Such sad news

Dear Friends,

As some of you have heard, our friend Eddie earned his angel's wings last night. After receiving his new lungs, Eddie fought for his new life bravely and well until his body could not fight anymore. It was a hard day that was nonetheless touched by the love so many had for Eddie, and he for them.

I'll be posting soon about what the family needs--for now, I'm working with the hospital to gather funeral expenses. And, as Kori transitions to a new life, I want Eddie's Fund to be able to support her and give her some time to make that transition. When I know more about what that means, I'll let you know, and am grateful already to you who have given, and will give.

In the meantime, I want, out of respect for the family's privacy, to hold close my memories of the last 36 hours. I'd like to say here how grateful I am to the family for welcoming me into their spaces of loving and grieving yesterday; I am humbled, so humbled, to have been with them and have so much respect and love for Eddie's family. Please know how much comfort it brought to Kori--and to me--to know that so many of you knew of his transplant, were thinking of him yesterday, and holding on to hope with us. Thank you for grieving with them now, and for walking so courageously and generously with Eddie and his family during these years. As Kori said to me, we are all now responsible for carrying Eddie's legacy with us. May today be marked by the compassion, courage, and spunk Eddie would want for us.

Thank you again for being a community of love to Eddie and his family,
Melissa
www.eddiesfund.blogspot.com

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Holding on to hope

Dear Eddie's Fund supporters,

Many of you have already seen the photo of Eddie Kori posted this morning on her own Facebook wall; I'm including it here. They're on their way into Boston today for another full day of appointments. As you can tell from the photo, Eddie isn't well--he's sleeping much of the time--and the family continues to wait for lungs for him.

There's added obstacles on this front; because of Eddie's age, the transplant Board won't allow Eddie to receive pediatric lungs, even though those are the only ones that will fit his body. Eddie's doctors have appealed and Eddie and his family are waiting to hear whether they will win their appeal.

I talked with Kori last night--as always, she remains a person full of light and love. And hope. Always hope.

Thanks for supporting, praying, and sharing your love and hope with Eddie and his family along with us. We appreciate you.

Melissa