Trent and Jill are back in Cleveland today. No worries, though - just a routine check-up. Trent will have some blood work, get a bronchoscopy and, hopefully, get an AOK from the doctors, in which case he and Jill will head back to Cincinnati later tonight.
Be praying for safe travels, for a great check-up, and for another few weeks of quiet time at home!
The Todds
I'll keep pushing, you keep praying!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Update #53 - Home Safely
Welcome Home Trent!
For the first time in two months, the Todd family is all in their home together. Trent, Jill and their friend Ronda got back from Cleveland just after 5:30 p.m. today. Although I know we shouldn't have been surprised, there were quite a few open mouths when Trent opened his car door, got out of the car, and walked down the driveway on his own, without a walker, without tubes, and with a WHOLE LOT of hair. :-)
As we already know, Trent was discharged much more quickly than anyone anticipated; what you may not know is he is also the first lung transplant patient to leave the hospital without being attached to oxygen. He rode the entire way home, greeted his Welcome Parade (fist bumps only, of course), gave a thank you address loud enough to be heard at least 15 feet away, then made his way into his house with his family to celebrate...with a Five Guys burger and fries.
If you have pictures of the homecoming, please post for those who missed it! Just a re-reminder to give the Todds their space, privacy and germ-free home for the time being. And if you do happen to encounter them when they are out and about, resist the overwhelming urge to hug, high five or shake hands! Fist bumps save lives! :-)
After such a long haul, pray extra hard tonight that Trent will be able to stop pushing long enough to enjoy a good night's sleep at home and yet another beautiful morning with new lungs.
For the first time in two months, the Todd family is all in their home together. Trent, Jill and their friend Ronda got back from Cleveland just after 5:30 p.m. today. Although I know we shouldn't have been surprised, there were quite a few open mouths when Trent opened his car door, got out of the car, and walked down the driveway on his own, without a walker, without tubes, and with a WHOLE LOT of hair. :-)
As we already know, Trent was discharged much more quickly than anyone anticipated; what you may not know is he is also the first lung transplant patient to leave the hospital without being attached to oxygen. He rode the entire way home, greeted his Welcome Parade (fist bumps only, of course), gave a thank you address loud enough to be heard at least 15 feet away, then made his way into his house with his family to celebrate...with a Five Guys burger and fries.
If you have pictures of the homecoming, please post for those who missed it! Just a re-reminder to give the Todds their space, privacy and germ-free home for the time being. And if you do happen to encounter them when they are out and about, resist the overwhelming urge to hug, high five or shake hands! Fist bumps save lives! :-)
After such a long haul, pray extra hard tonight that Trent will be able to stop pushing long enough to enjoy a good night's sleep at home and yet another beautiful morning with new lungs.
Update #52 - Time Change
ETA in West Chester is now 5:30 p.m. I will give you a one hour warning, but plan to be in the Todds' neighborhood by 5:15 p.m.
Update #51 - Homecoming
Trent is still scheduled to come home today!
For anyone who is interested, we will be meeting outside the Todds' house and lining the streets to welcome Coach Todd back to West Chester this afternoon. The estimated time of departure from Cleveland is noon, which should put them back home around 4:00 p.m., so plan to arrive by 3:45 p.m. I will update here and on Facebook if things change at all.
This is probably obvious, but just so I can say that I mentioned it, Trent will be exhausted when he gets back (as will Jill), and they will be anxious to spend time with Sophia and Bryce. Please come to wave and cheer and blow kisses, but then plan to leave and allow the Todds to get settled at home.
Keep your eye out here or on Facebook - I'll plan to give a confirmation when they are an hour away.
For anyone who is interested, we will be meeting outside the Todds' house and lining the streets to welcome Coach Todd back to West Chester this afternoon. The estimated time of departure from Cleveland is noon, which should put them back home around 4:00 p.m., so plan to arrive by 3:45 p.m. I will update here and on Facebook if things change at all.
This is probably obvious, but just so I can say that I mentioned it, Trent will be exhausted when he gets back (as will Jill), and they will be anxious to spend time with Sophia and Bryce. Please come to wave and cheer and blow kisses, but then plan to leave and allow the Todds to get settled at home.
Keep your eye out here or on Facebook - I'll plan to give a confirmation when they are an hour away.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Update #50 - Imagine...
...the best possible news you could get on a Thursday evening in July.
Then, throw that out the window, and read this instead:
Trent...our very own Coach Todd...will be moving home from the Cleveland Clinic next Wednesday! He has a bronchoscopy on Monday, Jill is heading back to Cleveland for final discharge instructions on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, Trent is coming home!
Much more info to come, but send up some major prayers of thanks tonight!
Then, throw that out the window, and read this instead:
Trent...our very own Coach Todd...will be moving home from the Cleveland Clinic next Wednesday! He has a bronchoscopy on Monday, Jill is heading back to Cleveland for final discharge instructions on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, Trent is coming home!
Much more info to come, but send up some major prayers of thanks tonight!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Update #49 - Freedom
The day after Memorial Day, Trent got his new lungs. Today, the day after Independence Day, Coach Todd is using those lungs as he moves closer and closer to freedom...from hospitals, from breathing treatments, from complete dependence on loved ones and medical professionals for everything that he so easily did himself for so many years.
This movement toward freedom has given him a new room - M80, Room 16. It has given him six hours of rehab per day to regain the strength that he needs. It has given him control over his medications. And, most importantly, it has given him back in-person motivation from his two biggest cheerleaders, Bryce and Sophia, who are in Cleveland for their second visit as I type.
Trent's own Independence Day is going so well that Jill has decided to come home to Cincinnati with the kids tomorrow. While she will finally get a chance to sleep in her own bed, catch up at work, spend some quality time with Bryce and Sophia, and eat something that didn't emerge from a paper sack, Coach Todd will give the doctors, nurses and therapists 20...and 20 more...and 20 more. The "20" will not be push-ups (at least not yet) but instead 20 minutes of talking without a breathing treatment; 20 steps without support; 20 days without infection. He will continute to push; we will continue to pray.
Trent has a lot of work ahead of him. Like anyone who has ever "paused" their exercise program (but to the extreme), his muscles have atrophied during the months that he has focused only on breathing. In addition to building strength, he is learning a very strict medication schedule to prevent himself from rejecting his new lungs. He is also getting used to the ins and outs of his new life as a transplant recipients, practices and precautions that will one day seem routine but for now can be overwhelming (can you imagine how hard it was for him not to hug his surgeons when he woke up?).
This week, be praying for safe travels for Jill, Sophia and Bryce, and for a very normal week at home. Be praying for patience and endurance for Trent as he pushes through his therapy. And as we continue to celebrate the amazing gift that Coach Todd received, be praying for the families who lost someone over this holiday weekend and had to make the difficult decision to give that same gift to someone else.
This movement toward freedom has given him a new room - M80, Room 16. It has given him six hours of rehab per day to regain the strength that he needs. It has given him control over his medications. And, most importantly, it has given him back in-person motivation from his two biggest cheerleaders, Bryce and Sophia, who are in Cleveland for their second visit as I type.
Trent's own Independence Day is going so well that Jill has decided to come home to Cincinnati with the kids tomorrow. While she will finally get a chance to sleep in her own bed, catch up at work, spend some quality time with Bryce and Sophia, and eat something that didn't emerge from a paper sack, Coach Todd will give the doctors, nurses and therapists 20...and 20 more...and 20 more. The "20" will not be push-ups (at least not yet) but instead 20 minutes of talking without a breathing treatment; 20 steps without support; 20 days without infection. He will continute to push; we will continue to pray.
Trent has a lot of work ahead of him. Like anyone who has ever "paused" their exercise program (but to the extreme), his muscles have atrophied during the months that he has focused only on breathing. In addition to building strength, he is learning a very strict medication schedule to prevent himself from rejecting his new lungs. He is also getting used to the ins and outs of his new life as a transplant recipients, practices and precautions that will one day seem routine but for now can be overwhelming (can you imagine how hard it was for him not to hug his surgeons when he woke up?).
This week, be praying for safe travels for Jill, Sophia and Bryce, and for a very normal week at home. Be praying for patience and endurance for Trent as he pushes through his therapy. And as we continue to celebrate the amazing gift that Coach Todd received, be praying for the families who lost someone over this holiday weekend and had to make the difficult decision to give that same gift to someone else.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Update #48 - Life is Good
Lots of good news tonight in a very short post.
First, Trent is out of the ICU and back in the Transplant Unit on the eighth floor! Still no visitors - his body is fighting hard to ward off infection without an immune system - but Jill and Trent have their own "apartment" again, complete with a recliner for Jill to sleep in and a view of Cleveland. The room is small, but it's much larger than the ICU waiting room efficiency that Jill had set up for a while...and it has a shower. :-)
Second, food! Real, solid food! Well, solid, hospital food (can't always be called real food), but food just the same.
Third, no more supplemental oxygen! Trent is breathing room air, and his oxygen saturation level (O2 sat) is at 98% (out of 100%) - that's better than many "healthy" people!
Sorry for the bullet points, but I wanted to make sure the info got up tonight. There are a couple of people from the Cinci area who are headed up to Cleveland this weekend - not to visit (have I mentioned NO VISITORS?) but to drop off cards, etc. at the hospital, so if you have something that you want to make the trip but don't want to send by mail, drop a comment on the blog or leave a note on the Friends of Trent Todd Facebook page, and I'll get you in contact with the appropriate delivery person.
