Following the funeral at Halbritter will be a ceremony at Mission Hills Cemetary near Sumnerville, north of Niles. Immediatly following burial services a luncheon will be provided at the 7th Day Adventist Church on Grant St. in Niles. Everyone is welcome, and the family would also appreciate a dish to be shared.
Thank you everyone, Weaver-Zimmerman Family.
Friday, January 4, 2008
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Ava with Mommy & Daddy
Isn't she beautiful!
It's A Girl!
Hello everyone and welcome to Ava Christine's Blog.
First a little info about the new edition to our family.
This beautiful little girl comes to our family after many years of trying on her parents part as well as her being the first girl in 19 years. Yes 19 years! So to say that she is going to be a little spoiled is putting it very lightly.
Ava Christine was welcomed into this world on September 29 2007 by her mommy Jamie, Daddy Jamie, big brother Brayden, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends. Shortly after Ava's arrival the wonderful medical staff at Memorial hospital of South Bend found what they called a murmur in Ava's heart. After some testing little Ava was transported to Motts' Children Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Jamie and Jamie were informed that little Ava has a heart defect that could be life threatening and that she needed to undergo open heart surgery to fix the defects. So, on Tuesday October 2 2007 Ava was operated on by the wonderful medical staff at the U of M. What this team of doctors did to Ava is incredible. First of all Jamie explained to me over the phone today just what problems Ava's heart has endured. Ava's heart has a couple of different problems. The first is known as Interrupted Aortic Arch. The following info about interrupted aortic arch is best explained by the U of M Cardiac website, "Interrupted aortic arch is a very rare heart defect that occurs when the aorta does not develop normally while the baby is in the mother’s womb. It comprises about 1% of all congenital heart defects. It usually occurs along with other heart problems such as truncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, transposition of the great arteries, and aortic stenosis.The aorta is the large blood vessel that arises from the left side of the normal heart and takes red blood out to the body. The first part of the aorta, called the ascending aorta (1) arises upwards. It then curves leftward forming the aortic arch (2). The aorta then curves downward towards the lower body, and this part is called the descending aorta (3). Three blood vessels exit from the aortic arch and supply the head and arms with red blood. These vessels are called the innominate artery (4), the left carotid artery (5), and the left subclavian artery (6).In babies with interrupted aortic arch, there is a complete blockage between the ascending and the descending aorta (1). This means that there is no direct way for red blood leaving the heart to reach the body parts that are "downstream" from the blockage. The site of the defect varies (2) and may or may not involve the take-off of the head and neck vessels. In most babies with interrupted aortic arch (70-90%) there is also a large ventricular septal defect (3).In newborns with interrupted aortic arch, the only way for blood to bypass the blockage is via the patent ductus arteriosus (4). Prior to birth, this small blood vessel permits blood to by-pass the baby’s fluid-filled lungs. One or two days after birth, this vessel usually closes on its own. In a baby with interrupted aortic arch, if the duct closes, blood can no longer reach the lower body. This can cause the baby to suddenly become very ill. Therefore, after the diagnosis is made, a medicine called prostaglandin is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open until surgery". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
So how did the doctors fix this? "Interrupted aortic arch is a serious heart defect that requires surgery soon after birth. The goal of surgery is to create remove the blockage. This used to be done in a two-stage operation but is now done most of the time in one stage. The two ends of the aorta are sewn together (1) and the patent ductus arterious (2) is tied off. Sometimes a patch is needed to reinforce the repair. If present, a patch is sewn over the VSD (3)". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
In #1 of the picture below is the part of Ava' heart that was repaired.
First a little info about the new edition to our family.
This beautiful little girl comes to our family after many years of trying on her parents part as well as her being the first girl in 19 years. Yes 19 years! So to say that she is going to be a little spoiled is putting it very lightly.
