Send Love to Cohen

1 year...

2011-06-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY TO SWEET COHEN!

angel Ewan

2010-10-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Cohen's momma, Megan, here.

On Sunday, October 3rd, another beautiful heart baby, Baby Ewan, went to heaven.

He put up an AMAZING fight and was such a strong little boy.

My heart is SO heavy for Kristen and James. I've been saying lot of prayers for them. Unfortunately, I know what they are going through and a lot of what they are feeling. It's not something I'd wish upon anyone.

I take joy in knowing their beautiful Ewan will bless Cohen with his presence, and I'm certain, friendship.

I hate congenital heart defects.

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord for ever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NRSV)

(I used the scripture & picture off momma Kristen's (and team-ewan) blog.

Thank you for all of your continued love and support for our family and so many other families.

xoxo ~ Megan

Jennifer from Tastefully Simple Sends LOVE to Cohen!!

2010-08-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL FOR THE LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU HAVE SHOWN MEGAN & BRENT OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS! YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING!

I hope everyone who ordered from the juliethefish designs fundraiser are receiving their new pretties and loving them! Maybe every time you wear your new jewelry you will take a minute to think of sweet Cohen :)

For the ENTIRE MONTH of AUGUST, Jennifer from Tastefully Simple is generously donating all of her commission (30% of all orders) to Cohen's Memorial Trust!! Thank you, Jennifer for your kindness!!!

Jennifer wrote:

I was linked to Megan's blog through another blog I read . I started to follow her blog . I was born with cancer and from my illness my parents has many medical bills for years. I would like to try and help Megan and Brent with their medical bills. I know the burden my parents carried for many years.

For the month of August I will donate my commission (30%) on all orders placed on my Tastefully Simple site. www.tastefullysimple.com/web/jdoherty

I hope everyone participates in this fundraiser for Cohen's Trust. The Marshalls are receiving EOB's in the mail EVERYDAY and the $$ amounts are staggering :( Thank you all for your support! - Jessica

juliethefish Sends Love to Cohen!

2010-07-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL FOR THE LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU HAVE SHOWN MEGAN & BRENT OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS! YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING!

I hope everyone who ordered from the Stella & Dot Send Love to Cohen fundraiser are receiving their new pretties and loving them! Maybe every time you wear your new jewelry you will take a minute to think of sweet Cohen :)

Remember that:

Melissa from Chocolate Bliss is donating 40% of all her profits for the entire month of July to Cohen's Memorial Trust! WOW! Super yummy chocolate goodies :) She can ship where ever you are (+shipping) and also caters events. See HERE

Natalie from Nat Kat Designs is selling sets of 12 note cards (monogram or single initial) for $20 (including shipping), now through the end of July, and all of the profit will be donated to Cohen's Memorial Trust! See HERE

–––––––––––––––––––––––––

Julie from juliethefish designs has generously offered to donate 30% of her profits from NOW until July 31st. Julie created a beautiful necklace for Megan a while back and I could not be more thrilled that she wanted to help M&B out! Her designs are absolutely fantastic! I hope you all participate!

Julie wrote:

I met Megan through a special necklace her friends ordered for her through my shop. See it HERE. I began to follow her blog and Cohen’s story. Like thousands of others my life and heart were touched by Megan and her sweet Cohen. I am grateful that Megan and Brent share so much of their lives with us, the readers, and that they shared Cohen’s journey on Earth. I am inspired and uplifted by their love and faith. When baby Cohen passed my heart broke for them and I longed to help in some way. Sometimes there just aren’t words that help or heal. I believe that God is watching over their family and prayers are the best gifts I can offer. I will be donating 30% of the profit from my shop from July 10-31. www.juliethefish.etsy.com No promo code necessary, just order & 30% will go directly to the Marshall family through Cohen’s Memorial Trust.

The Design Girl (and others) Send Love to Cohen

2010-07-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU HAVE SHOWN MEGAN & BRENT OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS! YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING!