I'm sure I don't even have to say it, but Trent is still pushing...you keep praying!
First, Trent is out of the ICU and back in the Transplant Unit on the eighth floor! Still no visitors - his body is fighting hard to ward off infection without an immune system - but Jill and Trent have their own "apartment" again, complete with a recliner for Jill to sleep in and a view of Cleveland. The room is small, but it's much larger than the ICU waiting room efficiency that Jill had set up for a while...and it has a shower. :-)
Second, food! Real, solid food! Well, solid, hospital food (can't always be called real food), but food just the same.
Third, no more supplemental oxygen! Trent is breathing room air, and his oxygen saturation level (O2 sat) is at 98% (out of 100%) - that's better than many "healthy" people!
Sorry for the bullet points, but I wanted to make sure the info got up tonight. There are a couple of people from the Cinci area who are headed up to Cleveland this weekend - not to visit (have I mentioned NO VISITORS?) but to drop off cards, etc. at the hospital, so if you have something that you want to make the trip but don't want to send by mail, drop a comment on the blog or leave a note on the Friends of Trent Todd Facebook page, and I'll get you in contact with the appropriate delivery person.
I'm sure I don't even have to say it, but Trent is still pushing...you keep praying!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Update #47 - Just Breathing
Breathing is rarely exciting. But less than three weeks after a lung transplant, breathing is all the excitement we could hope for.
Trent continues to do well, working on his breathing exercises, sitting in his chair, watching a lot of stupid daytime TV, spending quality time with Jill. Slow updates are the best updates...no news means life is as normal as it can get in the hospital.
One quick apology - I mis-spoke (typed) about Father's Day in my last post. Sophia and Bryce will celebrate Father's Day with their dad, but it will be on their own Father's Day - not June 19th but as soon as Trent is able to have visitors. No matter what day it falls on for them, though, I'm sure it will mean so much more this year...
On the note of visitors, just another reminder that Trent still cannot afford exposure to the germs that visits would bring. Feel free to send him your love, encouragement, prayers, jokes and workout routines via Facebook, blog, email or snail mail, but save the in-person affection for later. If the warning of infection isn't enough of a deterrent for you, just remember the Trent that we knew before pulmonary fibrosis and know that visits mean a Coach Todd who will exhaust himself trying to entertain you, and will likely make himself sick in the process. We all want to see Trent...but we want him healthy even more.
Dads, hug your kids a little harder this Sunday, and kids, hug your dads. And if you think of it, throw a little extra love in there for Trent and his kids... Even miles away, you know they'll still be loving each other even more this year.
Keep praying...
Trent continues to do well, working on his breathing exercises, sitting in his chair, watching a lot of stupid daytime TV, spending quality time with Jill. Slow updates are the best updates...no news means life is as normal as it can get in the hospital.
One quick apology - I mis-spoke (typed) about Father's Day in my last post. Sophia and Bryce will celebrate Father's Day with their dad, but it will be on their own Father's Day - not June 19th but as soon as Trent is able to have visitors. No matter what day it falls on for them, though, I'm sure it will mean so much more this year...
On the note of visitors, just another reminder that Trent still cannot afford exposure to the germs that visits would bring. Feel free to send him your love, encouragement, prayers, jokes and workout routines via Facebook, blog, email or snail mail, but save the in-person affection for later. If the warning of infection isn't enough of a deterrent for you, just remember the Trent that we knew before pulmonary fibrosis and know that visits mean a Coach Todd who will exhaust himself trying to entertain you, and will likely make himself sick in the process. We all want to see Trent...but we want him healthy even more.
Dads, hug your kids a little harder this Sunday, and kids, hug your dads. And if you think of it, throw a little extra love in there for Trent and his kids... Even miles away, you know they'll still be loving each other even more this year.
Keep praying...
Monday, June 13, 2011
Update #46 - More Progress
Just a quick update to let you know that things are still going well. Trent sat up in a chair for three hours on Saturday (double his first attempt!), and the doctors gave Jill breathing exercises to help him do during commercial breaks. The goal (and major prayer for this week): get Trent out of the ICU and back to the 8th floor (Transplant Unit) by this weekend, when Sophia and Bryce will finally get to see their dad with his new lungs. Be praying!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Update #45 - Willpower
Well, Trent got his way on one thing yesterday - he got to sit up in a chair for an hour and a half. As soon as he was sitting up, he asked again for a meal and a soda...still no luck on those, but maybe today.
Jill has officially moved out of the waiting room "efficiency apartment" and into the Guest House across the street from Cleveland Clinic. Although she was sad to go, she is enjoying a real bed, lights you can turn off at night, and a "shower" that involves a sink in a bathroom stall.
More good news coming soon! Keep praying!
Jill has officially moved out of the waiting room "efficiency apartment" and into the Guest House across the street from Cleveland Clinic. Although she was sad to go, she is enjoying a real bed, lights you can turn off at night, and a "shower" that involves a sink in a bathroom stall.
More good news coming soon! Keep praying!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Sidenote - Visiting Cleveland
If you missed Update #44 below, be sure to scroll down and check it out - good stuff!
That being said, because people have been asking about visiting Trent now that he is awake, our resident medical expert (and Trent's personal nurse when he is in Cincinnati) Ronda wanted to give some guidelines. Based on her experience and recommendations, the current request is that nobody aside from close family try to visit Trent until Jill returns from Cleveland. Her return will indicate that he has progressed out of any significant danger (and likely that he is out of the ICU) and that he may be able to see visitors for short amounts of time (knowing Trent, Jill will have to be the one to enforce the "short amounts of time." Poor guy hasn't been able to talk in months!).
Because of the immunosuppressive (anti-rejection) meds that Trent is on to prevent him from rejecting his new lungs as foreign bodies, he has no immune system right now. Not only does that put Trent at a HUGE risk for catching anything that visitors might be carrying, it also means that if Jill were to catch something, she wouldn't be able to visit him either. As time goes on, the risk for rejection and infection decreases, but especially during the initial weeks, the best way to protect Trent is to avoid visitors as much as possible.
As things change, we will keep the blog and Facebook updated on Trent's status and when he may be able to have visitors. Until then, just keep praying!
That being said, because people have been asking about visiting Trent now that he is awake, our resident medical expert (and Trent's personal nurse when he is in Cincinnati) Ronda wanted to give some guidelines. Based on her experience and recommendations, the current request is that nobody aside from close family try to visit Trent until Jill returns from Cleveland. Her return will indicate that he has progressed out of any significant danger (and likely that he is out of the ICU) and that he may be able to see visitors for short amounts of time (knowing Trent, Jill will have to be the one to enforce the "short amounts of time." Poor guy hasn't been able to talk in months!).
Because of the immunosuppressive (anti-rejection) meds that Trent is on to prevent him from rejecting his new lungs as foreign bodies, he has no immune system right now. Not only does that put Trent at a HUGE risk for catching anything that visitors might be carrying, it also means that if Jill were to catch something, she wouldn't be able to visit him either. As time goes on, the risk for rejection and infection decreases, but especially during the initial weeks, the best way to protect Trent is to avoid visitors as much as possible.
As things change, we will keep the blog and Facebook updated on Trent's status and when he may be able to have visitors. Until then, just keep praying!
Update #44 - Just As We Suspected
Of course, as soon as we talk about how Trent will wake up when he wants to wake up...he does exactly that.
Last night, Trent decided he was ready to be awake and truly use his lungs for the first time. It happened very suddenly (as expected), and he hasn't stopped talking since (also expected). He wants to know everything the nurses are doing to him, who has been keeping up with his progress (I don't think he's seen the prayer map yet), the names of all of his caretakers... He also wants food, soda, and a chair to sit in (he got stuck with water and tipping his bed up a little further). Anybody surprised by any of this news?
No more machines, very few meds, and LOTS of talking! Trent has new lungs, and he's ready to start living again.
He's still in the ICU, and obviously still has a ways to go, so don't stop praying! That being said, throw up a bunch of praises and prayers of thanks as well - Coach Todd is back!
Last night, Trent decided he was ready to be awake and truly use his lungs for the first time. It happened very suddenly (as expected), and he hasn't stopped talking since (also expected). He wants to know everything the nurses are doing to him, who has been keeping up with his progress (I don't think he's seen the prayer map yet), the names of all of his caretakers... He also wants food, soda, and a chair to sit in (he got stuck with water and tipping his bed up a little further). Anybody surprised by any of this news?
No more machines, very few meds, and LOTS of talking! Trent has new lungs, and he's ready to start living again.
He's still in the ICU, and obviously still has a ways to go, so don't stop praying! That being said, throw up a bunch of praises and prayers of thanks as well - Coach Todd is back!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Update #43 - Between Sleeping and Waking
Have you ever had one of those moments as you are waking up when you genuinely cannot determine what is real and what is a dream? Welcome to the last three days of Trent's life.
Each day since Saturday, the nurses have worked to get Trent completely off of the machine that has been helping him breathe since he got his new lungs. In order to do this, however, Coach Todd has to be completely awake and, obviously, aware of the fact that he has new lungs that will allow him to take a deep breath. Unfortunately, the last time Trent was awake (and for months before), he wasn't able to breathe deeply. And I wonder how many times over those months he dreamed that he had new lungs, only to wake up and be disappointed.
