Following Up

Soon Caiden's Hope will begin contacting families that we have had the priviledge of helping. We want to see how their child is progressing and learn first hand the difficulties a family can face when living at the NICU.

We will also begin asking the NICU nurses and Social Services Staff to provide our supporters with their viewpoint.

If you would like to be interviewed, please contact Caiden's Hope at 713-444-3412.

Thank you. 

Two South Texas Familes Enjoy Some Peace

Tonight and for the next week a family from Laredo and a family from Del Rio are staying in a hotel courtesy of Caiden's Hope.  Both have a child undergoing medical treatment in San Antonio.  Caiden's Hope is happy to have been able to provide services to each family.  

Homeless Mother Has A Hotel Tonight Thanks To You

Tonight and for the next three nights, a Houston woman who lives in a homeless shelter is in a hotel thanks to Caiden's Hope.  Her preemie son was born yesterday and he will be staying in the NICU for the next few days.  His mother was given the choice of going back to the shelter or sleeping on the hospital floor.  Hospital social services contacted Caiden's Hope and thanks to our generous supporters she is enjoying a warm, safe hotel room. 

Pneumonia Re-check

Caiden went for his pneumonia re-check.  He is 21 1/2 months old.  His lungs are clear.  He has been eating well (drinking banana formula) and he gained weight.  He weighs 21.2 lbs.  He got a flu shot.  : (  Caiden has been cleared for his next airway stretching procedure Dec. 6th.
~Terry

Caiden's Hope EBAY Giving Site

Caiden's Hope has opened an EBAY Giving Site.  We'll be selling items of interest to our supporters and 100% of all funds raised from the Caiden's Hope Ebay Giving Site will be donated to Caiden's Hope.

You can also make direct donations to Caiden's Hope while shopping for merchandise.

Pneumonia

Jennifer took Little Mr. Caiden in for his check-up to clear him for his O.R. airways stretching procedure Dec. 6th and instead found that he has pneumonia!  He had a cold/flu about a week and a half ago, but seemed like he kicked it.  He didn't even act sick anymore.  So instead of getting cleared, he is on a 10 day regiment of antibiotics and then will go back to be checked again.  Pray for a quick recovery for sweet Caiden.

~Terry

Corpus Christi Family Needs Some Rest

The parents of a premature baby boy in Corpus Christi, Texas are receiving some much needed rest this weekend instead of driving back to Driscoll from the Corpus Christi Medical Center.  Their son was born 12 weeks early and is being treated in the NICU at the BayShore Hospital.  Caiden's Hope is happy to be able to provide the parents with some Hope in The Midst of Trial.

Caiden's Hope is helping Three Families This Week - Thanks to You

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors, Caiden's Hope is helping families from Bakersfield, California, Edinburg, Texas and Pleasanton, Texas this week. Families are sleeping in hotels instead of on a bench in the hospital because of you. Without the support of our friends, families and corporate partners we would not be able to provide any of the assistance we are so lucky to be able to give. Those of us who have experienced having a child or grandchild in the NICU and have had them leave the hospital healthy are truly blessed by God. Share your blessings by helping other families with your tax deductible donation at www.caidenshope.org. Please post this to all your Facebook/Twitter friends so we can spread the word about Caiden's Hope. Thank you.

North Austin Medical Center Joins Caiden's Hope

St. Davids North Austin Medical Center in Austin, Texas is the latest NICU facility to join with Caiden's Hope.  Realizing that Caiden's Hope could provide peace of mind and a warm bed to families in crisis, the North Austin Medical Center staff contacted Caiden's Hope to enlist our services.  We hope to be able to provide many families of NICU patients with a safe hotel during their child's medical treatments.

Caiden's Hope is Partnering with Ronald McDonald to Help a Family in San Antonio

Thanks to our generous supporters Caiden's Hope is helping the family of a baby girl from Edinburg, Texas with hotel arrangements while daughter Rebecca receives heart surgery at Methodist Children's Hospital in San Antonio.  Caiden's Hope is partnering with the San Antonio Ronald McDonald House to bring this family some peace during a very critical time.

Family from Pleasanton Texas staying at hotel tonight

A Pleasanton Texas family is staying in a San Antonio Medical Center hotel for the next few nights while their son undergoes his second series of heart surgeries. Your donations are allowing Caiden's Hope to provide a room to the family at no cost. Methodist Children Hospital caregivers said it was important that the family be within walking distance of the hospital while surgeons operated.

Helping a Family in Crisis

Caiden's Hope is assisting another California family tonight by providing a safe,clean hotel near The Mattel Children's Center at UCLA.  Their son is undergoing treatment and the family has been sleeping on the floor of the hospital.  Thanks to your support, they are together in a hotel.

HCA Gulf Coast Regional Hospital Network Joins With Caiden's Hope

Thanks to your generous support, Caiden's Hope is pleased to announce that several hospitals belonging to the HCA Gulf Coast Regional Hospital Network have joined with Caiden's Hope to help families in crisis.  Among the hospitals partnering with Caiden's Hope are Clear Lake Regional in Houston, Bayshore Medical Center in Pasadena, Texas as well as HCA hospitals in Harlingen, Angleton, Kingwood and Corpus Christi, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee.

