Pray for Holden
May 13, 2011I can’t think of anyone I’ve ever loved so much, yet have known for so little. His spirit has been incredible, his fight has been audacious and all of this when doctors really didn’t give him much of a chance. This little guy has my heart.
Holden Wayne Shoemake was born May 11, 2011 at 3:54pm as he decided to make his arrival six weeks early. Immediately after being birthed by c-section, he was rushed to the care of the finest NICU personnel at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA. They did an amazing job of keeping Holden alive and giving him the chances to fight for life.
We’ve been so amazed by the support, the prayers and the kind words from our friends and family. It means the world to us and we truly believe that Holden is alive because of prayer and faith. Thank you so much everyone, I wish there was some way that we could repay each and everyone of you. However, Holden’s fight is not over yet. He has shocked the doctors by making it this far but he still has a way to go.
Holden was born with Hydrops (fluid accumulation in the body) that were threatening his lung and heart function. The outcome for babies with Hydrops is usually not good. Fortunately, he has made it through the birthing process and they’ve been able to carefully remove some of this fluid to help his lungs expand to normalcy and to take the pressure off of his heart. The problem, and the most likely cause of the Hydrops, is a lymphatic duct that is damaged or leaking the lymphatic fluid into the body. Also, his lungs need to expand since they’ve been surrounded by all that fluid. They’ve expanded some on their own already so we’re hoping for more. Right now, there is simply not much they can do for Holden but continue to drain fluid, keep him breathing and hope that the duct heals itself over time. The NICU doctors said that some children do overcome this obstacle and some don’t. We are believing that this is the perfect place for God to do another miracle for Holden!
It hasn’t been easy to see our little guy in the NICU with all kinds of tubes and lines coming out of his little body, but just the two days that we’ve been able to spend with him have been worth it all. We want to spend as much time with him as possible right now. They say that he can definitely hear us and he is cognisant of our touch. Knowing that this is one of the best ways to support him, our goal is to be up there quite a bit.
If you’re a current client or inquiring about my photography, I totally appreciate your patience. I’m trying to do some work here and there to keep up and make everyone happy, but your patience is very much appreciated right now. I’m probably going to send some of my album design work out to keep those moving as well. We’re hoping Holden will be home with us within a few short weeks, but we just don’t know right now.
To everyone who has offered to help, we totally appreciate it. There honestly isn’t much right now that we need other than your prayers and moral support. It is so reassuring to us to know that friends and family are praying for our little bot who we love so dearly. Thank you will never be enough.
David Escalante: Hey is beautiful. Praying for you and your family! I'll pass along the word... much love brother!
jeff ambrose: kate and i are keeping you and your family in our thoughts scott. we wish you all the best.
Lindsey freitas: Continued prayers for you all!!!! (((hugs)))
Abi: He is beautiful Scott. If you need help with sorting photos or anything I could do to give you more time with your family, let me know. I'm also a really good babysitter if E & H need to be babysat. :)
Chris Higginbottom: Oh, Scott! Typing through the tears. Have been praying and will continue to hold you ALL up! Thanks for the update.
Emily Flynn: Ryan and I are praying hard for little Holden, and your family!
alisa greig: aloha scott--thank you for sharing--my heart and prayers go out to you and your family during this extreme time. God bless.
Bobby Earle: Just a hurdle for this little fighter! Praying that Holden goes home soon!!!
Gabe: to all of you guys....my families thoughts are with all of you. get better soon little dude.
Patrick: Hey Scott! Thinking of you guys. Left you several messages, if you need it, I'm ready to help.
Orbie Pullen: Thinking of you and your family, let me know if there is anything I can do.
M.Whitehead: What an awesome moment an opportunity for miracle,only God know this situation you are in Holden and let us come before the throne of God that we may obtain mercy in time like this as we pray in Jesus name make him whole again Amen !!!!!>
Bryan Holston: Scott we will continue praying for and your family, I understand what your going through. When Ryan was born very premature God brought him through!
Darin Sargent: Scott - our prayers are with you guys during this time. Love ya man DS
Yvonne: Scott and Cheryl, he is beautiful!!! Prayers for you and yours... Love you guys!
Adrienne: Scott, your family has not left my mind and heart the past couple of days. Sending you all my continued love, prayers and support.
Megan@COUTUREmotion Films: Ian and I are praying for Holden, you and your family. God is good and Holden is beautiful! Congrats thus far. I believe that Holden will be cared for and will flourish. Sending so much love to you!!!
wendy: Im in love with him already just from your words and photos. Prayers prayers and more prayers coming from hawaii for Holden. Beautiful baby.
Meg and Tim: We are thinking of you guys constantly. Please let us know if there is anything at all we can do for you- seriously ANYTHING. xxxxx
carlie: Sending Holden and your family strength and love. Wanted to share a little hope: my twin nieces were born 6 weeks premature and had all kinds of complications, needing blood transfusions and lots of NICU time, but now they've grown into healthy, beautiful girls. I hope for that same health and strength for Holden.
Tim and Audreyann: He's an handsome little guy Scott. Au and I are thinking and praying for Holden and the rest of your family. He's a fighter!
Megan Clouse: Holden is absolutely precious and beautiful! Sending prayers your way.
Leslie Bost: Scott, you and your family are in our prayers! All the best from Cabo, Leslie
Mike Steelman: Definitely praying for God's hand, strength, and miracles! Lots of love your way bro.
Sarah: He's so beautiful. Scott. We are praying for him all the way from France. xoxo
MaryAnn: This is a beautiful baby...Hope everything turns out wonderful for this baby and his family.
KSimoneaux: Praying for your little guy, and you too! I have a miracle of my own that wasn't supposed to survive, but we know with GOD all things are possible!
Jen Stewart: Hey Scott, just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that we are praying for you. When our 9 year old was born, he was born emergency C-Section, and then after a few days moved up to the PICU for an unknown infection attacking his system. We spent a week up there, not knowing what the final outcome would be. While we the situations are different, we can relate to the stress, and worry involved. Praying for all of you, for peace, for wisdom for the doctors, for strength for Holden and for endurance for you and your family (I know how exhausting it can be to live from the hospital).
Courtney: Scott, Holden and your entire family is in my prayers. God has a grand plan and purpose for Holden.
Shirley Buxton: Scott, I just learned of your problem with baby Holden. I am so sorry. I know you and Cheryl will continue to be strong and will continue to lean on our sweet Lord. I will be praying for all of you. Please know how much I love all of you. Hugs and kisses to everybody.
Dustin Hatcher: I'm so glad you guys have received such good news. We continue to pray for you and your family and hope the news only gets better from here on out.
Sharon Adkisin: Thank You for sharing your story, very uplifting. Holden is a beautiful baby.