Because of this sleep/wake mix, every time the nurses try to wake him up completely and get him to breathe on his own, Coach Todd's semi-dream state makes it difficult for him to process the fact that the new lungs are real and he can breathe normally, and his anxiety over not being able to breathe makes his blood pressure go up. In spite of reassurances from Jill and the nurses, Trent hasn't been able to calm himself down, and they have had to let him go back to sleep again.
Jill is convinced that sooner rather than later, Trent will be just awake enough for it to click that he has new lungs and he can breathe again. And when that happens...well, I hope Jill gets a picture...or better yet, a video. Because chances are, he'll take two or three deep breaths, then introduce himself to his nurse and everyone else in the ICU, and Cleveland Clinic will finally get to meet the man we all know and love.
Overall, Trent is doing well, and the staff at Cleveland Clinic knows that eventually, the reality will set in, and he will finally get to appreciate his new lungs. Be praying that eventually comes quickly.
Each day since Saturday, the nurses have worked to get Trent completely off of the machine that has been helping him breathe since he got his new lungs. In order to do this, however, Coach Todd has to be completely awake and, obviously, aware of the fact that he has new lungs that will allow him to take a deep breath. Unfortunately, the last time Trent was awake (and for months before), he wasn't able to breathe deeply. And I wonder how many times over those months he dreamed that he had new lungs, only to wake up and be disappointed.
Because of this sleep/wake mix, every time the nurses try to wake him up completely and get him to breathe on his own, Coach Todd's semi-dream state makes it difficult for him to process the fact that the new lungs are real and he can breathe normally, and his anxiety over not being able to breathe makes his blood pressure go up. In spite of reassurances from Jill and the nurses, Trent hasn't been able to calm himself down, and they have had to let him go back to sleep again.
Jill is convinced that sooner rather than later, Trent will be just awake enough for it to click that he has new lungs and he can breathe again. And when that happens...well, I hope Jill gets a picture...or better yet, a video. Because chances are, he'll take two or three deep breaths, then introduce himself to his nurse and everyone else in the ICU, and Cleveland Clinic will finally get to meet the man we all know and love.
Overall, Trent is doing well, and the staff at Cleveland Clinic knows that eventually, the reality will set in, and he will finally get to appreciate his new lungs. Be praying that eventually comes quickly.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Update #41 - Breathing!
Trent and his new lungs breathed for two hours without any help from a machine last night!
Although he is still partially asleep, Trent is also responding to yes/no questions by shaking his head. Is he in pain? Head shake yes (got pain meds for that, by the way). Can he hear Jill talking to him? Head shake yes (plus a hand squeeze). Happy that Tressel resigned as Ohio State's head coach? Lots of excited head shaking (Coach Todd is not an Ohio State fan).
Aside from pain meds and insulin, Trent is off of all medicine, and his vitals are staying exactly where the doctors want them.
Keep praying!
Although he is still partially asleep, Trent is also responding to yes/no questions by shaking his head. Is he in pain? Head shake yes (got pain meds for that, by the way). Can he hear Jill talking to him? Head shake yes (plus a hand squeeze). Happy that Tressel resigned as Ohio State's head coach? Lots of excited head shaking (Coach Todd is not an Ohio State fan).
Aside from pain meds and insulin, Trent is off of all medicine, and his vitals are staying exactly where the doctors want them.
Keep praying!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Update #40 - Wakey, Wakey!
Trent is starting to wake up! The process will be very gradual - his body is still in shock from the surgery - but he is beginning to respond to voices and small requests (he opened his mouth when the nurse asked him to). The current goal is for him to start moving his hands and feet on his own to wake them up as the rest of his body continues to come out of the fog that surgery put him in.
Trent is off of all medications except his insulin (which he was on long before the transplant) and the meds for his blood pressure, which is normal after a transplant. The nurses are very pleased with his progress, and everything is going as well as could be hoped for.
One side note: the information that I am posting is coming directly from Jill (or whoever is sitting with her at the hospital) and is being communicated exactly how she would like it to be. Trent is still a patient, and more importantly, Jill's husband, and we have to respect both patient confidentiality and Trent and Jill's personal privacy. I know we are all desperate for information, but if you have specific questions regarding anything that is posted, please get in touch with your personal contact in a private Facebook message or email. Please don't ask detailed medical or personal questions on the public Facebook forum or in the Comments section of the blog, and please do not contact Jill directly. After such a long and exhausting week, she is looking forward to the "quiet" of the ICU and some private time to sit with Trent as he wakes up with his new lungs.
Thanks, and keep praying!
Trent is off of all medications except his insulin (which he was on long before the transplant) and the meds for his blood pressure, which is normal after a transplant. The nurses are very pleased with his progress, and everything is going as well as could be hoped for.
One side note: the information that I am posting is coming directly from Jill (or whoever is sitting with her at the hospital) and is being communicated exactly how she would like it to be. Trent is still a patient, and more importantly, Jill's husband, and we have to respect both patient confidentiality and Trent and Jill's personal privacy. I know we are all desperate for information, but if you have specific questions regarding anything that is posted, please get in touch with your personal contact in a private Facebook message or email. Please don't ask detailed medical or personal questions on the public Facebook forum or in the Comments section of the blog, and please do not contact Jill directly. After such a long and exhausting week, she is looking forward to the "quiet" of the ICU and some private time to sit with Trent as he wakes up with his new lungs.
Thanks, and keep praying!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Update #39 - Still Positive...
Trent had a very quiet night - always positive news in the ICU.
One important thing that the nurse noted last night is that Trent's new lungs are utilizing the oxygen that they are giving him very well. They are looking for a utilization number above 100, and his was near 140 - Trent may not be able to feel his new lungs working yet, but they are working!
Because he won't be able to eat on his own for a while, the doctors will be putting in a feeding tube that will make sure he is getting nutrition for the time being. Trent probably won't make it up to his football weight on the "milkshakes" they will be giving him, but yeah for calories!
Jill's "apartment" seems to be improving day by day, with the addition of a few vinyl couches for sleeping last night. Hopefully, once Trent is completely stable, she will be able to move to a real room across the street from the hospital at the Guest House provided for transplant families. The night receptionist seems to have it out for the Todd crew and their home-away-from-home, so I'm sure she won't be sorry to see them go.
One final reminder: no news is good news! We may not get many updates today, which means that Trent is stable and things are progressing well. If I do hear anything, I will certainly let you know. Keep praying!
One important thing that the nurse noted last night is that Trent's new lungs are utilizing the oxygen that they are giving him very well. They are looking for a utilization number above 100, and his was near 140 - Trent may not be able to feel his new lungs working yet, but they are working!
Because he won't be able to eat on his own for a while, the doctors will be putting in a feeding tube that will make sure he is getting nutrition for the time being. Trent probably won't make it up to his football weight on the "milkshakes" they will be giving him, but yeah for calories!
Jill's "apartment" seems to be improving day by day, with the addition of a few vinyl couches for sleeping last night. Hopefully, once Trent is completely stable, she will be able to move to a real room across the street from the hospital at the Guest House provided for transplant families. The night receptionist seems to have it out for the Todd crew and their home-away-from-home, so I'm sure she won't be sorry to see them go.
One final reminder: no news is good news! We may not get many updates today, which means that Trent is stable and things are progressing well. If I do hear anything, I will certainly let you know. Keep praying!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Update #38 - All Good
Jill and Greg got to meet with Dr. Budev, the doctor that Trent and Jill first met with at Cleveland Clinic, earlier today. Overall, she is very optimistic about Trent's progress and outlook. She described Trent's new lungs as "beautiful" and said they were the best possible donor lungs (God knew what he was doing in rejecting the first two sets). Trent's vitals are stable, and he is progressing as the doctors would hope.
In the conversation, Dr. Budev also reminded Jill that we are less than 24 hours after the transplant, a very major surgery. Trent's youth and fitness levels are definite pluses in terms of his recovery, but it will still be a long road. She stressed the element of TIME (Greg added PRAYER to that) for Trent's healing. There is a reason he was number one on the National Transplant List - he was pretty sick prior to the surgery, which impacts the time it takes to recover. Overall, however, Trent is doing well.
Jill is doing okay, and the positive reports from the doctors have definitely lifted her spirits. She and Trent's sister Jessica have set up a nice "efficiency apartment," as they call it, in their corner of the ICU waiting room, a sign that they both have a sense of humor still well intact. The waiting room is aptly named, though, for as we wait from wherever we are, Jill, Jessica and the rest of their support system sit and wait as well. Be praying for peace and patience for everyone there, and for more progress in Trent's recovery today.
In the conversation, Dr. Budev also reminded Jill that we are less than 24 hours after the transplant, a very major surgery. Trent's youth and fitness levels are definite pluses in terms of his recovery, but it will still be a long road. She stressed the element of TIME (Greg added PRAYER to that) for Trent's healing. There is a reason he was number one on the National Transplant List - he was pretty sick prior to the surgery, which impacts the time it takes to recover. Overall, however, Trent is doing well.
Jill is doing okay, and the positive reports from the doctors have definitely lifted her spirits. She and Trent's sister Jessica have set up a nice "efficiency apartment," as they call it, in their corner of the ICU waiting room, a sign that they both have a sense of humor still well intact. The waiting room is aptly named, though, for as we wait from wherever we are, Jill, Jessica and the rest of their support system sit and wait as well. Be praying for peace and patience for everyone there, and for more progress in Trent's recovery today.
