our friend Eddie

Orilus and Eddie August 2008

Last week our transplant friend, Eddie, came by for a visit with his mom and younger brother. We were excited, as this was the first time Eddie was allowed into our house, and Orilus and Jackson were proud to show him our new place. It was a precious time with him and his family, and a joy to watch the ways in which Orilus especially tried to encourage his friend. As Orilus said to me before they arrived, "Eddie is so sick, and I don't just want to sit on my butt and do nothing."

And it's true that Eddie continues to be unwell. Last week the doctors noted that CRV (a virus that can be fatal in immuno-suppressed kids like Eddie) had returned. Eddie continues to struggle on an abnormally-high dose of steroids and 3 immuno suppressants (a worse situation than he was in immediately following his transplant over 2 years ago). GVH (rejection disease) continues to cause him problems, particularly on his skin. And ongoing issues with a faulty central line and dental problems are plaguing him--he needs to go in to the OR, but can't until some of the other issues are resolved. On the other hand, he needs a central line to resolve the other issues, which he can only get in an OR. It's a vicious cycle, and Eddie has not been able to catch a break.

Last week I wrote another check from Eddie's fund to continue to help Eddie's family pay the usual bills. Eddie's medical schedule--multiple day-long visits a week to Jimmy Fund--and his ongoing isolation requirements require Kori to stay at home with him. If you had told me a year ago, when I began planning our Eat for Eddie event, that Eddie's family would still be in need of financial support one year later, I would have been incredulous. Really, how could that be possible? How bad could things really get for one lovely eight-year-old? It turns out, pretty bad indeed.

To those of you who continue to support Eddie's Fund through monthly donations of any amount, thanks. Our family, too, contributes to the Fund, and it's one way that keeps me from feeling completely helpless as I watch our friends suffer. To those who are interested in helping, your one-time gifts or monthly donations are gratefully welcome. You can mail all checks (made out to Eddie's Fund) to the Fund at:

Eddie's Fund

Eastern Bank

405 Paradise Road, B337

Swampscott, MA 01907

Thanks for caring for our friend. Eddie's family, and ours, thank you.