I hope everyone who ordered from the Stella & Dot Send Love to Cohen fundraiser are receiving their new pretties and loving them! Maybe every time you wear your new jewelry you will take a minute to think of sweet Cohen :) The fundraiser runs through July 9th.

So many of Megan's blog friends have contacted me wanting to help out in some way, its truly inspiring! There are a few other ways that you can continue to help raise money for M&B's medical bills...

Melissa from Chocolate Bliss is donating 40% of all her profits for the entire month of July to Cohen's Memorial Trust! WOW! Super yummy chocolate goodies :) She can ship where ever you are (+shipping) and also caters events. See HERE

Natalie from Nat Kat Designs is selling sets of 12 note cards (monogram or single initial) for $20 (including shipping), now through the end of July, and all of the profit will be donated to Cohen's Memorial Trust! See HERE

_______________________

Danielle from The Design Girl contacted me and wanted to donate as well. She is an amazing designer and has done some AWESOME blog makeovers! Now is the time to get that bloggy face-lift you have been wanting!! She is offering a few different options for you to choose from and will donate $ dollar amounts from those. Here is what she sent me:

I met Megan {and her husband Brent} sometime over the past year or two through Megan's blog. When Megan announced that she was pregnant, I was thrilled for her! While she was pregnant, Megan found out that Cohen had 4 heart defects. You can read their story on her blog. They packed up and moved to Texas to be near the best hospital with the best doctors for their son. What amazing parents they already were for this special little guy!

On June 7th, baby Cohen entered the world. He underwent several surgeries and fought so hard to survive. We were all so sad to hear that Cohen went to heaven just 12 days later. He was such an inspiration to so many people and will always hold a special place in my heart and the hearts of those who followed this story. I have never met Megan and Brent, but "know" them through the blog world. It is so easy to see what sweet, loving, and wonderful people they are.

Megan and Brent's friend started a blog for Cohen. She wanted to help raise some money to help with all of his medical bills, so I contacted her to see if I could help.

For the next week, I will donate the following to help with Cohen's expenses.

$20 from every $35 deposit for a blog makeover.
$10 from every $35 pre-made blogger template.
50% of all print at home stationery orders.

Visitors from Penny's Invitation

2010-07-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hi Family & Friends! If you are visiting this site because you got the link in Penny's Baptism invitation, Please click HERE for Cohen's story and HERE for information on Cohen's Memorial Trust.

Thank you!

Thank you.

2010-07-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

COHEN

2010-06-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

Linky will open at midnight.

A Blogging Day of Silence for Cohen

2010-06-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

One of Megan's blog friends, Adie from Almost Perfect, contacted me with the wonderful idea of asking for a day of silence from all of the people who have been following Cohen's Story. I was touched! She teamed up with Blue Eyed Bride and there you have it... Thank you ladies for this opportunity! I hope EVERYONE participates!

____________________________

What: Moment of Silence for Cohen

When: Thursday July 1st from midnight to 11:59 pm.

How: Bloggers participating will post the Cohen banner (below) or simply post Cohen’s name in large letters on their blog.

Why: July 1st Megan and Brent will be holding Cohen’s memorial service. The moment of silence is an opportunity for Megan’s blog community to stand behind her and support her on this difficult day. Linking up will give Megan a chance to see the support at a glance.

BANNER:

I will be putting up a post Thursday, July 1st at midnight with the Linky. Thank you in advance for showing M&B your support!

____________________________

For those who want to participate on Facebook see HERE.

For those who want to participate on Twitter, Please "tweet" #COHEN at 2pm, central time, July 1st.

XO - Jessica

Remembrance.

