Friday, July 22, 2011

Can you help?

Hi friends,

This post is not about furniture, decorating, makeovers or colors.

It is about a family who is in need of some serious help & prayer.

I do not personally know this family, but have received their caringbridge page from several friends who are 'friends of friends' or who know the family personally.

From reading their story, the gist of it is this:

 On July 1, while on a family vacation in Blue Ridge GA, their family's van was struck from behind (at 100 mph) by a drunk driver.  One of their daughters died at the scene.  Two daughters were very badly injured (with injuries like broken legs, shattered pelvis, etc.).  And their only son suffered a catastrophic spinal chord injury and is now not only paralyzed but also ventilator dependent.

They've been receiving care in Chattanooga and the sisters have been discharged to the local Ronald McDonald house for outpatient rehab.  However, the young boy is in need of more comprehensive inpatient care and they have chosen to bring him here to Atlanta to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta ( CHOA at Scottish Rite, on the north side of town) for that care.

Here is the link to their site:

Caring for the Johnsons

When we have needed urgent medical care for the boys, I have been brought to my knees in gratitude to have CHOA  literally down the street.  In the middle of the night, with no traffic, we can be there in about 7 minutes ~ door to door.  I've often been thankful that IF we ever needed care for a serious long-term problem, we could probably stay in the neighborhood and get the best care possible for our children.

I cannot imagine what it must be like to have suffered the loss & injuries that this family has.  And now that they are switching care providers, they are still not able to go 'home'.

I would love for this post to create awareness of this family ~ even if only one prayer is said for them, that is enough for me to have shared it here.

But what I have heard from friends is that they would love to find a place to live while they are here.
Do you know of anyone with an empty house/condo/townhome that is relatively close to CHOA who would be willing to share it with a family in need?

While I don't have a home to share (I sure wish I did!) what I DO have is access to a lot of great furniture :)  If a place is found for them, I would love to help them furnish it so that it will be as comfortable as it can possibly be for them.

Please pray for this sweet family, friends!  And hug your children ~ gosh, it brings me to tears to think of what these parents have experienced over the last few weeks.

love kathie

FYI ~ On their site, there is also a link where you can give financially to support the family & their needs at this time, if you feel inclined to do so.

6 comments:

  1. I'm definitely praying for them! Thank you for sharing!

    -Bonnie @ Revolutionaries
    http://bonniegetchell.blogspot.com

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  2. I can't imagine how hard it would be to go through this! What a tremendous trial they are going through. The least I can't do is have them in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing their story, it helps me be grateful for each moment I share with my family.

    julie

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  3. How awful-How sad- How Horrible. I work in a hospital and I NEVER get used to having people suffer around me. I will pray for this family and I hope they can find a place to stay~ xoo Diana

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  4. Gosh Kathie, that is heart-wrenching. Just jumped on your site to refer to my neighbor (we were talking about painting her kitchen cabinets and you popped in to my mind!) Heavy heart - will certainly pray and if anything at all I can do. I am a member of the Dunwoody Friends CHOA group, we raise money for CHOA - which helps in situations like this. God bless this family.

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  5. i will certainly be keeping them in my thoughts and prayers. it really puts things into perspective. life is short. love the hardest you possibly can.

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  6. After balling my eyes out for this family (the picture of the 4 kids on the beach really go to me!) Let me know if there is anything I can do!! I can help with furniture, too. That would be a great way for us to meet, helping others. I will keep them in my prayers.

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