Update #37 - Good Night
Trent had a good night last night. His vitals improved steadily, and the machine that is supporting his breathing was reduced (basically, he is breathing more on his own than the machine is breathing for him). Jill got to see him briefly again this morning and said he is looking good.
Just a note that Trent will stay asleep until the doctors feel he has recovered enough from surgery to wake up. Once he does wake, he will essentially need to relearn to breathe with healthy lungs since he has been breathing with scarred lungs for so long. Waking up and taking a deep breath may still be a ways off, but he is doing great, and the doctors are very pleased.
Keep praying!
Just a note that Trent will stay asleep until the doctors feel he has recovered enough from surgery to wake up. Once he does wake, he will essentially need to relearn to breathe with healthy lungs since he has been breathing with scarred lungs for so long. Waking up and taking a deep breath may still be a ways off, but he is doing great, and the doctors are very pleased.
Keep praying!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Update #36 - No Surprise
Every bilateral lung transplant patient is a handful. Between meds to watch, dressings to changes, vitals to monitor, and family to inform, transplant patients in general are fairly high maintenance. For some reason, though, Jill is convinced that her husband is expecting (and getting) a little more attention than most. But really, does it surprise any of you that Coach Todd is demanding the best from everyone around him, even while sleeping? Like any good coach, Trent is pushing his players/teammates/medical staff to perform at their highest at all times, even from the ICU.
From Jill, and from all of us, thank you to the staff of Cleveland Clinic for taking such good care of Coach Todd. Thank you especially to Dawn, who has worked tirelessly for the past two days (and endured the neverending questions of Jill's WellSpring "bodyguards") to spoil Trent in the middle of such a difficult time; and to Dr. Pettersson and his team for finding lungs and getting them to our friend as soon as possible. We all so appreciate the love you are showing for our coach, and you have our permission, when Trent has recovered, to tell him to "drop and give you twenty." With the new lungs you gave him, he may just be able to pull it off.
Trent is resting; Jill is resting; you should be resting. Get off of your computers, say one final prayer, and go to bed! More in the morning...
From Jill, and from all of us, thank you to the staff of Cleveland Clinic for taking such good care of Coach Todd. Thank you especially to Dawn, who has worked tirelessly for the past two days (and endured the neverending questions of Jill's WellSpring "bodyguards") to spoil Trent in the middle of such a difficult time; and to Dr. Pettersson and his team for finding lungs and getting them to our friend as soon as possible. We all so appreciate the love you are showing for our coach, and you have our permission, when Trent has recovered, to tell him to "drop and give you twenty." With the new lungs you gave him, he may just be able to pull it off.
Trent is resting; Jill is resting; you should be resting. Get off of your computers, say one final prayer, and go to bed! More in the morning...
Update #35 - Nothing Unusual
Just got a quick email from Greg - Trent has the same nurse (Dawn) today that he had yesterday, and she said they haven't encourntered anything unusual for a transplant patient since he got out of surgery. Jill got to see him briefly in the ICU earlier, but he is now under strict isolation (i.e. nobody can see him but his nurse and doctors) to prevent infection.
Jill will get to speak with Dawn one more time before shift change - I'll send any additional info I get once I hear. Be praying for a very quiet night and for rest for Jill.
Jill will get to speak with Dawn one more time before shift change - I'll send any additional info I get once I hear. Be praying for a very quiet night and for rest for Jill.
Just FYI
One thing I forgot to mention earlier - there is NO cell service in the hospital. Most carriers don't even have enough signal strength to get a text through. So at this point, no news is indeed good news. Between getting Trent back to his room and set up, meeting with the doctors, etc., Greg has not had enough time to get away and get us an update. And you can bet that if there were anything important going on, he would find a way to let us know.
I'll update the map in a minute and will get you more info as soon as I have it. Keep praying!
I'll update the map in a minute and will get you more info as soon as I have it. Keep praying!
Update #34 - Lungs Are In!
Greg just called - Dr. Pettersson came out and said both lungs are in! They are still closing Trent up, but Jill should be able to see him around 3:00 p.m.
Because the lungs came from a car accident victim, there were some minor contusions on them. Trent also sustained some damage to his right ventricle because of the pulmonary hypertension that he had, but that can reverse with time.
Overall, nothing short of a miracle! Pray as the surgeons finish up, and pray for Jill as she waits to seem him. Also, please do pray for the family of the lung donor and thank God for their sacrifice.
Because the lungs came from a car accident victim, there were some minor contusions on them. Trent also sustained some damage to his right ventricle because of the pulmonary hypertension that he had, but that can reverse with time.
Overall, nothing short of a miracle! Pray as the surgeons finish up, and pray for Jill as she waits to seem him. Also, please do pray for the family of the lung donor and thank God for their sacrifice.
Update #33 - First Cut
First incision was made at 8:48 a.m. Text message from the OR said, "Major part of surgery is underway." Keep praying!
Update #32 - In Surgery
Trent is now in surgery. The surgeons said to expect that it will be between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. before they will be finished with the surgery, but they will be giving periodic updates as they can.
During the surgery, Dr. Pettersson will make an incision in Trent's chest, called an anterior thoracotomy, or an incision that goes from your right side to your left side at just below the breast line. In a bilateral lung transplant, each lung is replaced separately. The Transplant Team begins by removing the lung with the poorest function. Trent will be ventilated using a combination of his remaining lung and a machine to help compensate for the scarring in his second lung. Once the first lung is removed, a donor lung will be attached using three connections. The donor bronchus is attached to the main bronchus first, and then the blood vessels are attached, first the pulmonary artery, then the pulmonary veins. The second diseased lung is then removed, and the other new lung is attached just like the first one. Once the second lung is completely connected, blood flow is restored. Finally, the incision is closed and Trent will return to the ICU.
Greg (one of the pastors from Trent's church) will be with Jill starting at 10:00 a.m. and will be giving updates as they hear them or every two hours (whichever comes first). I'll get that info up as soon as I have it.
Finally, just to get this idea stirring in your mind, part of getting a transplant is suppressing your immune system in order to prevent your body from rejecting the organ as a foreign object. That means that when Trent is released from the hospital, he will have NO IMMUNE SYSTEM. We all know that Trent loves to hug and shake hands, but for the first year at least, those types of contact are off limits! There will be lots of fist-bumping and long-distance high-fiving, but closer contacts will compromise his health and his new lungs. Although Trent's release from the hospital is a long way off, the earlier we all begin thinking this way, the easier it will be to remember when Trent leans in for a handshake.
Keep praying! More updates soon.
During the surgery, Dr. Pettersson will make an incision in Trent's chest, called an anterior thoracotomy, or an incision that goes from your right side to your left side at just below the breast line. In a bilateral lung transplant, each lung is replaced separately. The Transplant Team begins by removing the lung with the poorest function. Trent will be ventilated using a combination of his remaining lung and a machine to help compensate for the scarring in his second lung. Once the first lung is removed, a donor lung will be attached using three connections. The donor bronchus is attached to the main bronchus first, and then the blood vessels are attached, first the pulmonary artery, then the pulmonary veins. The second diseased lung is then removed, and the other new lung is attached just like the first one. Once the second lung is completely connected, blood flow is restored. Finally, the incision is closed and Trent will return to the ICU.
Greg (one of the pastors from Trent's church) will be with Jill starting at 10:00 a.m. and will be giving updates as they hear them or every two hours (whichever comes first). I'll get that info up as soon as I have it.
Finally, just to get this idea stirring in your mind, part of getting a transplant is suppressing your immune system in order to prevent your body from rejecting the organ as a foreign object. That means that when Trent is released from the hospital, he will have NO IMMUNE SYSTEM. We all know that Trent loves to hug and shake hands, but for the first year at least, those types of contact are off limits! There will be lots of fist-bumping and long-distance high-fiving, but closer contacts will compromise his health and his new lungs. Although Trent's release from the hospital is a long way off, the earlier we all begin thinking this way, the easier it will be to remember when Trent leans in for a handshake.
Keep praying! More updates soon.
Update #31 - Deep Breath...
Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready? WE...HAVE...LUNGS!!! Not tentatively, not six hours from now...Trent is being prepped for the operating room, and surgery starts at 7:45 a.m.!
Jill got the initial word around 11:30 p.m. yesterday but didn't want to believe it or deal with another false alarm, so she and Ronda continued to wait. They wouldn't even let the nurse tell Trent!
But now, the lungs are viable, Trents vitals look good, and the Director of the Transplant Group at Cleveland Clinic will be putting two new, healthy lungs in Trent's chest in just under an hour.
I'll post more details on what to expect soon, but the surgery can last anywhere from six to twelve hours. Trent is still fragile, and the procedure will be grueling, so prayers are more important than ever!
Trent is obviously still pushing... You keep praying!
Jill got the initial word around 11:30 p.m. yesterday but didn't want to believe it or deal with another false alarm, so she and Ronda continued to wait. They wouldn't even let the nurse tell Trent!
But now, the lungs are viable, Trents vitals look good, and the Director of the Transplant Group at Cleveland Clinic will be putting two new, healthy lungs in Trent's chest in just under an hour.
I'll post more details on what to expect soon, but the surgery can last anywhere from six to twelve hours. Trent is still fragile, and the procedure will be grueling, so prayers are more important than ever!
