Running for Ross

Here is the latest update on Ross:

Two steps forward! Ross' procedure to have the G-​tube placed in his stomach went without a hitch. He's resting now and there are no feeding tubes, no oxygen tubes anywh​ere around his face (yes, he's even breathing without the aid of oxygen). What a beautiful site!

The morning began with a little posturing and storming then the PT/OT/ST girls had their way with him and he came back like a limp noodle just looking for some rest. Nexti​t was off to the Operating Room for the much anticipated G-tube. The whole procedure probably took 2-3 hours from when they took him in until he woke up and was back in his room. When we got our first look at the G-tube, we were a little taken aback. When they were trying to describe what it does and what it looked like, I developed a picture in my mind's eye of something that resembled the clear plastic nipple used when blowing up a pool float or a beach ball. While it does resemble that, to a degree, it is much larger and "industrial" looking than we had imagined. It looks more like a small part from a Star Wars Storm Trooper than it does a nipple on a beach ball. We don't care what it looks like as long as it functions properly and helps Ross get better! One unexpected fringe benefit of Ross' procedure is that he gets a respite from his Respiratory Therapy tonight. The therapists come in at all hours of the day and night with different machines that blow air into, and suck air out of his lungs to loosen secretions and help him cough. While it is a necessary evil right now, he's not sure what's going on and it causes him some distress. Tomorrow he'​ll be back in the grind with all his therapies, but it's nice to have a small break tonight.


Now I am going to end this post with a simple request....I am asking for donations for this family. Before you tell me no, "we just don't have any extra money right now", I want to leave you with this, some words I found from a really cool book called THE BIBLE...."Don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God." Hebrews 13:16

The verse doesn't say empty your retirement funds to help others, or go without your designer jeans to help those in need, but it does say DON'T FORGET TO SHARE WITH THOSE IN NEED, and this family is in need right now. If all 107 of my blog followers donated 10$ I could deliver a check to this mom for 1,070 dollars...can you even imagine what that would feel like to this mom. Andrea (Ross' mom) is obviously living by his side at Children's here in B'ham while the other two brothers and Dad are back in Auburn finishing out the school year. To hear the doctors tell you a "decison" will need to be made within 24 hrs of this tragic accident between two brothers playing ball in the yard, to where he is now, is a miracle in itself if you ask me. But still this family is in need and I think we can help. My heart still aches for this sweet family so I feel led to help in any way I can, and a simple way for me to help is ask you to donate any amount of money you can and I will go "Run for Ross" next Saturday in Auburn at the "Run for Ross" 5K fundraiser.





Your prayers for this family are so much more important than your money. SO if anything, I beg you not for money, but more so for your prayers. The doctors didn't think this precious little boy had much of a chance at all to survive. Ross has a long way to go to become well, and he may never return to his original health, but one thing is for sure, God hears your prayers and God is working that miracle in this young boy's life.

"Pray CONTINUALLY"...1Thessalonians 5:17

"Come and see what God has done, how awesome HIS works are on man's behalf!"...Psalms 66:5

Thank you so much.


You can email me at dana.pate@yahoo.com if you feel led to donate and I will gladly send you my address!