Caiden's Hope is proud to work with these hospital to provide a small amount of peace and comfort to families with a baby in the NICU for an extended period of time.
  

ENT Appointment

Caiden had a follow up  ENT appointment yesterday from the last O.R. visit he had for stretching his airways.  The doctor said that she had to take scar tissue out of the nasal cavity on both sides, not just one like she had thought.  She also stretched his airways just above his trach.  He is making more air noises around his trach as the airways are getting bigger, which is progress.  The tube in his left ear is working it's way out which is normal.  The right one isn't budging yet.  They come out on their own time when they are ready.  Since it is working its way out it is likely uncomfortable for him to have that hearing aide in.  That could be why he takes it out, though at times he isn't fond of either one of them.  He is typical.  The doctor says later kids throw them out of the bus window.  So for now just finding them in the floor, or in his crib is just fine.  He's already lost one when he was out on a walk in the stroller.  

Caiden has another O.R. appointment Dec. 6th for more airways stretching.  We are hoping he is getting to the end of this phase, and will be able to have his trach out soon.  The doctor tried to cover his trach yesterday to see how he would do, but he was already too mad after she scoped down his trach and looked in his ears. 

I'm the lucky grandma who enjoyed spending the day with him. 

~Terry

Pharr, Texas Family Stays Near Hospital While Daughter Has NeuroSurgery

A mom from Pharr, Texas is the latest beneficiary of Caiden's Hope.  She is staying overnight in a clean, safe hotel in the Texas Medical Center so she can be near her infant daughter who is undergoing neurosurgery at Texas Children's Hospital.  Thanks to our friends and supporters, Caiden's Hope is able to provide her with a room for three nights starting October 18, 2011.

Bakersfield, California Family Stays Near Hospital While Son Recieves Treatment

A Bakersfield California family is staying at a Los Angeles hotel for this week thanks to Caiden's Hope.  The Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA requested Caiden's Hope's  assistance so the family would not have to drive home to Bakersfield from Los Angeles each night. Because of your generous support to Caiden's Hope, this family is finding some peace during this very stressfull time.    

Caiden's Hope to Speak to Methodist Children's Hospital in San Antonio

Caiden's Hope has been invited to speak to the Methodist Children's Hospital of South Texas Case Management Group in San Antonio in November.

The Methodist Children's Hospital of South Texas is a leader in working closely with NICU families to help babies in crisis.

Caiden's Hope invited to speak to HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division

Caiden's Hope has been invited to speak to the Gulf Coast Division Case Management Group of HCA Healthcare in October.

Representing 12 regional hospitals, the Gulf Coast Division Case Management Group works closely with NICU families and has invited Caiden's Hope to speak at their quarterly meeting.

South Texas Family Stays In Houston Near the Hospital

A South Texas family is spending the next three days in a hotel a few short miles from the hospital tonight while their newborn daughter is being treated in the NICU.  Thanks to your support Mom and Dad don't have to drive to their home and back to the hospital in the morning.

Support Your Cause

Caiden's Hope has partnered with Support Your Cause to help raise funds for Caiden's Hope and to provide you with discounts while shopping online. 

Just click on the Support Your Cause link, input your email address, create a password and start shopping.  It's that simple to continue your support for Caiden's Hope.

Caiden's Hope will receive a $5.00 donation just for your signing up! 

Sitting Up Unsupported

Because you'd want to know...Caiden sat by himself today!  He thought it was funny when he would fall over. 

~Terry

Your donations have helped another family in crisis!

Thanks to your support, a family in San Antonio is staying together in a hotel tonight near the hospital while their baby girl receives treatment in the NICU. Thank you for helping Caiden's Hope attain our goals of helping families in crisis. Please consider a donation so we can continue our Mission.

www.caidenshope.org

Post Airway Dilating

Caiden had his airways dilated again today in preparation to take out his trach.  He did well.  He had scar tissue that they removed, and guess what??? He weighs 22 lbs!  He's never weighed 20 lbs!  He started eating SO well last week.  He's a trooper.  Hopefully he'll be released soon tomorrow as he only has 1 bottle of Banana Pediasure left and he ONLY drinks Banana Pediasure.  The picture above shows Jennifer and Caiden watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on TV.

~Terry

Caiden's Hope Summer Gas Card Raffle Winner

Congratulations to Scott Stolkin of Ventura, California.  Scott won the Caiden's Hope Summer Gas Card Raffle and drives away with $100.00 in Shell gasoline!  The Fall Gas Card Raffle will be starting soon.  Be sure to purchase your raffle ticket at the next Caiden's Hope event!     

Another Airways Procedure in the O.R.

Caiden is 19 months old now and Tuesday (tomorrow) he will go back to the O.R. to have his airways stretched again in preparation to take his trach out.  One of his nostrils stayed open after the last airway stretching.  The other did not.  The Dr. won't know how well his throat airways stayed open until she gets in there again.  He will spend the night Tuesday night and then be released if all goes well on Wed.  Chris and Patti will take him down tonight and then Jennifer and I will stay down near UCLA at the Tiverton Tuesday, and until he is released.

