half later, the procedure was complete, but blood was everywhere and still coming.  After several bandages and pressure from a 5 pound sand bag, the bleeding was stopped.

Little did we know that just a few minutes after this procedure was complete, the Mid-America Transplant Center had received word of a heart being available for Megan Moss.  Dr. Ewald was notified and he started the process of testing the new heart even though, at the time, he was aware that Megan was too sick to make it through a surgery.  Thus all the x-rays and more blood test during the next few hours.  We didn't know about the donor heart, but they did and were hoping and praying that Megan's white blood count (pneumonia) and temperature would come down so she could receive the heart.

Megan had been out of it most of the day.  She was on a suction mask for oxygen and didn't have strength to talk, so when she needed to say something, she would write it on a pad.  About 6pm, she motioned for the pad and wrote, 'How can I eat?'  Eat?  You want something to eat?' asked her mom.  Meg replied, 'YES'.   This girl hadn't ask for food in weeks.  What was happening?  Permission was granted and she ate a bowl of pudding and drank some juice.  More tests showed her temp back to normal and her white blood count was coming down.

More x-rays and more bloods tests and Megan is bright eyed and clear minded even though she was still struggling to breathe.  At 9:30pm Dr. Ewald entered the room with a grin from ear to ear.  "We have accepted a heart on your behalf, if you want it."  'If we want it? Sure we want it!'  Megan pulled back her mask and whispered, "I want to sign, I want to sign."

Twelve very long hours and we went from death and doom, to LIFE and VICTORY!  We can't thank all of our family, friends, and followers enough for all the prayers and messages of encouragment that carried us through the most difficult day of our lives.  May God BLESS you for your obedience to 'PARTICIPATE IN THE MIRACLE.'

On this day we must also not forget Megan's donor family.  We are celebrating life, they are grieving a death of a loved one.  God, be with them today as they are remembering a year ago and the loss they suffered.  I also pray that this year will give us the opportunity to meet Megan's donor family.

 

A Year Later

4/16/11  Last year at MAX (7 state teen sports/talent competition meet), a 1000 kids prayed for the healing of a dying girl they didn't know.  Today at MAX, a 1000 kids stood to their feet and applauded while a very healthy and healed Megan walked to the podium to thank her prayer warriors for standing in the gap for her last year.  Different teens came to us and told us, that although they didn't know Megan personally, after the prayer last year, they didn't forget her, but followed her story and continue to pray each day that Megan will never have any complications with her new heart.  Thank you Jesus, for the 'family of God.'  
'HE STILL MOVES STONES.'

Waiting for Meg to get home after her first day of work in 15 months and 7 days. She has returned to the Ritz part time and will slowly move into full time. So thankful for the Ritz Carlton during this whole ordeal. They have been incredible.

The American Heart Association just posted the videos from the Go Red for Women Luncheon. Part 3 comes up first so make sure you watch all three parts in order. www.youtube.com/user/americanheartstl

What an amazing event! Megan's story was told by video and then Kathie, Megan, and I were able to express our thanks to the American Heart Association and present a plea to give to AHA. These are pictures from KMOV. We will post the video as soon as it is available.

Go Red for Women luncheon

www.kmov.com

Jan 18, 2011: It is Meg's 9 month heart birthday today.  Last year this time she was just starting her downhill spiral of weight loss and bad days were beginning to out number the good ones. We are so thankful for God's miracle in her life and for all who chose to 'participate in the miracle'.

Dec 29, 2010: Megan continues to do well with her new heart.  Zero rejection and an EF as good as any other healthy heart.  This Christmas season the Moss family has been counting their blessings and praising God for the "Miracle Heart" he provided for Megan 'just in time.'

By now, each of you are well aware that our FAITH in a LIVING, HEALING GOD is what carried us through Megan's heart illness.  We strongly believe that God had His hand in all that happened in Megan's life, and without Him, the outcome would not have been the same.  With that being said, we are also aware that GOD used the physicians, surgeons, numerous hospital staff, med students, and the American Heart Association with all of their knowledge, research, and financial investment to be part of the 'Miracle' He orchestrated.  We are forever grateful to each of you for the endless hours of love and care shown to Megan and our whole family.

