Aiden Morales's Fundraising Page
AIDEN IS TURNING 5!!! THIS YEAR WE ARE GOING TO DONATE DIRECTLY TO PCH. MY MOM IS GOING TO TRY FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE ROCK AND ROLL MARATHON. THAT IS 13.1 MILES. PLEASE START PRAYING!!
Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to my fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
Aiden's Story:
Aiden was born with a heart defect called Tricuspid Atresia. This is where the Tricuspid valve did not form correctly on the right side of the heart. We found out when I was pregnant that Aiden would have a heart defect (and would possibly need 3-5 surgeries), and we were able to prepare before Aiden was born. Aiden was born at Good Samaritan and spent the first 5 days of life in the NICU. We were expecting for Aiden to have surgery within 2 weeks of birth but he did so well we were able to wait until Aiden was about 6 months old. We had our first surgery at PCH in April 2004. Aiden was in the hospital for about 10 days. Dr. Michael Teodori, Erica, Dr. Mitchell Cohen, and Dr. John Stock, and all the nurses took such great care of Aiden. The nurses and staff at PCH were so great, and they also took care of the parents as well. I thank God that Aiden was so young and would not remember this surgery. He was so tiny and there were so many machines. His favorite thing in the hospital was bath time. He slept much better and was very relaxed after each bath. There were many long nights and without the nurses I would not have made it. Aiden's 2 nd surgery was June 2006. This was the second part of Aiden's first surgery. Again, Dr. Teodori, Erica, Dr. Stock, and the great nurses went above and beyond the call of duty. This time Aiden was a little older and more active. The greatest thing about PCH is it is a KIDS hospital. Aiden was able to drive himself to surgery in a little yellow car. This was great for mommy because he waived by and said, "See you later mom, love ya". Aiden then got a severe infection about 2-weeks after surgery and we had to return to PHC for another 10 days. The nurses and aides came in to play with Aiden and really helped make the time go by. Aiden's 3rd surgery was November 2006 to put a pace maker in to help regulate his heart beat. Aiden was at PCH for only 6 days and was able to go home. Since all of Aiden's surgeries he is a NEW kid. He has energy, he is no longer blue (low oxygen levels), he can walk, talk, sing, and throw a ball. Aiden was very delayed with gross and fine motor skills and since working with therapists and attending school programs he is catching up quickly. It really has been an amazing journey with Aiden. This little guy has taught me more in 4 years that I could have ever imagined. Aiden is a lucky boy and through my experience with PCH I have come to realize we are very blessed. Many parents spend much of their child's life at the hospital. We were fortunate enough to have 4 short experiences. I decided that since I have such a great support of family and friends that each year we were going to help out PCH in our own way. On Aiden's first birthday instead of gifts we donated lotions, shampoos, bath products, and books. Bath time made Aiden feel so good and we learned that the PCH nurses were buying the bath products with their own money. So my family and friends donated a huge bucket full of products, because all babies should feel relaxed. Aiden's second birthday we donated games and gift cards. It was so fun to see my friends and family feel so good about giving to PCH. Aiden's 3 rd birthday we donated Poang chairs from Ikea, Fans, and remote controls. Aiden spent all of his surgeries in the PICU and the chairs frankly were uncomfortable. Aiden’s 4th Birthday we donated pajamas to Max's Closet. I spoke with Max's mom and Max’s closet is fantastic and all the children can pick something out of the closet and take the toy or pajamas home with them. Aiden will be turning 5 this year and I have decided to try and complete the PCH Marathon in January. I am excited to start training and raising money for our favorite place PCH. In closing, I want to say without the doctors, nurses, staff at PCH, I would have never gotten through the last 4 years. I am proud that AIDEN WILL FOREVER BE PCH ALUMNI.
Have a great day,
Jennifer Morales
Aiden’s Mommy