Caiden had been eating SO poorly, but last week he decided to eat again and ate very well all week.  Thank-you for your prayers regarding his eating.  Pray that he will learn to eat solid foods.  He has recently learned to clap, and wave bye-bye.  God has been good to us.

~Terry

Caiden loves Abby, Abby loves Caiden

Caiden is visiting with grandma and grandpa for a few days.  We had just come back from going on a walk and the dogs came out to play.  Caiden likes Abby, Abby likes Caiden.  : )  

~Terry

More Fluids

Caiden had his appointment with his GI doctor.  He just wants to add more fluids to his day.  He wants Caiden to drink 4 oz. of water a day and Caiden does NOT drink water!  So 1 oz. of water goes into each of his Pedia Sure bottles.  He raised the amount of oz. of his prune juice, and 2 more oz. of Pedia Sure per day.  This means his mom has to do a 1:00-1:30 a.m. feeding each night even though Caiden sleeps well through the night, to make sure he gets in all of his calories/fluids.  He doesn't get them all in 100%, but he does get more in.  

Yesterday he saw his regular Dr. and got 3 inoculations.  

: (   Though his weight is always a fight to keep up, he is still in the low/normal range.  : )

Caiden has lost one of his hearing aides.  He went out for a walk and came back without it.  You haven't seen it have you?

This is a picture of Caiden and his roommate Emma watching a signing DVD.

~Terry

A Good Doctor Report

Caiden got a good Dr. report yesterday from his pulmonary Dr. All the tests he had a month ago came back normal including the sleep test for his breathing.  The Dr. is recommending the Synagis shots again for high risk babies  this cold and flu season to prevent him from getting RSV.  He is referring him to a GI Dr. for a further look.  He specializes in the digestive system.  Caiden's O2 level was 95% which is very good for him.  He weighs 19.6 lbs.  Almost 20 lbs.!

~Terry

Ears, Nose Throat check-up at UCLA

At Caiden's ears, nose, throat appointment today the Dr. put a scope with a camera down each of his nose holes.  It was very unpleasant for him and he let her know.  She said that one side has stayed open nicely, but the other side needs to be opened again.  He will go back to the O.R. Sept. 6th to have his airways stretched again.  The Dr. had warned us that it could take 2 or 3 times.  He will have an over night stay again.  We will take his portable oxygen with us this time so they can release him after staying 1 night.  

Here is a picture of him with fresh tomatoes, and plums from the garden.  No, he's not eating any better so please pray for that.  We offer him everything, but he doesn't eat any of it.

~Terry

Caiden's Hope needs your vote!

Help Caiden's Hope win the Citgo Fueling Good contest. 24 charities will win a share of $120,000 in gasoline. Caiden's Hope needs your vote to help us win and be able to provide families in crisis with free gas. You can vote daily until August 11. Vote everyday!

New Caiden's Hope Iphone Mobile Link for Caiden's Hope

Haven't been able to visit Caiden's Hope on your IPhone? 

Now there is a new Mobile Link for IPhone users.

When you search Caiden's Hope in your IPhone's web browser, you will now be automatically redirected to the new Caiden's Hope Mobile Site.  CH supporters now have mobile access to Events, a Picture Gallery, Facebook and many other features of the full site.

To visit the full site, go to http://www.caidenshope.org/ on your laptop or desktop computer.

Caiden's Hope helps U.S. Military Fisher House at Ft. Hood, Texas

Caiden's Hope was recently able to make a $2000 donation to Fisher House located on the U.S. military base at Ft. Hood, Texas thanks to our supporters.

Fisher House Manager Isaac Howard said that "it is times like this in which soldiers need all the help they can get.  Your contribution to the Fort Hood Fisher House helps provide the necessary items need to povide a home away from home for the soldiers and their loved ones during a family medical crisis.
We do not know how we could manage to make the Fisher House as it is without the contributions made by the kind and caring supporters of Caiden's Hope". 

Within walking distance of the hospital Fisher House is a comfortable temporary home, filled with warm, caring people who help family members endure the stresses associated with a loved one's serious medical condition. The Fisher House enables families to stay together, cook meals, do laundry, and relax in a "home away from home" atmosphere. There are no other facilities on military installations which provide this caring, compassionate environment.

Swallow Study

Nothing but good news today!  You have no idea what a big deal it is to be able to say that!  No problems with Caiden's swallowing mechanism!   God is good!  So prayers that he will learn to like and eat food!

~Terry

Caiden's Hope's Youngest Supporter

Caiden's Hope Summer Raffle

Caiden's Hope is having a Summer Raffle for a $100.00 Gasoline Prepaid Gift Card.  Purchase a raffle ticket at any Caiden's Hope Event.

Only $4.00 per raffle ticket could win you $100.00 of gas!

local Check-Up

Caiden went to his local pediatrician Monday to check his weight, and O2 levels.  His weight was the same as last time, and his O2 level was at 91%.  Still not quite what they'd like it to be.  And believe it or not when your O2 levels are low it uses up more calories to eat!  So in order to keep his weight up he will be on oxygen more during the day rather than just sleeping at night.  The Dr. said once again, that he continues to be amazed at how happy he is, and how well he does even with all of his issues.  We so appreciate his positive attitude.  