2010-06-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Michael Cohen Marshall

Born in Dallas, TX on June 7, 2010, the first child of Megan and Brent Marshall, Michael Cohen Marshall came into the world at 7 lbs. 6 oz., with a hearty cry and a congenital heart condition. He was known as The Mighty Cohen in his short little life, for he endured multiple surgeries and procedures. For twelve days Cohen fought with the heart of a lion, but on June 18, 2010, his little body could not match his fighting spirit. He was delivered into the Kingdom of Heaven at 8:35pm in his parents’ arms. He was loved and adored by his parents, their families and friends every day of his life. Cohen touched thousands of lives with his story. The world came to know him through Megan’s blog and many felt they knew him long before he was even born. Sometimes the smallest feet leave the biggest footprints in this world and Cohen has left a lasting impression on us all; he was truly an amazing little boy. His parents want to thank all of his supporters, doctors, nurses and prayer warriors for their care, concern, support and prayers. Cohen is survived by his parents: Megan & Brent Marshall; Grandparents; Aunts; Uncles; and countless cousins, family and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Cohen Marshall Memorial Trust.

Cohen's Memorial

2010-06-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.

Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:3-6

Services for Cohen will be held on Thursday, July 1st. Please keep Megan & Brent in your prayers this week. Special prayer request for strength on Thursday.

Thank you!

2010-06-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

Hi! I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for all the prayers said for sweet angel Cohen and all the support you have shown Megan & Brent. It means a lot to me that they have so much love surrounding them. I KNOW the appreciate it as well :)

Just wanted to send out a reminder about the Stella & Dot Fundraiser to benefit Cohen's Memorial Trust. You can read more about that HERE.

Also, don't forget that if you are moved to do so, you can donate directly to Cohen's Memorial Trust HERE.

THANK YOU ALL! It is because of all the love, support, and kind words that makes me sure that M&B will get through this unbelievably tough time.

XXOO - Jessica

Stella & Dot Send LOVE

2010-06-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

Cohen touched so many lives in such a short time. One of his MANY friends contacted me today wanting to help. I was touched by her kindness and generosity. This is a wonderful opportunity to help out Megan & Brent, I hope that you will all take a moment to have a look and participate, if you feel so inclined!

I was contacted by Tahnie, a stylist for Stella & Dot. She has experienced the hardship of mounting hospital bills and felt compelled to offer up some assistance. She is offering 30% of sales from her Stella & Dot website from NOW until July 6th. The money raised will be donated to the Baby Cohen Marshall Special Needs Trust. You can learn more about Cohen's Trust HERE.

Below is a note from Tahnie. There are instructions on how to participate in the fundraiser.

Thank you all for your continuing prayers and support for M&B. They are very grateful to have so much love surrounding them!

Jessica
______________________

Like many of you out there, I am captivated by Cohen's story. I personally went through a high risk pregnancy last year and I wanted to do something for the Marshall family. I will be donating 30% of my profits directly to the Marshall family through a fundraiser on my Stella & Dot website from today, June 21st, to July 6th.

To order, simply go to my website http://stelladot.com/tahnie and in the upper right hand corner of your screen it will say, "Can't make it to the trunk show? Find your hostess" Click on the 'find your hostess' link, a window will pop up and you will need to put in Cohen Marshall. Cohen as the first name, Marshall as the last. Next click the 'search' button. Click on Cohen's name under select your host, it will say the party date and time is June 21st at 2:00 and give Tulsa, OK as the party location even though this fundraiser is online. After you click Cohen's name it will say, "Thank you for your interest in my Party, feel free to shop around and place an order!" Click continue and shop away!

If you have any questions, please contact me through twitter @sweetblueair.

Thank you so much!
Tahnie

2010-06-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

A human life is a story told by God. ~ Hans Christian Andersen

We only ask for your thoughts and prayers for Megan and Brent tonight. Nothing more. May they find peace and comfort knowing that so many wonderful people are thinking of them.

I do not think it is my place to make any announcements or give any details. Megan's brother has posted a couple of times on Facebook. The family is together and surrounding M & B in love.

Thank you all for following Cohen's Story. The love, prayers, and support have been so appreciated.

Jessica

PRAYERS

2010-06-18T17:14:00.001-07:00

Please pray for comfort and peace for Megan, Brent and the whole family.