Trent is obviously still pushing... You keep praying!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Update #30 - Quiet
Sorry for the lack of updates, but everything is the same as it has been. Trent did wake up for a little while last night but went back to sleep fairly quickly to keep his vitals stable. Ronda, who is there with him and Jill today (and also worked as a Critical Care nurse), says his nurse is phenomenal and is taking great care of him.
Dawn, the nurse, also shared that although there are a lot of accidents on Memorial Day weekend, from her 27 years of experience, most donor families do not take their loved one off of life support until Monday night or Tuesday. Makes it a little more clear why on such a dangerous weekend, we have heard nothing about lungs.
In case you didn't know, tonight is Monday night, tomorrow is Tuesday. Pray for the donor families and the difficult decisions they have to make. And pray that somewhere in a hospital, there are lungs just waiting for Trent.
Dawn, the nurse, also shared that although there are a lot of accidents on Memorial Day weekend, from her 27 years of experience, most donor families do not take their loved one off of life support until Monday night or Tuesday. Makes it a little more clear why on such a dangerous weekend, we have heard nothing about lungs.
In case you didn't know, tonight is Monday night, tomorrow is Tuesday. Pray for the donor families and the difficult decisions they have to make. And pray that somewhere in a hospital, there are lungs just waiting for Trent.
Where Are You Praying From?
You'll notice the map at the top of the blog. Leave a comment below this post or on the Friends of Trent Todd Facebook page and tell us what state you are praying from! If you know someone who lives in a state that is not red yet, call them and tell them to start praying, then let us know! How fast can we get all 50 states filled in?
Update #29 - Memorial Day
Jill mentioned yesterday at the hospital that each year, on Memorial Day, she, Trent, Sophia and Bryce would head to Lawrenceburg for their small town parade, then go home for a cook-out. Unlike many families who choose hamburgers and hot dogs, or brats, or chicken, or steak, Trent had to grill them all then eat one of each.
So today, no matter what you are enjoying for your Memorial Day feast, let that first bite remind you of Trent. Pray for peace. Pray for lungs. And pray that next year, he will get to enjoy a bite of whatever it is with you.
So today, no matter what you are enjoying for your Memorial Day feast, let that first bite remind you of Trent. Pray for peace. Pray for lungs. And pray that next year, he will get to enjoy a bite of whatever it is with you.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Update #28 - Wakey, Wakey
Trent was stable and sleeping when Dave and I left Cleveland around 3:30 this afternoon. Jill found out not too long afterward that the doctors are planning to wake him up this evening to see how his blood pressure and oxygen levels hold out. Knowing Trent, "Coach Todd" will kick into gear as soon as he opens his eyes, and he'll be trying to get out of bed and do push-ups. If that happens and his vitals change too much, the doctors will give him meds to help him go back to sleep. If he is stable, he and Jill will get to spend some time together in the "quiet" of the ICU this evening, probably tuned into more jazz music on channel 96-35 on the hospital TV.
According to the doctors and nurses, with the machines that are currently helping Trent, he should be fine to wait for word on his lungs for weeks, at least. Of course, we all know it will happen sooner rather than later if any of us have anything to say about it. And in case you were worried, Jill has already told Trent that even though seven is his favorite number, we refuse to sit through four more false alarms before he gets his lungs. Sorry, Coach Todd, three is your lucky number this week.
Just one more piece of information that may help to clarify the transplant process. When a donor is found, the hospital where the donor is located does initial bloodtyping and crossmatching, which is when we get word that we have lungs. During the four, six, eight hour waiting period after that news, the staff from Cleveland Clinic actually flies to the donor hospital and performs their own tests on the lungs to determine if they are actually viable. These past two times, the tests have revealed some pretty serious issues with the donor lungs, and, in the words of Sophia, "Ew, Dad doesn't want those lungs anyway." Once they find a healthy pair, however, transport back to Cleveland and starting surgery will happen very quickly.
Jill, Trent's sister Jessica, and his niece Erica are all relaxing in the ICU waiting room tonight. Some friends from WellSpring are on their way up to now replace Dave and me as the bouncers who force Jill to eat and sleep and as the informers for these updates. As always, keep this page on automatic refresh - you'll get word as soon as we do.
Even asleep, Trent is still pushing. You keep praying!
According to the doctors and nurses, with the machines that are currently helping Trent, he should be fine to wait for word on his lungs for weeks, at least. Of course, we all know it will happen sooner rather than later if any of us have anything to say about it. And in case you were worried, Jill has already told Trent that even though seven is his favorite number, we refuse to sit through four more false alarms before he gets his lungs. Sorry, Coach Todd, three is your lucky number this week.
Just one more piece of information that may help to clarify the transplant process. When a donor is found, the hospital where the donor is located does initial bloodtyping and crossmatching, which is when we get word that we have lungs. During the four, six, eight hour waiting period after that news, the staff from Cleveland Clinic actually flies to the donor hospital and performs their own tests on the lungs to determine if they are actually viable. These past two times, the tests have revealed some pretty serious issues with the donor lungs, and, in the words of Sophia, "Ew, Dad doesn't want those lungs anyway." Once they find a healthy pair, however, transport back to Cleveland and starting surgery will happen very quickly.
Jill, Trent's sister Jessica, and his niece Erica are all relaxing in the ICU waiting room tonight. Some friends from WellSpring are on their way up to now replace Dave and me as the bouncers who force Jill to eat and sleep and as the informers for these updates. As always, keep this page on automatic refresh - you'll get word as soon as we do.
Even asleep, Trent is still pushing. You keep praying!
Update #27 - Finally Resting
Thank you to everyone who came to support Trent at the Prayer Balloon Launch this morning. The Todds can feel the prayers and can't wait to see the video and photos of the whole event.
For anyone who was not able to be at the Launch this morning, there have been some changes to Trent's care.
First, Trent now has two machines that are helping his lungs and allowing him to relax and prepare for his transplant. The first machine has taken on the burden of inhaling and exhaling against the scarring in his lungs that pulmonary fibrosis has caused. The second machine helps to get the most oxygen possible into his blood before his heart moves the blood throughout his body, taking additional strain off of his organs. The two machines are working with Trent to keep his oxygen, blood pressure and heart rate exactly where they are supposed to be. The doctors have also helped him go into a deep sleep (probably the best sleep he has had in months) in order to take additional stress off of his body.
Aside from the machines sitting near his bed, Trent looks more like himself than he has in months. His color is normal, his breathing is relaxed and his body seems strong. Not only that, Trent's nurses and doctors seem very calm and confident about his care.
Waiting is difficult, but Trent will get lungs, and these new measures will help him to be as prepared as possible when he finally goes to surgery. Keep praying that the call will come soon.
For anyone who was not able to be at the Launch this morning, there have been some changes to Trent's care.
First, Trent now has two machines that are helping his lungs and allowing him to relax and prepare for his transplant. The first machine has taken on the burden of inhaling and exhaling against the scarring in his lungs that pulmonary fibrosis has caused. The second machine helps to get the most oxygen possible into his blood before his heart moves the blood throughout his body, taking additional strain off of his organs. The two machines are working with Trent to keep his oxygen, blood pressure and heart rate exactly where they are supposed to be. The doctors have also helped him go into a deep sleep (probably the best sleep he has had in months) in order to take additional stress off of his body.
Aside from the machines sitting near his bed, Trent looks more like himself than he has in months. His color is normal, his breathing is relaxed and his body seems strong. Not only that, Trent's nurses and doctors seem very calm and confident about his care.
Waiting is difficult, but Trent will get lungs, and these new measures will help him to be as prepared as possible when he finally goes to surgery. Keep praying that the call will come soon.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Update #26 - Back on Bipap
Trent is back on BiPAP (the machine that they put him on when he moved to the ICU) to help keep his oxygen levels up. For anyone who has ever had (or heard of) sleep apnea, BiPAP works the same way as a CPAP, providing postive pressure support to the lungs in order to keep airways open when a person breathes. The only difference is that while a CPAP provides continuous (C) pressure support, so the pressure remains the same both when breathing in and breathing out, BiPAP has a two-level (Bi) fluctuation in pressure, strong pressure when inhaling to expand and maintain the airways and lungs, relaxed pressure when exhaling so Trent doesn't have to push against the airflow when he breathes out.
All of that to say that Trent is still breathing on his own, with a small amount of assistance. With the BiPAP, his O2 sat (oxygen level) is staying at a healthy level, and he is able to relax a little bit more when he breathes. This helps to keep his blood pressure and his heartrate within acceptable levels as well. Hopefully, the BiPAP - and the Xanax that the doctor so nicely gave him - will allow him to get some sleep tonight.
Jill is hanging in but could definitely use some rest as well. She is eating (with a few gentle reminders) and taking fairly regular breaks from the claustrophobia of the ICU. Be praying that when Trent falls asleep, she will allow herself some time to nap as well.
As always, more than anything, PRAY FOR LUNGS! Trent is stable and can remain as is on the BiPAP for the time being, but there is exhaustion in his eyes with every breath he takes. He is definitely still pushing, but knowing how close that first deep breath is (likely less than 12 hours after the transplant is complete), lungs is the only word that has meaning at Cleveland Clinic tonight.
More when we have it...
All of that to say that Trent is still breathing on his own, with a small amount of assistance. With the BiPAP, his O2 sat (oxygen level) is staying at a healthy level, and he is able to relax a little bit more when he breathes. This helps to keep his blood pressure and his heartrate within acceptable levels as well. Hopefully, the BiPAP - and the Xanax that the doctor so nicely gave him - will allow him to get some sleep tonight.