Caiden is getting stronger, and has gotten so much better at sitting up in his Bumbo chair, or his activity jump seat.  He loves sitting & watching his signing DVDs and Baby Einstein DVDs.

Caiden's swallow study has been re-scheduled once again, for June 30th at St. John's in Oxnard. 

~Terry

San Antonio Texas Supporters form new Caiden's Hope Chapter

Two Caiden's Hope supporters, Leslie Mattingly and Grace Dodson, recently formed a new chapter of Caiden's Hope in San Antonio, Texas to support families with babies in crisis. 

Grace has supported Caiden's Hope from the very beginning and had been looking for a way to increase her support.  After speaking with her co-worker Leslie Mattingly, the pair decided they needed to form a San Antonio chapter and asked Caiden's Hope for permission.  The Board of Directors of Caiden's Hope quickly approved their request and welcomes their support, energy and enthusiasm.  We look forward to many more local chapters as we continue to grow.

Do you want to form a chapter in your area, please contact Wayne Keller at wayne@caidenshope.org for more information.

No Swallow Study

Caiden went for his swallow study today and after being shuffeled from dept. to dept. and waiting 45 min. they were told that he wasn't scheduled today!  So, still no swallow study. 

~ Terry

Mark McEwen partners with Caiden's Hope

Mark McEwen

Journalist, author and former CBS News Anchor, Mark McEwen today announced his support of Caiden's Hope. 

Mark was voted one of the most trusted people in America and was a fixture on CBS in the mornings from 1987 until 2002.  His wit and warmth made him a welcome guest in millions of homes.  During his 16-year tenure at CBS, Mark served in a variety of high-profile positions, including anchor for "CBS This Morning", weather and entertainment reporter for "The Early Show" and correspondent for "48 Hours". 

He is a stroke survivor and works with Caiden's Hope, the American Stroke Association and The National Stroke Association to educate people on how to make healthy lifestyle changes.  His book, Change in the Weather, is about his experience as a stroke survivor.

Caiden's Hope welcomes Mark and appreciates his support.

Home At Last

We're home!  It wasn't looking like we were going to be earlier today.  The resident on duty decided that Caiden would stay one more night when they made their rounds this morning because they still had him on oxygen.  Jennifer told them that he has oxygen at home so if that was the only reason they were keeping him, then we could take care of that at home.  They decided he could go home, but needed oxygen for the trip home.  So we had to wait several more hours for them to get an oxygen tank so that we could take him home.  He was released just in time for rush hour traffic.  He was excited to get in his own car seat to go home.  He slept most of the day, and slept most of the way home.  But he's home!  He is sporting a trach, a 1/2 size bigger than the one he got when he was only 4 lbs.!  It is safer for him now.  He doesn't go back for a E.N.T. check up until July 25th.

~Terry

Surgery to Stretch Caiden's Airways

Yay!  Caiden made it through surgery just fine.  All went well and he is recovering nicely.  He was very sleepy this morning and afternoon, but is quite awake this evening.  He's been playing, and happy.  He has a nurse who is an intern and because she is, she is very careful and watches over him every minute.  If he even coughs she knows it.  So though she is an intern we feel comfortable with her care.  He ate well this evening.  The hospital volunteers brought him a light up stacker toy that he gets to play with and take home.  He gets to come home tomorrow!  Caiden is 16 months old today.  He weighs 18 lbs, 10.2 oz.  He has gained back all of the weight that he lost plus some.  He is 2' 5 1/4" tall.  : )

~Terry

Bye-Bye

I stopped to visit Caiden today on my way home from work, and when I was leaving I kissed him and told him good-bye and waved and he waved bye-bye right back!  It was the 1st time he's done that to me with no coaxing, he just waved!  I wish I had it on video.

~Terry

Cranio Facial Round Robin Dr. Appointment

Yesterday was the big UCLA appointment with all of the specialists.  The specialists come in one after another to examine, and then give a report, and then they all meet together and come up with a game plan.  

Caiden weighed 18 lbs. 4.5 oz and is 2 ft. 3/4 " tall.  He gained back most of what he lost a few weeks ago.  His weight is the focus of concern.  I'll come back to that.

He saw a dentist, an orthodontist (Really??? he has 4 teeth!) A pediatrician, speech therapist, plastics, and an audiologist.  Plastics was happy with the way his skull has healed after his skull surgery, and checked inside his mouth and says his palate is intact, as we expected.  The dentist checked his arch inside his mouth and said that looks good. 

Caiden's lack of eating is the biggest concern and it all hinges on what the swallow study reveals.  We questioned the 90 x-rays in an hour that the gastric emptying study did.  We have not yet gotten the results for that.  Though the swallow study will require more x-rays, they deem it necessary to find out how his internal swallowing is working.  The Dr. said if he has an internal anatomy problem then his not eating is his natural, subconscious way of protecting himself for further problems by eating.  So now we wait for the swallow study next month. 

The doctor cleared him for surgery for this Tuesday to stretch his airways in preparation of taking his trach out sometime in the future.  That is why the swallow study has been pushed back to next month.