Momma Megan Post

2010-06-17T11:06:00.001-07:00

Megs post on her blog today. Click HERE!

Urgent Prayers

2010-06-16T16:47:00.001-07:00

Join in a Prayer Vigil for Baby Cohen, right now. Pray for his Kidneys to start working and the fluid to leave his body. Surround him in prayer, PLEASE!

Momma Megan Post

2010-06-16T07:01:00.001-07:00

New post from Megs. Click HERE to see it!

Cohen Update

2010-06-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

Still holding stable. Really needing his little kidneys to start working! Cohen will have to go on Dialysis if they don't start working soon. He is still very swollen and needs to flush out all that fluid. Which will happen with kidney function! So, please pray for those little kidneys to kick in SOON! Thank you all, again!

Cohen Update

2010-06-15T13:18:00.001-07:00

His vitals are still holding stable. His lactic acid count to 4.6. The DRs at Children's Medical Center are trying to wean him off some of his meds so to determine how much damage has been done to his kidneys and liver. Please pray that his kidneys start working soon!

Cohen Update

2010-06-15T06:36:00.001-07:00

Cohen is holding strong. Still stable. His lactic acid levels are about a 5 which is better. He still needs to produce more urine. Please specifically pray for this! Thank you :-)

Cohen Update

2010-06-14T19:36:00.001-07:00

He is still holding stable. Longest time without an incident. He is amazing everyone one at Children's Medical Center with his strength. Please pray that his blood pressure increases a bit, his lactic acid continues to decrease, his BUN/Creatine decreases, and he starts to output more urine.

Cohen Update

2010-06-14T11:01:00.001-07:00

No dialysis yet! Cohen needs to keep his BP up and acid levels down. He also need more urine output today. But he is having a good morning... Probably due to all the 80s music Daddy-O Brent is playing for him :-) He loves it! Prayers are being answered every minute! Megan & Brent sure do appreciate them all!

Cohen Update

2010-06-14T09:02:00.001-07:00

Cohen's lactic acid levels have gone down 4 points since 9:30 last night. He is fighting hard!

Cohen turns ONE week old!!!

2010-06-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

Momma Megan posted on her blog this morning! Check it out HERE.

Cohen Update

2010-06-13T21:23:00.001-07:00

The heart cath showed that his heart and it's repairs are working well but they don't know where the excess blood is coming from. He is also having acidosis (high levels of lactic acid) built up and they can't figure out why. The next 24 hours are critical.

Cohen Update

2010-06-13T17:22:00.001-07:00

Heart Cath didn't reveal anything. Next 24 hours are very critical for him. Please continue to pray for them all.

Cohen Update

2010-06-13T12:58:00.001-07:00

Cohen is still in surgery. Continued prayers appreciated.

Cohen Update

2010-06-13T10:11:00.001-07:00

Cohen had an esophageal study this morning and is now back in surgery for another heart cath. Please pray for the little man & his Doctors.

New Momma Megan Post

2010-06-13T06:09:00.001-07:00

You can read it HERE.

LOVE

2010-06-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

What is stronger than a mother's love?

Nothing.

Cohen Update

2010-06-12T20:05:00.001-07:00

Prayers are working! Cohen is starting to pass urine, meaning his kidneys are beginning to function! He is stable!

Cohen Update

2010-06-12T14:06:00.001-07:00

He is out but still critical. He did well. Had a few bouts of fast heart beats. We should know pretty soon if this will help the kidneys. We REALLY need it to.

Cohen Update

2010-06-12T14:05:00.001-07:00

In surgery again because he is not passing urine. Cohen is not stable. BIG prayers needed.

Cohen Update

2010-06-12T08:45:00.001-07:00

Cohen had a rough night. He is having Renal/Kidney issues. He is not having enough urine output so they are really watching that today. BP is now stable but still worrisome... Thank you for your prayers.

Looking for a house?

2010-06-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! As you may know, Megan & Brent are trying to sell their house. The selling of this house is an essential piece of the puzzle; they don't need any extra expenses right now! Its a great house in the Union School District. Please share with anyone who maybe looking to buy!

