During our time at Phoenix Children’s, Gemma received life-support as an ECMO patient. We arrived at the hospital after our daughter was transferred there via life flight. It was an emergency situation, and we had close to nothing with us to help us in the days to come. I had a cesarean just days before and was now standing for long periods of time next to Gemma’s bed, sleeping on floors, and carrying a bunch of things.

Yet, hours after our arrival, we had many of our family and friends come alongside us in very practical ways. Some dropped off care baskets. Others brought pillows, blankets, headphones, even a cot, and a bunch of other things to help bring relief to our shocking circumstance. Still more friends brought smoothies as we couldn’t stomach eating. They sat with us and lightened the burden as the bad news doctors shared spread across the many shoulders in the room with us. We didn’t have to leave Gemma in critical condition in order to pick up things we needed.

We recognized that not everyone has such great support in these circumstances. As followers of Jesus, we believe we received this comfort in order to comfort others walking a similar road.

We’d be honored if you would join us in honoring Gemma’s life and giving her a legacy as we meet parents and children in their precious fight for life.