There are some nursing issues that need to be addresses and worked out as he is too fragile to be exposed to habits of the nurses.   

*  Please pray for a successful stretching of the airways on Tuesday, and his protection during and after the surgery.  In recovery he is taken care of by nurses that don't always know how to take care of a trach patient.  Also that he gets enough oxygen during the surgery this time so as not to collapse his lungs again. 

*  Pray also for his nursing staff to be the best that they      can be, and safe for him

*  Pray for his safety during his swallow study.

*  Pray for wisdom for his Dr.s and his family with decisions afterwords.

~Terry

Ed Call Accepts Board Member Position with Caiden's Hope

Caiden's grandfather, Ed Call recently accepted the position of Secretary on the Board of Directors for Caiden's Hope.  Ed brings a many years of business expertise to Caiden's Hope and his experiences will greatly benefit the foundation.  His story, featured in the video above, was one of the leading reasons that Caiden's Hope was founded.

Wayne

Train Robbery for Caiden's Hope

We had a great day riding the rails in support of Caiden's Hope.  The Cedar Park Gang robbed the Hill Country Flyer train and almost got away with $750.00.  Sheriff Tex of the Burnet Gunfighters stepped in on behalf of Caiden's Hope and stopped the outlaws dead in their tracks, recovering the loot.  Thanks to everyone that participated.  We'll see ya'll next year!

Gastric Emptying Test

90 x-rays in 1 hour

Tests

Caiden is having a gastric emptying study today, and a swallow study on Wed. Pray for those administering, and reading the tests, and pray for Caiden as he goes through them.

~Terry

Caiden's Hope 5K Walk

Thank you to all the participants of todays Caiden's Hope 5K Walk.  We raised $414.00 thanks to you.

With your generous donations, we will be able to help even more families in crisis!

Green Frosting

All Caiden's Hope Videos are now on You Tube

Caiden's Hope now has it's own YouTube "Caiden's Hope Channel".

Please visit www.youtube.com/thecaidenshope to see the two newest videos featuring Caiden's father Chris and Eileen Laber, Vice President of Aqua-Flo Supply.

Wheezeometer test

Caiden has started his Wheezeometer test.  He started it about 2:45 p.m. today and will complete it in about 24 hours.  It will take about 5 days to get the results back.


~Terry

Charity Never Tasted So Good

Join Caiden's Hope on June 14, 2011 at RedBrick Pizza at 4990 Telephone Road, Ventura, California for another Family Oriented Caiden's Hope Event.

Enjoy RedBrick Pizza's fabulous Fire-Roasted Pizza, Fresh Chopped Salads, Fhazani Sandwiches and Gourmet Gelato. 

Be sure to print a flyer at www.caidenshope.org and bring it with you to show your support for Caiden's Hope!

Caiden's Hope Facebook Page

If you are a new follower of Caiden's blog, we invite you to also follow Caiden's Hope on Facebook.  "Like" the Caidens Hope FB page and keep up with all the CH Events and latest news.

Thank you for supporting Caiden's Hope!

Wayne

O.R. Date

We got a date for Caiden to go back to the O.R. so they can start widening his airways.  May 31st.  We won't know what time surgery is until the day before.  Pray that it is morning because he can't eat 6 hours before surgery.

~Terry

Pulmonary Dr. Appointment

Caiden saw his Pulmonary Dr. for the 1st time today.  The good news is that his 02 levels were great!  93-97%!  That is wonderful!  He lost weight though, almost a lb. This appointment created 3 more appointments. Thankfully locally.  He will have a swallow study at County Medical Center,  looking for "silent aspiration", a Gastric Emptying Study which is a fancy name for seeing how long it takes his food to leave his stomach after he eats.  That can be done at St. John's, and A Wheezeometer test at home.  That is a test to see how he breathes at night while he is sleeping both with and without O2. 

~Terry

New Caidens Hope Facebook page

Please visit and "like" the new Caiden's Hope Facebook page. 

Thanks,

Wayne 

ENT Appointment

We went to UCLA to ears, nose and throat to talk about starting the process of taking Caiden's trach out.   I knew it was a process, but didn't know how long of a process it is.  The 1st step is to book a date for the O.R again.   In the O.R. they will inflate the holes in the back of his nose with different sizes of stints.  They will put one in, stretch it, take it out and put in a larger one, take that one out, and put a larger one, take that one out.  Then in his throat just above his trach they will insert a balloon and inflate the balloon with the same idea as the stints.  The idea is to prepare his airways so it will be successful when the trach comes out.  The O.R. procedures will require a 1 night hospital stay.  Eventually when the Dr. believes that his airways are ready we will start to cap his trach a little at a time during waking hours.  At the end of the process when his trach is removed it will require a 3 night hospital stay to make sure he is breathing fine on his own.  This is what we've been waiting for.  Please pray that this process is successful! 

~Terry

Caiden and his Grandma

Could anything be better than being with Grandma?

Two New Caiden Hope Videos

Caiden's father Chris and Eileen Laber, Vice President of Aqua-Flo Supply recently sat down with Caiden's Hope to film two new video segments for www.caidenshope.org. 