Megan is now telling her side of story through her blog at: meganrmoss.blogspot.com.  I must confess, each blog post brings tears to my eyes as I realize now, more than ever, how God was preparing and carrying Megan through this whole ordeal.  As she quoted in her last post, 'God will never give us more than we can handle...' 1 Corinthians 10:13

11/29/10 One year ago tonight we began our journey of faith with the Lord 'through the valley of the shadow of  death.'  It is easy to look back now and see His plan, but that dark night and the days ahead were a tough walk.  There were lots of ups and downs, good days and bad ones, days when our faith was strong and others when are faith was weak.  In those weak moments, we knew our only hope was God.  He had a plan and we chose to praise Him, come what may.  Each day the 'family of God' lifted us in prayer and helped in so many tangible ways to make our walk bearable.  We thank each and every one of you for 'choosing to participate in the miracle.'  May God bless you for your many gifts of time, money, labor, and prayer.  Because of you we could feel God's presence each step of the way.  "I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips."  Ps 34:1

Happy 7 month Birthday, Megan.  Megan is loving her new heart and continues to have GREAT check-ups each month.  She has several opportunities to share her story in the New Year and needs your prayers for God's leadership in how to organize and tell her story and His peace to overcome stage fright.

Are you keeping up with Megan's blog.  Check it out: meganrmoss.blogspot.com

10/23/10 Update on Megan:  She went for her monthly biopsy this week and Dr. Joseph told her, "Megan, your heart is beating as if it was your own heart and not a transplanted heart!"  HALLELUJAH!!!!

10/18/10  Hard to believe that it has been 6 months since Meg's miracle. God has been so faithful and Meg continues to do well. Thanks for your continued prayers for no rejection, good health, and God's leadership in her future.

Megan in a photo shoot and interview by Emily Dobson
http://blog.emilydobsonphotography.com/index.php/2010/09/life-after-a-heart-transplant-megan-moss/

‎8/30 1:48pm Megan has been experiencing swelling in her left leg this week-end. The doc fears a blood clot. Meg & Kathie are headed to the hospital for a 3:15 Dopler tests. Pray it all goes well.

8/25 This month's biopsy results: Megan's heart is pumping at normal function! Biopsy shows rejection level at 1a. Docs increased rejection meds to hopefully get back to zero. The rejection med causes hair loss and Meg is already showing signs of this.  Pray her level goes back to '0' and no more hair loss.  #donatelife

Never thought I would say I enjoyed spending all day Saturday painting a bedroom with my girl.  But I did.  Thoughts of what could have been, how weak she was just a few months ago and now what a busy body she is as we spent 8 hours together fixing up the basement bedroom for my 'miracle girl'.  I love you, Meg.  Read Meg's version: meganrmoss.blogspot.com

8/8 Kathie, Meg and I just got home from my sister's house in Waynesville, MO after spending a week-end writing a book of Megan's Miracle Story.  We also shared her story in church this morning.  It went well, but we sure are having a hard time telling the story in less than an hour.  It is hard to know what to leave out.  God is good and He is helping us pass on His miracle to the next generation. 


Megan is doing great.  She is tired after a long week-end, but I am about to collapse, too.  Pray for us as we complete her book.  We also are looking for a good publisher.  Any suggestions are welcome.  


Thanks for reading and continuing to keep Megan in your prayers.  

7/30 Prayers answered!  Our friend, Jennifer, got her heart today.  Pray that her recovery will be fast and remarkable like Megan's was.  Megan's test results this week were awesome again: NO REJECTION and EF is PERFECT.  WE SERVE A MIGHTY GOD!

7/26  Today was the last of the every-other-week biopsies: now we go once a month for several months.  It was good see hospital friends and to know that they too are doing well.  I would ask that you put Jennifer on your PL.  She has been hospitalized since Christmas waiting on a heart.  Be a DONOR, SAVE A LIFE.

Kay Quinn's interview with Megan
http://www.ksdk.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=167726031001#/News/Heart+transplant+recipient+is+picture+of+health/48541678001/48355648001/167726031001

The uncut version:
http://www.ksdk.com/video/default.aspx#/News/Megan+Moss+is+picture+of+health+3+months+after+transplant/48541678001/48355648001/167726026001

7/19 Megan's interview with Kay Quinn should be on Channel 5 tonight at 10.  For those out of town or just miss it, you can see it at ksdk.com

7/15 Megan's biopsy results = a big fat 0 again on the rejection scale.  Praise the Lord for 'miracle' well done.  Continue to pray for Megan for strength and courage as she prepares to tell her story at girl's camp next week.  

7/14 Here is the latest Barnes/Jewish story on Megan.  The televised version will be next Monday, July 19, at 10PM. http://newsblog.barnesjewish.org/ 

7/13 Kay interviewed Megan today, but it will not air until next Monday night, July 19. Sorry if you're glued to your TV and wondering why you missed it.