Ava Christine was welcomed into this world on September 29 2007 by her mommy Jamie, Daddy Jamie, big brother Brayden, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends. Shortly after Ava's arrival the wonderful medical staff at Memorial hospital of South Bend found what they called a murmur in Ava's heart. After some testing little Ava was transported to Motts' Children Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Jamie and Jamie were informed that little Ava has a heart defect that could be life threatening and that she needed to undergo open heart surgery to fix the defects. So, on Tuesday October 2 2007 Ava was operated on by the wonderful medical staff at the U of M. What this team of doctors did to Ava is incredible. First of all Jamie explained to me over the phone today just what problems Ava's heart has endured. Ava's heart has a couple of different problems. The first is known as Interrupted Aortic Arch. The following info about interrupted aortic arch is best explained by the U of M Cardiac website, "Interrupted aortic arch is a very rare heart defect that occurs when the aorta does not develop normally while the baby is in the mother’s womb. It comprises about 1% of all congenital heart defects. It usually occurs along with other heart problems such as truncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, transposition of the great arteries, and aortic stenosis.The aorta is the large blood vessel that arises from the left side of the normal heart and takes red blood out to the body. The first part of the aorta, called the ascending aorta (1) arises upwards. It then curves leftward forming the aortic arch (2). The aorta then curves downward towards the lower body, and this part is called the descending aorta (3). Three blood vessels exit from the aortic arch and supply the head and arms with red blood. These vessels are called the innominate artery (4), the left carotid artery (5), and the left subclavian artery (6).In babies with interrupted aortic arch, there is a complete blockage between the ascending and the descending aorta (1). This means that there is no direct way for red blood leaving the heart to reach the body parts that are "downstream" from the blockage. The site of the defect varies (2) and may or may not involve the take-off of the head and neck vessels. In most babies with interrupted aortic arch (70-90%) there is also a large ventricular septal defect (3).In newborns with interrupted aortic arch, the only way for blood to bypass the blockage is via the patent ductus arteriosus (4). Prior to birth, this small blood vessel permits blood to by-pass the baby’s fluid-filled lungs. One or two days after birth, this vessel usually closes on its own. In a baby with interrupted aortic arch, if the duct closes, blood can no longer reach the lower body. This can cause the baby to suddenly become very ill. Therefore, after the diagnosis is made, a medicine called prostaglandin is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open until surgery". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
So how did the doctors fix this? "Interrupted aortic arch is a serious heart defect that requires surgery soon after birth. The goal of surgery is to create remove the blockage. This used to be done in a two-stage operation but is now done most of the time in one stage. The two ends of the aorta are sewn together (1) and the patent ductus arterious (2) is tied off. Sometimes a patch is needed to reinforce the repair. If present, a patch is sewn over the VSD (3)". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
In #1 of the picture below is the part of Ava' heart that was repaired.
Before surgery
The Next Step
The next step in repairing Ava's heart was to fix what is known as Truncus Arteriosus. Truncus arteriosus is "characterized by a large ventricular septal defect over which a large, single great vessel (truncus) arises. This single great vessel carries blood both to the body and to the lungs". (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11073) Below is a picture of what Ava's heart was like before surgery.
Before Surgery
After Surgery
The above picture shows what the surgeon did to repair Ava's heart. "Surgery is required to close the ventricular septal defect and separate blood flow to the body from blood flow to the lungs. This is generally done early in infancy to prevent high blood pressure from damaging the lungs' arteries. A patch is used to close the ventricular defect. The pulmonary arteries are then disconnected from the single great vessel and a tube (a conduit or tunnel) is placed from the right ventricle to these pulmonary arteries. This is sometimes called a Rastelli repair". (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11073)
9 comments:
God is with you today and always.
Hi Ava, my baby girl. I jsut left the viewing for you. You had so much love!!! People lined up around the building to come and tell you how much they loved you, your mom and dad, and Bray. All your grandparents were there. Great grandparents. Aunts, uncles, cousins. Your nurses that helped keep you with us for as much time as they could. Friends of your mom and dads that have loved them forever, which makes them love you as well. But how can anyone not love you!!!!!!! Ava, this is corny, but I could not stop talking to you. Some people will laugh, for they say I never stop talking. But you were laying there so beautiful and at peace. And every time I was with you, I talked, or sang really badly. Well since today was your day, I did not sing. But I wanted to pick you up and be goody granny and hand you to your mom and dad, which are the 2 most broken people I have ever seen in my live. I hate to tell you how sad they are, but you will see for yourself, if not already. Right now as you know, granny is having trouble trying to find the good in this. I want to be a good person, and feel that there has to be a reason. But looking at you today, and even before, but today said it all, that what good reason could there be? Your mom and dad and Bray are perfect. They love you. Responsible good people. Love their families. Try so hard to do all the right things in life. Hard workers. Good friends. Good son and daughter. Great brother and sister to your aunt and uncle and plus vice versa. Your Aunt Heath and Uncle Billy loved you as their own baby. So why did this have to happen? Help me Ava. Help us all see the wisdom in something so unbearable. Actually your granny is a good God believing person. Went to Church, I know right from wrong. But losing such a beautiful little angel as you, makes me so angry! All of us love you. people and children that have never goteen the chance to hold you and say how pretty you, say how pretty and special you are. Young little children want to come to your final destination and they are not sure of really what its all about. But Ava, you made that impact on us all. Yes, granny is rambling again. But you will here more of my rambling because you will be upstairs in the clouds listening every day. The others only listen to me about once a month. Lucky you!ha You had a pretty red dress on today. White tights. headband. Bray left you a letter of love. Just remember, you will not be alone. I do believe you will be with your great great pa, when the time comes all the rest of us. And I do believe you will be special in those clouds. I will never stop talking to you. I will talk again tomorrow little one. For I am so tired and my eyes hurt. Your poppy is starting to dose. It has been a very hard day for him. Rest wonderful angel. We will all see you tomorrow.
Good night sleep tight love you
granny and poppy
I just wanted to let you know how proud I am of you. You must be the strongest person I have ever met. I was speaking with my mom last night after she visited with you. I was amazed to hear that you were so strong and able to face what had to be such a horrible day. I am sure I speak for a lot of people when I say that you are a true inspiration. You give mother a good name, a great name. I now know where Ava got her fighting spirit. You are a true hero and I know that in days and years to come, other mothers will look to your strength and wisdom to help navigate them through such heartbreaking times. You have shown such selfless love to not only your daughter and family but the entire world, that my heart feels full today not only with Ava's spirit, but of yours as well.