Jill is hanging in but could definitely use some rest as well. She is eating (with a few gentle reminders) and taking fairly regular breaks from the claustrophobia of the ICU. Be praying that when Trent falls asleep, she will allow herself some time to nap as well.
As always, more than anything, PRAY FOR LUNGS! Trent is stable and can remain as is on the BiPAP for the time being, but there is exhaustion in his eyes with every breath he takes. He is definitely still pushing, but knowing how close that first deep breath is (likely less than 12 hours after the transplant is complete), lungs is the only word that has meaning at Cleveland Clinic tonight.
More when we have it...
Update #25 - ICU
After the most recent discussions with the doctors, Trent will stay in the ICU until they have lungs for him. While this may seem like a bad thing, the change in unit means he gets more attention from the nurses, more access to respiratory therapists and overall more hands-on care. In spite of being in the ICU, Trent was switched from the more intense oxygen breathing mask/system that the doctors put him on when he moved to the ICU last night back to his normal nasal cannula/oxygen mask combination that he has had for the past few weeks. With this combination, he is still managing to keep his oxygen levels at a healthy 92% to 94% while maintaining only slightly elevated blood pressure, respiratory rate and heart rate. The doctors say that as long as he can maintain levels in the current range, he is fine to continue waiting for the perfect set of lungs.
Jill and Trent's families have set up camp in the family area outside of the ICU and are taking turns sitting with him and trying to convince him to STOP TALKING SO MUCH! No surprise that even when he is struggling to breathe he still feels the need to interact with everyone constantly. :-)
New lungs will come...keep praying!
Jill and Trent's families have set up camp in the family area outside of the ICU and are taking turns sitting with him and trying to convince him to STOP TALKING SO MUCH! No surprise that even when he is struggling to breathe he still feels the need to interact with everyone constantly. :-)
New lungs will come...keep praying!
Update #24 - No Go
Unfortunately the donor lungs were infected, so they did not do the transplant, and it's back to waiting for lungs. Trent is not feeling well at all. He remains in intensive care. Keep praying!
Update #23 - Still a Go
As of 6:00 a.m., the lungs are still a go. Surgery is now scheduled for 11:00 a.m., and we will know definitely by 9:00 a.m.
Trent was transferred to the ICU last night after an extremely bad coughing fit. He and Jill (who made it safely back to Cleveland early this morning) are resting and waiting for the final green light.
Keep praying!
Trent was transferred to the ICU last night after an extremely bad coughing fit. He and Jill (who made it safely back to Cleveland early this morning) are resting and waiting for the final green light.
Keep praying!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Update #22 - Lungs, Take 2!
We may have lungs! Jill is on her way back up to Cleveland, and surgery is tentatively scheduled for 11:30 a.m. tomorrow. The lungs look good so far, but we'll know more once Jill gets to the hospital. Be praying tonight, awake or asleep. I'll post once I hear more...
Update #22 - Surprises
On Wednesday night, Jill came home from Cleveland to surprise Sophia and Bryce.
I texted Sophia on Thursday morning: "I heard a rumor that you got a great surprise last night."
Sophia: "Yeah? What rumor did you hear?"
Me: "That your mom came home from Cleveland to surprise you."
Sophia: "Oh yeah! And a tornado hit our street!"
Probably the only thing that could come close in excitement to mom coming home is a tornado. :-) It is amazing how God works. Jill's last-minute decision to come home meant that she got to be with her kids to literally weather the storm. The Todds, and their house, are fine, by the way, although a neighbor's house was badly damaged by the winds.
The plan for now is that Jill will stay in West Chester until school ends for the summer on Thursday or until she gets word that there are lungs for Trent, whichever comes first. The fact that she is home means that Trent is doing well enough and she is confident enough in the care that he is receiving that she felt comfortable leaving him for a few days. It also means that she will get a much needed break from the noise, stress and claustrophobia of living in a hospital room, which will help to prepare her for the long haul that will come after the surgery.
Trent still sits at the top of the National Transplant List, and there is a good chance that this weekend will bring him new lungs. Some specific prayer requests as we continue to wait:
1. For Trent, that he will continue to get rest and fabulous care as he waits for the good news.
2. For Jill, that she will get some much needed relaxation time with her family and friends over the next few days. Also be praying for her ability to focus at work over the next few days to show her continued commitment to her employer in spite of the stress she is facing right now.
3. For Sophia and Bryce, who have spent an enormous amount of time away from their parents. Pray that they survive their last few days of school so they can enjoy the flexibility that summer break will bring.
4. For the balloon launch this weekend, that it will be an incredible visual respresentation of our love for Trent and our commitment to "Keep Praying!" as he keeps pushing.
Before you leave the blog today, please check out the right side under the picture of the Todds. Our goal is to continue providing meals every other day throughout Trent's time in Cleveland so Bryce and Sophia and whoever is staying with them will not have to worry about cooking. We have also recently posted a Paypal button where you can contribute financially to the Todds. To make a one-time donation, click on the Paypal button directly. To commit to an ongoing contribution, email trenttoddfund@wellspringonline.org to get further instructions.
I texted Sophia on Thursday morning: "I heard a rumor that you got a great surprise last night."
Sophia: "Yeah? What rumor did you hear?"
Me: "That your mom came home from Cleveland to surprise you."
Sophia: "Oh yeah! And a tornado hit our street!"
Probably the only thing that could come close in excitement to mom coming home is a tornado. :-) It is amazing how God works. Jill's last-minute decision to come home meant that she got to be with her kids to literally weather the storm. The Todds, and their house, are fine, by the way, although a neighbor's house was badly damaged by the winds.
The plan for now is that Jill will stay in West Chester until school ends for the summer on Thursday or until she gets word that there are lungs for Trent, whichever comes first. The fact that she is home means that Trent is doing well enough and she is confident enough in the care that he is receiving that she felt comfortable leaving him for a few days. It also means that she will get a much needed break from the noise, stress and claustrophobia of living in a hospital room, which will help to prepare her for the long haul that will come after the surgery.
Trent still sits at the top of the National Transplant List, and there is a good chance that this weekend will bring him new lungs. Some specific prayer requests as we continue to wait:
1. For Trent, that he will continue to get rest and fabulous care as he waits for the good news.
2. For Jill, that she will get some much needed relaxation time with her family and friends over the next few days. Also be praying for her ability to focus at work over the next few days to show her continued commitment to her employer in spite of the stress she is facing right now.
3. For Sophia and Bryce, who have spent an enormous amount of time away from their parents. Pray that they survive their last few days of school so they can enjoy the flexibility that summer break will bring.
4. For the balloon launch this weekend, that it will be an incredible visual respresentation of our love for Trent and our commitment to "Keep Praying!" as he keeps pushing.
Before you leave the blog today, please check out the right side under the picture of the Todds. Our goal is to continue providing meals every other day throughout Trent's time in Cleveland so Bryce and Sophia and whoever is staying with them will not have to worry about cooking. We have also recently posted a Paypal button where you can contribute financially to the Todds. To make a one-time donation, click on the Paypal button directly. To commit to an ongoing contribution, email trenttoddfund@wellspringonline.org to get further instructions.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Update #21 - Balloon Launch
Nothing new from Cleveland, but here closer to the Todd's hometown...
This Sunday, there will be a Prayer Balloon Launch for Trent. The event will take place at 10:30 a.m. at WellSpring Community Church (7661 Bethany Road, Liberty Township, Ohio 45044). Please join us to show your support and launch a visual prayer (in balloon form) for Trent as he continues to wait on his lungs. For more information on the launch, go to WellSpring's Facebook Page under Events.
Sorry for the lack of updates yesterday. In this case, no news isn't good news, it's just no news. More updates as we hear from Jill!
Keep praying...
This Sunday, there will be a Prayer Balloon Launch for Trent. The event will take place at 10:30 a.m. at WellSpring Community Church (7661 Bethany Road, Liberty Township, Ohio 45044). Please join us to show your support and launch a visual prayer (in balloon form) for Trent as he continues to wait on his lungs. For more information on the launch, go to WellSpring's Facebook Page under Events.
Sorry for the lack of updates yesterday. In this case, no news isn't good news, it's just no news. More updates as we hear from Jill!
Keep praying...
Monday, May 23, 2011
Update #20 - Date Night
From Ronda:
Just texted with Jill, and there is not much new in Cleveland, aside from a few changes to Trent's meds.
On a positive, Trent and Jill got to enjoy a date night of jazz music and good conversation in the hospital last night.
Keep praying, he'll keep pushing...
Just texted with Jill, and there is not much new in Cleveland, aside from a few changes to Trent's meds.
On a positive, Trent and Jill got to enjoy a date night of jazz music and good conversation in the hospital last night.
Keep praying, he'll keep pushing...
Update #19 - Struggling but Pushing...
Yesterday was a rough day for Trent. From Jill on Sunday: "Trent is struggling today but continues to push."
Nothing new on lungs, so keep praying!
Nothing new on lungs, so keep praying!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Update #18 - Family Time
Yesterday, Trent and Jill got to spend a wonderful few hours with Sophia and Bryce. The kids both said that their dad looked better than he did at home, which I think was unexpected for all of them.