Chris details how excited he was when Caiden was released from the hospital and Eileen speaks about why Aqua-Flo supports Caidens Hope and why other corporations should do the same.

Both videos can be seen online on the "Media" page of www.caidenshope.org.   

Messy Boy!

Mr. Caiden played in his new highchair for almost an hour this morning.  He played with his carousel, wind up Easter bunny, wind up Easter chick, and some Cheerios!  Later he experimented with some food! 

Later his aunt Julie trimmed his hair today!   : 0

~Terry

Fundraiser/Check-Up

I'm not sure how the Snapper Jack's fundraiser went.  Jennifer, Julie and I went for lunch and saw a few other people that we knew, and then Eddie, Caiden's great-grandma, and nurse Susan & I went back for dinner when most of the people could go, and saw a few other people who we knew.  But our easy going Caiden wasn't "feeling" the fundraiser so we shoved down our food and took him back home.  We did see several fundraiser flyers on the counter when we ordered our food so it looked like we were having a good turn out.  I guess well be surprised when we get the check in a couple of weeks.  You can let us know on Facebook if you went.

We took Caiden for an O2 check yesterday.  He had been running a low grade fever which could be teething, but his O2 was low.  It was 87% and went down to 78% so the doctor gave him another breathing treatment and it went up to 95%.  The Dr. said he just hasn't been able to get his O2 levels back up since his surgery so he is going to refer him to a lung specialist.  He also gave him another RX for his lungs.  Caiden likes his Dr.  His Dr. is always so surprised at how happy, and silly, and active that he is, even right after his surgery.  That's because he is the most loved boy in the world! 

Sitting up, which is hard for Caiden, is better for his O2 levels so we went and bought him a highchair so he can sit in it and the Dr. said he can have dry Cheerios!  They are good for finger dexterity as well as eating.  He will also be able to finger paint with his pureed food, and hopefully decide he might like to eat some from his fingers.

Specific prayers for Caiden:  His O2 levels up, strength in his trunk, and that he will try the food and decide he likes it!

~Terry

5K walk fundraiser

Sunday, May15th, 9:00 a.m. Weight Watchers will do a 5K walk and we will support Caiden's Hope while earning our 5K charm! Just make a donation to Caiden's Hope. We will begin walking from the Ventura Weight Watchers center on Telephone Rd.  Sign up the morning of the event.

WeightWatchers.com: Walk-It Challenge

http://www.weightwatchers.com/

Dr. Appointment

Caiden had a check-up with his pediatrician to check his O2 levels.  They were ok, but not great 92-93 so he is still on O2 while he is sleeping.  He was wheezing when the DR. checked his lungs so he gave him a breathing treatment, and gave him a prescription for a steroid for 5 days.  He's going to be buff!  : )  Caiden gained 8 oz.  He is 18 lbs, 8 oz. and is 2 feet, 4 1/2 " tall!   He has a clogged tear duct that massaging with a warm, wet cloth should help.  He goes back to be checked again in a week.  Specific prayers: for his O2 levels to go up, and his breathing clear, and his tear duct to open up.  His mama has tonsillitis right now!  Bless you all for praying for my sweet grandson!

~Terry

Cedar Park Gang plans robbery of the Hill Country Flyer outside Austin May 21, 2011

Join Caiden's Hope near Austin, Texas May 21, 2011 as we ride the "Hill Country Flyer" from Cedar Park to Burnet for a memorable day supporting Caiden's Hope.

  Take a historical and fun journey through the Texas Hill Country on Austin's Greatest Rail Adventure.

Seating is limited and goes fast, so reserve your seats today.

Seats may be reserved online by visiting www.austinsteamtrain.org

Get a group together and let's ride the rails.

Church Groups - Work Groups - Motorcycle Groups - Friends.

 

Everyone will have a great time and support Caiden's Hope.

The Hill Country Flyer travels 66 miles from Cedar Park to Burnet.

In Burnet, you'll have time for lunch and shopping at the country stores that surround the Burnet Depot.  Then it's back to Austin that afternoon.

And be on the look out for outlaws as Sheriff Tex has told Caiden's Hope that the Cedar Park Gang is planning a daring daylight robbery of the train and all the passengers and crew.  You never know, there could be a shootout.

Of course the robbery is all in good fun and the loot goes to Caiden's Hope to help families in crisis.

Be sure to get your tickets for the Hill Country Flyer early!

We'll see you there!    

Caiden and Flowers

Caiden, admiring the simple beauty of yellow flowers.

Life is good. 

The Caiden's Hope Channel Now on You Tube

Caiden's Hope is now on You Tube!


The Caiden's Hope channel can be found by visting The Caiden's Hope Channel
Visit The Caiden's Hope Channel often to watch updated videos on Caiden and Caiden's Hope.

www.caidenshope.org http://www.youtube.com/thecaidenshope

Caiden's Hope by Beth Whitcomb

Caiden's Hope Logo by Beth Whitcomb

Dr. Visit

Caiden went for a 2 week check-up for his O2 levels.  His O2 levels were 91-95%.  If it had stayed 93 or above he could be off of it, so since it wasn't he will still use O2 just at night when he sleeps.  The Dr. said when he looked at his last x-ray his lungs were fully inflated again!  He is making progress.  Caiden is doing great and as of last weekend has started eating really well, but meanwhile has lost 7 oz.  The Dr. can't let that go so he changed his food to Pediasure which as we guessed, he is not having any part of!  So with a little experimenting we'll see what he will eat.  He goes back again in 2 weeks.  So the prayer for now...eating, and gaining weight.  