Chick HERE to see the listing.

Cohen Update

2010-06-12T01:14:00.000-07:00

Procedure went well. Pressure is up a bit and they are adjusting his meds to try to get his vital signs in a better range and increase his kidney function. Please keep him in your prayers. He is still in NICU critical.

Cohen Update

2010-06-11T19:20:00.001-07:00

Cohen is having to have an operation for the surgeon to remove some of the fluid around his heart where his chest is open. Pray for him.

Cohen update:

2010-06-11T11:03:00.001-07:00

The little guy did well thru the night. Has a little swelling they are watching today. Going to try to wean him back on his meds today a bit and may be able to close his little chest tomorrow. Thanks to all for concern, support and those powerful prayers!

Momma Megan Post

2010-06-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

Megan posted a new blog with pictures & Cohen update! Click HERE.

Cohen update

2010-06-10T12:25:00.001-07:00

Still stable. Good vitals. Still being monitored by total team at Children's Medical Center. The Mama is finally taking a little nap.

Cohen Update

2010-06-10T09:24:00.001-07:00

Early morning atrial tachycardia (very high heart rate) incident. He has been stablized with meds but is being monitored by about 8 doctors and techs constantly. Is at high risk of another cardiac incident. Please pray that his heart rate stablizes and stays regular with medication and that he doesn't have to be put on the bypass ECMO.

Thank you, Lisa (Nanna), for sending these updates! Everyone appreciates them!

Cohen Update

2010-06-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

PRAYERS NEEDED!!! Update from Nanna: Cohen developed erratic heartbeat this morning. Stable but critical. Doctors are with him now. Please pray for him!

MCM - these are incredible

2010-06-10T06:54:00.000-07:00

(all photos by Cohen's Nanna, Lisa, of LSDphotography)

Cohen Update

2010-06-10T06:47:00.001-07:00

Cohen just came out of the surgical unit with all his doctors and stopped by for a quick look. They are getting him all hooked up and we can see him in about an hour! They said he was a tough little guy and did great through it all! Praise God! His little chest is open with clear tape over it but you can see his little heart beating away in there. It's an awesome sight. :D Next few days are crucial. Stay prayerful!

Cohen Update

2010-06-09T18:48:00.001-07:00

From Daddy - O: Operation went well! Just met with Doctor and he feels good. Cohen will be available for us to see in an hour or so.

Cohen Update

2010-06-09T17:39:00.001-07:00

Cohen is off bypass, everything seems to be working right and now the doctors are going to just keep him in there and watch how it all works for 2 hours.

Cohen update

2010-06-09T17:05:00.001-07:00

Artery repair complete and looks good, tolerating bypass well, moving on 2 BT shunt portion of surgery. Keep praying!

Cohen Update

2010-06-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

From Daddy-O Brent: On bypass and everything is still okay next update around 6:30

Cohen Update

2010-06-09T13:32:00.001-07:00

Cohen was just taken back for surgery at Children's Medical Center - Thank you for all your prayers, keep it up!

Momma Megan Post

2010-06-09T06:13:00.001-07:00

Megan updated her blog early this morning. Check it out HERE

Cohen Update

2010-06-08T21:17:00.001-07:00

Cohen update from Momma Megan : Cohen is having his first open heart surgery tomorrow around 1pm. They told us it could take about 6 hours or so. //please pray!

Prayer Request

2010-06-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

Special prayers for Cohen and his family tonight. BIG day tomorrow!! GO COHEN!!!!!

Beautiful Cohen

2010-06-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

It is my great pleasure to share this with you all! Grab your tissues... It is seriously amazing/beautiful/wonderful! I love this little man already, as I'm sure so many of you do!

Enjoy a slideshow of Cohen by clicking HERE

Cohen Update

2010-06-08T05:24:00.001-07:00

An update from Momma Megan HERE

Cohen Update

2010-06-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

Update from Momma Megan : The heart cath went good! GOD is answering prayers! The veins & arteries look nice and strong which will really help some other defects!