Please know that you are in our prayers constantly.
Angie Plude
Hi Jamie & Jamie,
I am so happy that I was able to give both of you a hug last night..I wish I could offer more to take away your pain or help you understand "why." But I cannot even explain it to myself... And although I have not witnessed you growing together as husband and wife or a family over the years, knowing the two of you from school and reading your blog has confirmed what I always knew...that your love for one another is unconditional. I think even through the pain you have endured, your love has grown stronger than it has ever been. And you have changed the way that so many look at their loved ones..hold on tight to eachother and thanks for the inspiration to the rest of those who you have touched. I am thinking about all of you today and praying that God will comfort you today and always.
God Bless your beautiful Ava!
Much love and prayers,
~Lori Baxter
We no longer pray for Ava, we now pray with Ava. We pray for her mommy and daddy and big brother, Lord please help them to find peace and comfort. Guide them through these tragic times and lead them back to happiness. I'm sure that is all little Ava wants is to look down from heaven and see her family be able to laugh and smile. We ask that you bestow such blessings upon this family. Amen
Being at the visitation last night was absolutely astonishing. The love that the community has for that beautiful little girl is amazing. Your family is amazing. Jamie, Jamie and Bray, you have so many people to support you during this time. You have been so strong, an inspiration and true "teachers" as to unconditional love. I wish I could ease your pain in some way, but that is something you have to do on your own, in your own time, your own way. Just remember, you have an endless amount of support from friends and family - draw on that, let us help you even in the smallest of ways. Ava looked so beautiful last night, she will certainly brighten Heaven and make everyone smile above! In saying that, she would want her Mommy and Daddy to smile too. Smile when you think of her and how much you two and Bray, your families, friends and the whole community loved her. She brought so many people together and she will never ever be forgotten. God bless you all today (and always) as you lay your precious little ANGEL to rest. We will be there for you always.
Much love and prayers,
Ginger
I am holding you & your family close in my thoughts, in my heart and in my prayers today and always.
Love,
Sandy & family
I cant stop thinking about all of you and that beautiful girl. I cant believe the strength you all have. Your family is an inspiration to us all, reminding us what the words,family and friends really mean. I hope you can feel all the support around you. You have been strong for a long time now. Now, you need to rest and let everyone carry you for awhile. Please let us know if there is ANYTHING you might need. We continue to pray for you all.
Jeff, Kellie and Hannah Montgomery
P.S Heather, this means you to!
Hello my Angel Ava. Our tough cookie. Our little fighter. Well you should be at total peace right now. You endured in 3 months what most of us could ever endure in a lifetime of years. I did not get to talk to you today, your final day of rest. I just could not. I decided what ever I want to say today, will be later. There were people whom love you, and they wanted their time with you. But I would have gotten on my knees again and said, please dear God, watch over this Angel, and Ava Christine, as you should know this already, but I want to put it into words. We will always, every single day, every second, think of our special fighter and Angel, ava. A parent should never outlive there children, and especially a grandparent. You had as many people today to say goodbye as yesterday. That alone shows what a blessing you are. God, has to have something so powerful up there for you. I will never in my lifetime accept this really, nor will I understand. But I do believe you will be the reason for for alot of good to happen to all us that love you. I really do want to thank everyone that helped and took charge these last few days. All of the friends that Jamie and Jamie love and have, all of their co workers, teachers, people at the church, Grams caregivers, everyone, Jim and I thank you so much for all of the love and support you have given to this family. I do believe jamie and Jamie could not have gotten through all of this without all of your support. Friends and family traveled far. We always hear of names from Jamie and Jamie, we were able to put faces with some of you. We love you for loving and caring for them. yes, they are a special couple. I have witnessed fights, etc before they were married. And I swear to all of you, I have always cared about both of them, and thought boy Jamie was one of the nicest young men I knew. I just KNEW they would be good together and have a wonderful family. Which they are and do. I also saw their love grow with this sadness. I do feel good in knowing they will help each other get through this. And Heather and Bill, I cant say enough good things. And your dad is so proud of your love and support you gave to Jamie. Erin, thank you for standing by Heather. Bill and Wilma, thank you for watching over Jamie and Jamie and Bray so much also. I know he is your son, Ava, your dark haired blue eyes girl, but you did so much to help them and ease their pain. Dan, Vic, you and Bill, Jim and I, all know this terrible pain of a grandparents loss. I also want to thank all the web supporters that have prayed so hard. Everyone that has prayed for our family. Carol, you were wonderful today. Anyway Ava, just to say some things to you and others. The love for you and your family (ours) is more than I have ever seen in my life. I would like to just have a third of that love little Ava! Well our little angel in the red dress, by the way, red is your poppy's favorite color!, good night sleep tight. Tomorrow dance in those clouds and let that curly beautiful hair of yours blow, and say, "I am at rest, so Im going to smile, dance and sing, and watch over my mom, dad, and special brother Bray".
Good night Angel.
I will still write or think of you every day
poppy and granny
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