CH Fundraiser

We had a great turn-out for the Caiden's Hope fundraiser at Toppers Pizza Tuesday.  Probably our biggest turn-out ever.  I saw people from work, church, friends, relatives, and even people I didn't know with flyers for the fundraiser.  We won't know for about 2 weeks how much money we made.  A lot of people got to meet Caiden for the 1st time because he was there with us.  I got to be the proud grandma to show him off.   Thank-you for coming!  The next fundraiser is soon!  Tuesday, April 5th for lunch and dinner at Snapper Jack's on Telegraph Rd. in Ventura.  Once again, bring your flyer with you!  You can always print one from the website at caidenshope.org  Click the "events" tab to print the flyer.

~Terry

"Plastics" follow-up appointment

Caiden had another follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon in the Santa Monica office today.  We have never been there before.  We waited for the Dr. in a cozy little waiting room where Caiden watched the fish in a really neat aquarium.  The Dr. checked Caiden for swelling, and looked at the incision and said everything looks good!  He doesn't need to see him back until the whole team meets in May.  He said to make an appointment with Ears, Nose, & Throat to see about working on getting his trach out!  All appointments should have such good news!  Thank-you for praying for our little buddy.  He is the sweetest!  He was making "fish" lips with me.  We would copy each other, then he would smirk and wait for me to do the same.  Oh, I love that boy!

Terry

Video Shoot for Caiden's Hope

Our film crew is in Ventura, California this weekend shooting some new video with Eileen L, Vice President of AquaFlo Supply, and Chris, Caiden's dad has some things to say too!  Look for the new videos coming soon!

X-Ray Results

Caiden got his x-ray, and his results today.  The X-rays revealed nothing bad so the Dr. thinks that he is just getting mucus plugs.  His O2 was even better today, it topped out at 93!  That is very good.  The Dr. was pleased with that, and wants him to continue with the O2 for 2 more weeks.  Caiden has an ear infection so he got 2 RX.  He had a slight temp. at 99.1 and that would be from the ear infection.  He doesn't act like it bothers him at all.  He will go back for a re-check in 2 weeks.

Check-Up

Caiden went to his local pediatrician for a check-up.  His o2 level without oxygen was 89!!!  That's very good!  He also gained a pound!  That was all very good news!  Thank-you Jesus!  His lungs are still not clear so he is going to have a chest x-ray tomorrow, and then will go for the results at a late afternoon appointment.  

Getting Ready For Saint Patrick's Day

We had a fun day decorating Caiden's bedroom for Saint Patrick's Day.  We took down the hearts from Valentine's Day, and put up lots of green Shamrocks.  All of this while Caiden was watching.  Caiden was laughing when I was hugging him and jiggled him at the same time.  What a great day with him!  Since there aren't 31 days in February, Caiden is now 13 months old. 

Search the Internet Using Good Search and Help Caiden's Hope

We all have a cause we care about - for us it's Caiden's Hope.

But what we don't all have is the time or money to support these efforts as much as we'd like. So, what if we could raise money for our favorite charities and schools by doing something we do every day — searching the Internet?

GoodSearch is a search engine which donates 50 percent of its sponsored search revenue to the charities and schools designated by its users. You use GoodSearch exactly as you would any other search engine. Because it's powered by Yahoo!, you get proven search results. The money GoodSearch donates to your cause comes from its advertisers — the users and the organizations do not spend a dime!

• On the GoodSearch homepage, and choose Caiden's Hope from our list.
•  
• Search the Internet just like you normally would — the site is powered by Yahoo!, so you'll get high-quality search results.
• Fifty percent of the revenue generated from the sponsored search advertisers is shared with the charity, school or nonprofit organization of your choosing.

In 2007, GoodSearch was expanded to include GoodShop, an online shopping mall of world-class merchants dedicated to helping fund worthy causes across the country. Each purchase made via the GoodShop mall results in a donation to the user's designated charity or school – averaging approximately 3% of the sale, but going up to 20% or even more.

Start using GoodSearch today — there's no reason not to!

"Plastics" Dr. appointment

Woo Hoo! Caiden's UCLA appointment went terrific! The Dr. is very pleased with how much the swelling has gone down. He wants to see him back in 3 weeks. Thank-you for praying.

Now please pray that his lungs re-inflate so that his o2 levels will go up.

"Caiden's Hope" - A Poem by Mike Dodson

The following poem was  written by Caiden's Hope supporter Mike Dodson.

Caiden's Hope

I'll tell you a tale of Caiden Call
born to early and way to small.
The doctors and staff whisked him away
and all his mom could do was pray.

There are many problems being born two months premature
but he had his mother's love, of that you can be sure.
Bill after bill started to come in
and she wondered, would they ever end?