7/12 Megan is gaining strength with each new day. As one put it, when God heals, He heals completely. Pray for strength and courage as Meg begins to tell her story. If you haven't seen Meg in a while, you can catch a glimpse of her Tuesday night, July 13, on KSDK Channel 5 news . Kay Quinn is interviewing Meg tomorrow at the rehab facility. 


Megan has started her own blog. Follow her at  meganrmoss.blogspot.com

7/9 Miserably hot day, but the humidity dropped and tonight is beautiful. So Meg and I decided to take walk around St. Ferdinand Park.  It is such a good feeling to be able to walk with my girl.  Thank you, Jesus for the simple things in life. 

7/5 Megan's Miracle Heart Story is being used by God to change lives all over the world.  We heard many of these stories at Campmeeting and family reunion, but we know there are many more.  Some stories are about how their faith has grown by participating in this miracle, and others are step by step moments of Saturday and Sunday, April 17 & 18 while the miracle was happening. If you have a special story, please share it with us by emailing it to wayne.u.moss@gmail.com.   

7/4 Just got home from the MILLER 2010 REUNION at Pinecrest Camp.  Reminded me once again of the awesome HERITAGE we have because of the prayers of my grandparents, Art and Vera Miller.  Megan, our most recent miracle, is just one of many miracles in this absolutely wonderful family.  Thank you Grandma & grandpa Miller for praying for the future generations of the Miller family.  They are being answered each day.  Megan and I shared her story with the family which led to a very uplifting praise and prayer service.    

6/27 Campmeeting 2010 is over and we are back home for 3 days. Then we head back to Pinecrest for family reunion (my mom's side). We had a great time and was able to share Megan's story on Thursday night after church. We have been so blessed with all the support and prayers of the 'Family of God'. 

6/25 Megan is having a great week at camp. She accomplished another one of her goals: high heels. Not her highest, but heels and she looked great. We also received word today that all blot clots are gone. PTL. That means no more shots in the belly. Meg is thrilled. We have been blessed this week to hear many stories of how Megan's Story has changed lives.  The 'Miracle' goes on.

6/23 Meg and I just went on an early morning 'therapy' walk around Pinecrest Camp. It is so good to have her with us at Camp Meeting. The only problem is the 'HEAT WAVE' (high 90's with heat index over 100) that is keeping us inside for most of the day. Oh, well, it will be a good time to visit with family and friends, play games, and enjoy some good preaching and singing with the 'saints'.

6/21 Took Megan for another heart biopsy and blood clot check today. The official results will come tomorrow, but docs say she couldn't be doing any better. Also got to visit with her surgeon, Dr. Wong. We then celebrated with lunch at St. Louis Bread Co and a mocha frappe from McDonald's on the way home.  What a GREAT Father/Daughter Day.

Here is the web site to hear Megan's interview on KSIV. http://haroldhendrick.com/content/view/183/5/

6/16 Megan's interview on KSIV will be replayed tomorrow on 1320 AM during the 3:00pm hour. Harold Hendricks said he will try to get it on his web site by this week-end. www.haroldhendrick.com

6/13 Getting up, fixing breakfast for the family, and all three of us going to church; 3rd Sunday in a row. That hasn't happened since November. 'Praise God from whom all blessings flow.'

6/10 9:50pm Megan last doc report was again awesome. Still no rejection and the blood clots in her neck are GONE. She is now ready to start rehab next Tuesday. Megan is back behind the wheel and enjoying her new life. "To God be the Glory!'

Woops! It was 91.5 not 97.1. Either way we never did hear it on 91.5, but I hear it did air on 1320AM. It should be on the web site later this week.

6/8 2:04pm Waiting on the phone to ring to do our interview with KSIV. Pray that Meg and I have the right words to say and give GLORY TO GOD!. It will be aired at 3:15pm on 97.1 FM and 1320 AM. For those out of the area it will be on line later this week @ www.haroldhendrick.com

6/3 9:10pm Megan had another GOOD doctor's report today. She was taken off 5 of her meds which makes Megan very happy. She is doing great and they say the slow weight gain is very normal. For those interested, Megan and I will be sharing her story in a 12 minute interview on KSIV next Tuesday around 3:15 pm. KSIV is 91.5 FM and 1320 AM.

5/25 9:40pm A week ago Meg was trying to master one or two steps. Today she came up the basement steps. This weeks heart biopsy was again a 0% rejection. The doctors call this un-heard-of. We call it a MIRACLE. Meg is feeling and eating well, but still no weight gain.

5/25 9:40pm A week ago Meg was trying to master one or two steps. Today she came up the basement steps. This weeks heart biopsy was again a 0% rejection. The doctors call this un-heard-of. We call it a MIRACLE. Meg is feeling and eating well, but still no weight gain.