Hazel Checkpoint

Hazel is now closer to four than three, which as I type it sounds a lot crazier in text than it ever sounded in my head.  Part of her long-term treatment and care plan is to have regularly scheduled exams under anesthesia so we can do a progress check on Hazel and anything else that would be beneficial like a new prescription for her glasses.  In this case, we are a little overdue to remove the sutures in her right eye that need to be taken out from her most recent cornea transplant.  So if you have a free minute, we'd appreciate prayers for safe anesthesia and good result this coming Wednesday!

All of the check-ups since the cornea surgery have had great results and Hazel is showing some progress with the vision in her right eye.  We have been working with her on patching the left eye in order to strengthen the right eye...with some varying degrees of success.  She's a crafty little girl and finds ways to bend the eye patch to see things better or tries to negotiate her way into cutting her patching time short.  We encourage her to play with her baby sister or ask her to read how many fingers we are holding up...and she does pretty well but there is still a long way to go.  It's still crazy to think that we've been blogging and tracking her progress for so long :)

In the early months of tracking Hazel's progress, we became friends with the Fears family and their daughter Finley who has a similar story to our daughter and their journey through pediatric eye issues.  The connection of our families encouraged the Fears to start a new organization called Fearless HOPE, which is Christ-driven and aims to help provide hope to children and families of children who are experiencing vision impairment and loss.  Aubree and I are testaments to the type of emotional support and information that families need to help give their children the best care available.  We share resources, we share stories and we want other families to know that they are not alone!!

On Saturday May 13th you will find Hazel and the rest of our family at the Race 2 Vision event that supports Fearless HOPE and the great work they do.  I don't call in many favors or ask for people to contribute to fundraisers, but if you are looking to give back to your community I can tell you that there are very few organizations who are trying to connect families like ours who need support.  

The Race 2 Vision event is a family-friendly event with a bounce house, face painter and some kids who have benefited from being involved in Fearless HOPE will be running to raise funds.  Hazel's tiny legs aren't quite ready to do a "per-lap" fundraiser but if you'd like to donate on her behalf we would EXTREMELY grateful and you might get a big ol' Hazel hug out of the deal.  I'll include the link and information below about the event, but it's going to be a great time of fun and celebrating the great things that Christ in doing in the lives of these kids.

Fearless Hope Race 2 Vision: http://fearlesshope.org/race-2-vision/

When: May 13th at 9:30 am

Where: Wakeland High School Track in Frisco (10700 Legacy Drive, Frisco)

Why: Because you love Hazel and she would love to see you :)