Cohen Update

2010-06-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

Update from Nanna : Pulmonary arteries look good with heart cath! Surgeons will have options for repair. Still very serious. Continue prayer!

Cohen Update

2010-06-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

The Drs at Children's Medical Center are investigating Cohen's pulmonary aartresia. His veins are good but his artery is blocked. Please pray.

(via Megan's twitter)

Cohen Update

2010-06-07T16:41:00.000-07:00

Update from Nanna: Our Baby Cohen is having a heart cath now at Children's Medical Center in Dallas. Please pray for this little guy and his parents. They will determine if they need to go ahead with his heart surgery tonight or if they can wait til tomorrow. Drs and the staff here have been wonderful.... Pray for their guidance and wisdom in treating our sweet baby! Thanks!

MCM

2010-06-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

Photos by Cohen's Nanna (Lisa of LSDphotography)

Prayers

2010-06-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

Please continue to pray for Cohen and his heart!

Cohen Update

2010-06-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

Cohen is off to Children's Medical Center! Quick stop to say hi to mommy then on his way! What a STRONG little man!

Nothing like a momma's love...

2010-06-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

Cohen Update

2010-06-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

Cohen has been undergoing tests and the pulmonary veins that they were worried about are NOT obstructed. GREAT NEWS!! He is now on a CPAP machine to help him breath easier. Headed to Children's Medical Center in about an hour.

Cohen Update

2010-06-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

Cohen is doing well! Breathing on his own and vitals are looking good. They are running some tests and then he is headed on over to Children's Medical Center - no emergancy surgeries need today! First heart surgery will be later this week. Mommy is doing well and resting, daddy is taking pictures and is so proud :-)

Meet Cohen! ...Finally

2010-06-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry that this is HOURS late! Thanks blogger for FINALLY letting me post!

INTRODUCING...

COHEN!

06•07•2010

8:55 am

7lbs 6oz

Brave & Strong!

Countdown to Cohen!

2010-06-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

1 DAY!!!!!

Tomorrow morning Megan will be delivering sweet baby Cohen at 7:30am via C-Section. I am asking each and everyone of you to please say and extra prayer (or two) for Cohen, Megan, Brent, and all the Doctors & nurses that will be caring for his tiny little heart.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace

as you trust in him, so that you may overflow

with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Roman 15:13

If you would leave a comment telling Megan that you are praying for her and from where... I think it would be extremely powerful to see that so many people from all over the country (world?) are praying for her sweet baby! Thank you all!

Megan - Kyle, Lucy, Penny, and I are praying for you, Brent and Cohen, everyday, from Tulsa! We can't wait for you to bring sweet Cohen home so we can love on him EVERYDAY! Penny can't wait to meet her future husband... She told me ;-)

COHEN!

2010-06-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

COHEN WILL BE HERE IN 4 DAYS!!!

WHO IS EXCITED?

Well, Megan & Brent, clearly :-)

We are too! Its all Lucy & Penny can talk about... Well, not really because they don't really talk yet. But Kyle & I are certainly telling them all about their new best friend that is coming in a few days! We can't wait!!!

Will all of you leave a comment here letting Megan & Brent know how excited you are for Cohen's arrival?

Navigation

2010-05-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

If you will notice, there are a ton of pages at the top under the header. I put them there so you can easily find the important information without scrolling through tons of posts! Here is a site map for you :-)

Praying for Cohen - Grab the "Praying for Cohen" button for your blog
Love to Cohen Foundation - The donation button & information on Cohen's Foundation
Mail Love to Cohen - Address to send Cohen some snail mail
Send Love to Cohen - Grab the "Send Love to Cohen" button for your blog
Email Cohen - Email address to send Cohen an Email
CHD Facts - Facts on congenital heart defects
Find Cohen on Facebook - Link to become Cohen's friend on Facebook
Cohen's Heart - Learn more about Cohen's heart
Meet Cohen - Pics of Cohen