In your prayers, please don't forget Sophia and Bryce. They have been - and will be - spending so much time away from their parents, which is rough durng normal times, but with so much going on with Trent... Think of your own kids if you have them and how much you would miss and worry about them if you had to be gone - then offer up and extra special prayer for the Todd kids.
If you are looking to send Trent some encouragement in the hospital, his address is:
In your prayers, please don't forget Sophia and Bryce. They have been - and will be - spending so much time away from their parents, which is rough durng normal times, but with so much going on with Trent... Think of your own kids if you have them and how much you would miss and worry about them if you had to be gone - then offer up and extra special prayer for the Todd kids.
If you are looking to send Trent some encouragement in the hospital, his address is:
Trent E. Todd
J 82, Bed #17
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44195
Please remember that Trent can't receive any gifts with dirt in them (i.e. plants) and will probably need to be careful of anything that can hold germs easily (stuffed animals, etc.).
Keep praying!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Update #17 - We're Number One!
Definitely not the trophy that Trent was seeking when he first took up football, but Coach Todd is officially #1 on the National Transplant List!
When Trent was originally approved for the list a few weeks ago, his score was in the 40s out of 100. As of today, he is at 94.96.
Obviously a bittersweet moment, but Jill, keeping her sense of humor, texted, "He's always wanted to be #1..."
Keep your laptops, Smartphones, PDAs, etc. set to Facebook or the blog - word of lungs could come at any moment, and I'll post updates as soon as I have them, day or night...
Now more than ever, you keep praying...
When Trent was originally approved for the list a few weeks ago, his score was in the 40s out of 100. As of today, he is at 94.96.
Obviously a bittersweet moment, but Jill, keeping her sense of humor, texted, "He's always wanted to be #1..."
Keep your laptops, Smartphones, PDAs, etc. set to Facebook or the blog - word of lungs could come at any moment, and I'll post updates as soon as I have them, day or night...
Now more than ever, you keep praying...
Sidenote - Feeling Helpless?
If you need another reminder to pray, or want to contribute in another way to Trent's treatment, here's the scoop.
For anyone wanting to get your hands on a "You keep praying, I'll keep pushing" bracelet, there are two options:
1. Email Jaime at jaime.smiddy at gmail.com and set up a date and time to pick them up; OR
2. Friday and Saturday of this week, go to the yard sale at 5331 Pros Drive, West Chester, Ohio 45069 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Jaime will be there with a TON of bracelets...all for your purchasing pleasure!
Bracelets are $4, and all proceeds go to support Trent and his family.
For anyone wanting to get your hands on a "You keep praying, I'll keep pushing" bracelet, there are two options:
1. Email Jaime at jaime.smiddy at gmail.com and set up a date and time to pick them up; OR
2. Friday and Saturday of this week, go to the yard sale at 5331 Pros Drive, West Chester, Ohio 45069 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Jaime will be there with a TON of bracelets...all for your purchasing pleasure!
Bracelets are $4, and all proceeds go to support Trent and his family.
Update #16 - All's Quiet on the Cleveland Front
Last night was a quiet night. Both Trent and Jill slept the entire night (not easy to do in a hospital) and seem to be doing well.
Trent says hi and to let everyone know he is still pushing.
"We love you all!" - Trent and Jill
Keep praying!
Trent says hi and to let everyone know he is still pushing.
"We love you all!" - Trent and Jill
Keep praying!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Update #15 - ...And Waiting...
Jill says that she and Trent are resting and waiting. At this point, they will definitely be staying in Cleveland until new lungs arrive. Please be praying for God's timing...and for patience for all of us.
Update #14 - Back to Waiting...
Finally got word from Jill that the first set of lungs were not good enough for Trent, so it's back to waiting. Keep praying!
Also, if you get a chance, post a comment just below this update to encourage Trent and Jill during the wait. More soon...
Also, if you get a chance, post a comment just below this update to encourage Trent and Jill during the wait. More soon...
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Update #13 - Still Waiting...
Decision delayed until 2:00 a.m. If the lungs are a go, surgery will be scheduled for 6:00 a.m. tomorrow (less than eight hours from now). Keep praying...
Update #12 - Lungs?!
Jill just texted - "There are lungs, will know for sure by 10. Just keep praying..."
Update #11 - In Cleveland
Trent and Jill headed back to Cleveland yesterday for another round of testing today. They have decided to stay there for the time being as there is a very good chance that the Clinic will have lungs for Trent soon.
More information as I have it, but be praying for peace and patience for the whole Todd family!
More information as I have it, but be praying for peace and patience for the whole Todd family!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Update #10 - On the List!
Trent has been officially listed on the Lung Transplant List! We do not know how many people are currently on the list, but we do know that he has a score in the mid 40's out of 100. He should receive he his information packet along with his pager later this week.
Please keep all of the families that are and will be involved in this process in your prayers!!!
Thanks so much for your continued support!!
Ronda Bruce
Monday, May 2, 2011
Update #9 - From Trent
Hey family and friends!
Jill and I got back from Cleveland late Thursday. We are pleased with our results from the visit. It was two stressful days, one of which day found me in the Emergency Room due to an inflated heart rate, no big deal. After I explained to the ER how my body works, they let me go three hours later. That in turn put us off schedule for Thursday, which is the reason why we go back late.
I will be presented to the Transplant Board on Monday, and if they say yes, which I think they will by reading between the lines, I could be on the National Transplant List by Friday. We will keep you posted, so please keep praying and hoping, and I'll keep pushing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm really starting to feel the effects of this disease. But I have to keep pushing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love ya, Trent=============
Jill and I got back from Cleveland late Thursday. We are pleased with our results from the visit. It was two stressful days, one of which day found me in the Emergency Room due to an inflated heart rate, no big deal. After I explained to the ER how my body works, they let me go three hours later. That in turn put us off schedule for Thursday, which is the reason why we go back late.
I will be presented to the Transplant Board on Monday, and if they say yes, which I think they will by reading between the lines, I could be on the National Transplant List by Friday. We will keep you posted, so please keep praying and hoping, and I'll keep pushing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm really starting to feel the effects of this disease. But I have to keep pushing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love ya, Trent=============
Update #8 - Transplant Board
Hello to all!
Things are moving right along. Trent completed all of his testing in Cincinnati, and he and Jill were able to complete the remainder of the required tests in Cleveland this past Thursday!!! Lots of PRAYERS are needed, especially right now.
The Medical Review Board will meet regarding Trent on Monday, 5/2/2011, in Cleveland. A decision will be made by Tuesday evening as to whether or not Trent will be placed on the Official Organ Transplant list. Once he is listed, within 24 to 72 hours, he should receive his official notification pager. So, hopefully, by this time next week, Trent will have his pager, and be ready to return to Cleveland for one of the biggest gifts of his life.
We will update you with more info as soon as the board has made their decision.
Please keep the Todds, the many people that are part of the medical review board, and the families that will lose a family member in order to be an organ donor, in your prayers!!!
Thanks for your continued support!!!!
Things are moving right along. Trent completed all of his testing in Cincinnati, and he and Jill were able to complete the remainder of the required tests in Cleveland this past Thursday!!! Lots of PRAYERS are needed, especially right now.
The Medical Review Board will meet regarding Trent on Monday, 5/2/2011, in Cleveland. A decision will be made by Tuesday evening as to whether or not Trent will be placed on the Official Organ Transplant list. Once he is listed, within 24 to 72 hours, he should receive his official notification pager. So, hopefully, by this time next week, Trent will have his pager, and be ready to return to Cleveland for one of the biggest gifts of his life.
We will update you with more info as soon as the board has made their decision.
Please keep the Todds, the many people that are part of the medical review board, and the families that will lose a family member in order to be an organ donor, in your prayers!!!
Thanks for your continued support!!!!
Ronda Bruce
Remember Trent's Quote: "I'll Keep Pushing, You Keep Praying!!"
Remember Trent's Quote: "I'll Keep Pushing, You Keep Praying!!"
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Update #7 - Two Big Prayer Days
Don't forget to be praying today and tomorrow as Trent goes through his second round of pre-transplant evaluation testing. I'll publish updates as I get them!
Update #6 - Back to Cleveland!
From Trent:
Hey friends and family,
Jill and I will be going back to the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday for Wednesday and Thursday tests, so I need everyone to wish us luck and keep us in your prayers. Hopefully after this visit, my case will be presented at the Transplant Board, and we can take another step toward transplantation by being placed on the list.
We will keep you posted. Have a safe and happy Easter weekend!
Love ya all!
Trent
"I'll keep pushing, you keep praying!!!"
Hey friends and family,
Jill and I will be going back to the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday for Wednesday and Thursday tests, so I need everyone to wish us luck and keep us in your prayers. Hopefully after this visit, my case will be presented at the Transplant Board, and we can take another step toward transplantation by being placed on the list.
We will keep you posted. Have a safe and happy Easter weekend!
Love ya all!
Trent
"I'll keep pushing, you keep praying!!!"
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Update #5 - Post-Skating Recovery
Thank you so much to everyone who came out for the fundraiser at SkateTown last night! Between admission fees and donations, we raised $1,983, money that will be incredibly helpful to Trent as he pays for his frequent pulmonary rehab appointments (necessary but not covered by insurance) and other expenses that will arise as his transplant comes closer.
This week, Trent continues with rehab and testing here in the Cincinnati area. Once his local testing is complete, he will return to Cleveland to finish up his evaluation. From there, the Transplant Board can meet at any time to determine his eligibility for new lungs.