Friends and family began to call
each promising to do their all.
A charity was founded in his name
so good hearted folks could do the same.

If you want to help other's cope
please give generously to Caiden's Hope.

Post-Op Check-Up

We had an 8:00 appointment at UCLA to see the plastic surgeon, so we had to leave by 6:30 a.m..  When we got there they told us that there was a mix up in schedule and the Dr. was in a 3 hour surgery!  They called him and asked him what he wanted to do about the appointment and he left surgery to come and see Caiden!  Caiden has quite a lot of swelling in his forehead that he didn't have when he left the hospital.  The Dr. says it may be fluid that has pooled, that his body may just absorb.  He cleaned his incision with peroxide and a Q-tip, and put Neosporin on it, and said to do that once daily.  He wants to see him back next Thursday to check on the swelling.

Then onto the next appointment back in Ventura at 10:45 for his shot to prevent RSV.  And another shot next month...

A Bit of A Scare

Last night Caiden's nurse thought his lungs sounded a little congested, and today thought they sounded worse so he went in to see his pediatrician.  His pediatrician didn't think he had a lung infection, but gave him an RX to ward off pneumonia.  Caiden also has a runny eye and the Dr. said the RX would take care of both things.

The pediatrician said the reason he has a partially collapsed lung is because they didn't give him enough oxygen during surgery.

Caiden goes back to UCLA to see the plastic surgeon for a post-op check in the morning.

Caiden's Post Surgery Update

Caiden went for a post-surgery check up with his local pediatrician yesterday.  His Dr. was very surprised at how good he looked, and how active he was.  He weighed 17 lbs., 7 oz.  The Dr. wants to start him on regular milk with Carnation Instant Breakfast.  Pray that the transition goes smoothly, as he only liked to drink formula.  Caiden got 2 more teeth!  Another on the top, and another on the bottom

This picture was taken Saturday.  You wouldn't even know that he had surgery!

Terry

Toppers Pizza Fundraiser

Topper's Pizza and Caiden's Hope

Enjoy and evening of pizza and friends March 15th, 2011 at the Caiden's Hope fundraiser scheduled for Topper's Pizza in Ventura, California.  Located at 3940 East Main, Topper's Pizza is the Ventura Star's Readers Choice for the past 11 years!  Great pizza and an amazing salad bar!

Print a Caiden's Hope flyer at http://www.caidenshope.org/ and bring it with you 5:00pm-9:00pm on March 15, 2011.  Dine in, carry out and delivery orders within delivery area accepted.

Help support Caiden's Hope and have the best pizza in Ventura County!

Caiden Update

Caiden is all settled back in at home.  He had his in-home nursing evaluation this morning and has his regular nurses back.  He is happy to be home, and we are so happy that he is home.  He's all smiles and is back to his normal self except that he woke up at 4:30 this morning ready to play.  The Dr. said his sleep pattern would be off for a while.

Terry 

On the Way Home!

We are driving home with Caiden NOW!

This morning when we got to the hospital they had taken Caiden off of food altogether!  They said with the reflux, the milk coming out his nose, they couldn't continue feeding him until they knew why.  He was back on IV fluids!  After a few hours they decided they would send him home & set him up with a swallow study.  He had one in the NICU a year ago.  They want to repeat it.  They sent him home with o2.

He is currently sleeping in the car on the way home.  He never complains & never complained in the hospital.  He hasn't been on any pain medication for days.

Thank you for your prayers this past week & the past year.  Our journey continues.


Terry
  

Caiden Recovery Update

Tuesday was a long day in the PICU.  The nurse reported that Caiden only ate 2 oz. for her.  When Jennifer fed him he ate 8 1/2 oz. and when I fed him he ate 6 oz.  He eats better on a schedule.  It also helps that we have time to spend feeding him.  We are there for about 10 hours a day and do all of his care except for the machines.  The nurse that is assigned to him spends SO much time with the little baby girl next door that she has little time to spend with him which is why it is good that we are there.  Pray for that baby girl, she is waiting for a liver transplant.


Caiden continued to de-sat many times today.  (a little too low of o2) and would make his machine go off.  The nurse decided to put him back on 8 liters of oxygen. That is a very low amount, but it kept him in the range that they want him in. They took an x-ray Tuesday evening just to take a look at his lungs and said they look like they did the evening of the surgery.  The right lung is a little collapsed.  That sounds scary, but it isn't a flattened lung like it sounds, but has pockets in his lung that are a little collapsed.  That is common after surgery because of the anesthetic.  That is why he needs that added 8 liters of o2 that he doesn't usually need at home.  The added o2, and sitting up, and movement should clear all that up.  We wish we would have known that all day and we could have been working with him more.  At least once we finally got an explanation it made it all make sense.

When his night nurse came on we told her how much he had eaten for us and told her that if she doesn't take the time with him to feed him that she will be reporting to the Dr. that he only took 2 oz and that isn't fair to him or us.  She promised that she would get someone else to take care of the little girl next door when it is time for him to eat.  Pray that she does. Sometimes he needs to be coaxed, but he will eat.  He is so low maintenance, but he does need some every 3 hours.

Terry