Shop for Cohen

2010-04-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Friends and Family of Baby Cohen-

We are having a Estate sale MAY 8TH!! All the proceeds from the sale of the family's items will go straight to Cohen's Foundation :-)

As you may know, Megan and Brent are moving into Brent's grandmother's home. Since she is downsizing, they are taking this opportunity to part with some of her belongings. If anyone has any items they want to donate to the sale, they would be happy to take them off your hands! What a great way to help out and do some spring cleaning at the same time :-)

Megan and Brent would love for you to come by and check out the sale. And if you would like to donate any items they can be dropped off anytime next week OR they'll even come pick them up for you :-) Just contact Megan at sendlovetocohen{at}gmail{dot}com to arrange the pick up or drop off of your items.

Congenital Heart Defects in Children Fact Sheet

2010-03-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

What is a congenital heart defect?
Congenital heart defects are structural problems with the heart present at birth. They result when a mishap occurs during heart development soon after conception and often before the mother is aware that she is pregnant. Defects range in severity from simple problems, such as "holes" between chambers of the heart, to very severe malformations, such as complete absence of one or more chambers or valves.

Is all heart disease in children congenital?
No, but most is. These defects are usually but not always diagnosed early in life. Rarely, heart disease is not congenital but may occur during childhood such as heart damage due to infection. This type of heart disease is called acquired; examples include Kawasaki disease and rheumatic fever. Children also can be born with or develop heart rate problems such as slow, fast, or irregular heart beats, known as "arrhythmias".

Who is at risk to have a child with a congenital heart defect?
Anyone can have a child with a congenital heart defect. Out of 1,000 births, nine babies will have some form of congenital heart disorder, most of which are mild. If you or other family members have already had a baby with a heart defect, your risk of having a baby with heart disease may be higher.

How many people in the United States have a congenital heart defect?
About 650,000 to 1.3 million Americans have a congenital heart defect. Approximately 36,000 babies are born with a defect each year.

Why do congenital heart defects occur?
Most of the time we do not know. Although the reason defects occur is presumed to be genetic, only a few genes have been discovered that have been linked to the presence of heart defects. Rarely the ingestion of some drugs and the occurrence of some infections during pregnancy can cause defects.

How can I tell if my baby or child has a congenital heart defect?
Severe heart disease generally becomes evident during the first few months after birth. Some babies are blue or have very low blood pressure shortly after birth. Other defects cause breathing difficulties, feeding problems, or poor weight gain. Minor defects are most often diagnosed on a routine medical check up. Minor defects rarely cause symptoms. While most heart murmurs in children are normal, some may be due to defects.

How serious is the problem?
Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect and are the number one cause of death from birth defects during the first year of life. Nearly twice as many children die from congenital heart disease in the United States each year as die from all forms of childhood cancers combined. In 2005, 192,000 life-years were lost before age 55 in the United States due to congenital heart disease. In 2004, hospital costs totaled $2.6 billion.

Are things improving?
Definitely. Overall mortality has significantly declined over the past few decades. For example, in the 1960s and 1970s the risk of dying following congenital heart surgery was about 30 percent and today it is around 5 percent.

How well can people with congenital heart defects function?
Virtually all children with simple defects survive into adulthood. Although exercise capacity may be limited, most people lead normal or nearly normal lives. For more complex lesions, limitations are common. Some children with congenital heart disease have developmental delay or other learning difficulties.

What is the social/financial impact of congenital heart defects?
Successful treatment requires highly specialized care. Severe congenital heart disease requires extensive financial resources both in and out of the hospital. Children with developmental delay also require community and school-based resources to achieve optimum functioning.

What is the impact of congenital heart disease on families?
The presence of a serious congenital heart defect often results in an enormous emotional and financial strain on young families at a very vulnerable time. Patient/family education is an important part of successful coping.

Where can I get additional information?
You can get additional information from the American Heart Association. You can reach them by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721) or at www.americanheart.org/children.

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2010-03-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

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