Please continue praying! And be on the lookout for information on more fundraisers to help the Todd family, including a golf tournament this spring.
This week, Trent continues with rehab and testing here in the Cincinnati area. Once his local testing is complete, he will return to Cleveland to finish up his evaluation. From there, the Transplant Board can meet at any time to determine his eligibility for new lungs.
Please continue praying! And be on the lookout for information on more fundraisers to help the Todd family, including a golf tournament this spring.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Update #4 - How We Can Help
My apologies for the lack of updates on the blog. The post that I wrote last week seems to have erased itself. Here is the most up-to-date info as I know it:
1. Day Two of the Pre-Transplant Evaluation went well. Trent is now home for two months of testing and PT before returning to Cleveland for the final round of the eval and the hearing with the Transplant Board. Be praying for continued patience, endurance and improvement.
2. We now have an account at 5/3 Bank for anyone who desires to make a donation to the Todds and Trent's treatment. The account is classified as a Memorial Account, and donations can be made at any 5/3 branch to the account name: Coach Todd's Team / Trent Todd.
3. In addition to simple monetary donations, several fundraisers are in the works. The first will take place on Tuesday, March 29th at Skatetown USA in West Chester from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Entry is $5, roller skate rental $2 and inline skates $4.
Skatetown USA
8730 North Pavilion Drive
West Chester Township, OH 45069
(513) 874-9855
8730 North Pavilion Drive
West Chester Township, OH 45069
(513) 874-9855
4. Finally, if you have not already done so, please sign up to bring the Todds a meal (click on the blue "bring the Todds a meal" to get to the website - the link is also available on the right side of the blog under "How We Can Help"). Anne Aponte from Trent's church is monitoring the sign-ups, and her contact information is on the site. If you want to donate a meal and do not have the time to prepare and deliver, Trent's football team, The Stallions, is using a company called Dinner Bell (cincydinnerbelle@aol.com) to prepare and deliver meals. Call (513) 404-9627, and they will email you the weekly menu to choose from.
The Todd's Stallions family and their church family plan to continue to help Trent, Jill, Sophia and Bryce with meals, gift cards, errands, yard work, etc. until Trent is breathing freely again. Post a comment to the blog if you want to help and don't know who to contact.
Thank you so much for your ongoing support! One thing Trent has said frequently: "I'll keep pushing, you keep praying!"
More updates as they come...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Update #3 - Day 1 Success!
My apologies for the delay in this post. Trent's first day of the pre-transplant evaluation went well. He passed the test that he needed to pass and failed the test that he needed to fail - woohoo! He and Jill both sounded tired yesterday evening, but they were positive, as always, and ready to tackle Day 2.
The evaluation will finish this afternoon, and the Todds should be back in West Chester tonight. More info coming when I have it, but keep praying!
The evaluation will finish this afternoon, and the Todds should be back in West Chester tonight. More info coming when I have it, but keep praying!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Update #2 - Cleveland Clinic
Tomorrow is the big day. Jill and Trent leave tonight for Cleveland and will wake up in the morning to a battery of tests, interviews and examinations. The two-day pre-transplant evaluation will determine if Trent can withstand getting new lungs and everything the new organs will bring with them - major surgery, rehab, anti-rejection meds, emotional ups and downs...and most importantly, the ability to take a deep breath again. Tuesday and Wednesday will be grueling and may be the two most important days in the Todd family's life since Trent's diagnosis in July 2008.
I will do my best to post updates as often as I can get them. As we wait in anticipation of the evaluation results, please be praying:
1. For Trent, for strength, endurance, patience and peace during the entire process.
2. For Jill, as she sits by his side supporting and caring for her husband.
3. For Sophia and Bryce, who will be waiting in West Chester for news on their dad.
4. For compassion and wisdom for all of the doctors, nurses and medical staff performing the evaluation and sitting on the Transplant Board.
5. Most importantly, pray that God's will be done throughout this entire situation. A conversation with a friend the other day brought to light the fact that it may be difficult to pray specifically for a transplant for Trent, because for Trent to receive new lungs, another person must die. From what I understand, this fact is one of the most difficult to process for transplant recipients and their families. Please remember as you pray that all of our prayers are spoken "in Christ's name," and that our prayers should always bring us closer to His will, whatever that will may be. And take comfort knowing that if it is God's will for the transplant to happen, organ donors make the sacrifice willingly so that their death may give life to someone else.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Update #1 - Pre-Transplant Evaluation Scheduled
Tuesday, March 1st and Wednesday, March 2nd.
Mark those dates on your calendar. Put them in your PDA. Imprint them on your mind. Then, start praying. On those two days, just over two weeks from now, Trent will head to Cleveland Clinic for his pre-transplant evaluation. A pre-transplant evaluation includes a complete physical, meetings with members of the Lung Transplant Team, and a series of tests, and is performed to make sure that Trent is physically able to undergo a transplant. The evaluation helps the Transplant Team identify and treat any potential problems before the transplant, as well as avoid potential complications after the transplant.
At the end of the pre-transplant evaluation, and after the test results are complete, the Lung Transplant Team will meet to jointly discuss whether or not a lung transplant is the appropriate treatment for Trent. The transplant coordinator will then notify the Todds of the Team’s decision. Abnormal test results might require further investigation and may delay the process, but the goal of pre-transplant testing is to ensure that a potential transplant candidate will be able to undergo the transplant surgery and recover without any significant risk of complications.
Although the pre-transplant evaluation is still two weeks away, there is still a lot of work to be done, including pulmonary rehab, doctor's appointments and, perhaps the most difficult part, trying to be patient. Please be praying for Trent and his family as they wait in anticipation of this next major step in his recovery.
Mark those dates on your calendar. Put them in your PDA. Imprint them on your mind. Then, start praying. On those two days, just over two weeks from now, Trent will head to Cleveland Clinic for his pre-transplant evaluation. A pre-transplant evaluation includes a complete physical, meetings with members of the Lung Transplant Team, and a series of tests, and is performed to make sure that Trent is physically able to undergo a transplant. The evaluation helps the Transplant Team identify and treat any potential problems before the transplant, as well as avoid potential complications after the transplant.
At the end of the pre-transplant evaluation, and after the test results are complete, the Lung Transplant Team will meet to jointly discuss whether or not a lung transplant is the appropriate treatment for Trent. The transplant coordinator will then notify the Todds of the Team’s decision. Abnormal test results might require further investigation and may delay the process, but the goal of pre-transplant testing is to ensure that a potential transplant candidate will be able to undergo the transplant surgery and recover without any significant risk of complications.
Although the pre-transplant evaluation is still two weeks away, there is still a lot of work to be done, including pulmonary rehab, doctor's appointments and, perhaps the most difficult part, trying to be patient. Please be praying for Trent and his family as they wait in anticipation of this next major step in his recovery.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Getting Started
Anyone who has ever gone through a trauma knows that help comes in many forms, from many people, some of them completely unknown to the recipient. Trauma survivors also know that in the midst of the chaos, and in spite of the best of intentions, it is impossible to thank every person individually for the help that he/she provides.
On that note, at the request of Trent, Jill, Sophia and Bryce, and on their behalf, this blog begins with the following message:
"THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU TO EVERYONE, EVERYONE, EVERYONE."
Now, to those of you who have helped, are helping and will help during this journey, please take your thanks from this message and from the progress that Trent will make, and know that if it were possible for the Todd family to thank you in person, they would.
With that said, meet Trent (again or for the first time), introduced in the words of a good friend and fellow football coach.
"When the Doctor Gives You 5 Years to Live: Coach Trent Todd"
A coach and a great friend of mine, Trent Todd, has been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease marked by scarring in the lungs. Tissue deep in the lungs becomes thick, stiff and scarred. The scarring is called fibrosis. As the lung tissue becomes scarred, it interferes with a person's ability to breathe.
In some cases, the cause of pulmonary fibrosis can be found. But most cases of pulmonary fibrosis have no known cause. These cases are called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Pulmonary fibrosis can develop slowly or quickly. There is no cure. Many people with the disease live only about three to five years after diagnosis.
In short, Trent needs a miracle and/or a double lung transplant. His doctors gave him five years to live. That was a few years ago. At first, things did not seem so "bad." I confess I didn't even notice much of a change. He continued to work, continued to coach ...
But now things have taken a different turn and he needs an oxygen machine to help him breathe. Please pray for Trent, his wife Jill and his two young children Sophia and Bryce.
And yet, Trent wants to continue building SportsLeader. He wanted to record some short video messages to encourage others about what life, coaching and mentoring are truly about. My family and I had the opportunity to visit with Trent and his family and it was such a blessing. Being with a man who only thinks of others, who you know cares about everyone ... it is an inspiring experience and I could see that all of my children learned a great deal from him.
This short video clip is the first of a series we will create. Click on the link to watch it: http://sportsleaderusa.blogspot.com/
Please take a moment to ask yourself: Why do I coach? If I were in Trent's shoes would my perspective be different?
Life is short. I encourage you to dig deeper in your heart and consider making a change to have more of an impact on the young men's hearts and souls you are mentoring.
God bless you,
Lou
On that note, at the request of Trent, Jill, Sophia and Bryce, and on their behalf, this blog begins with the following message:
"THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU TO EVERYONE, EVERYONE, EVERYONE."
Now, to those of you who have helped, are helping and will help during this journey, please take your thanks from this message and from the progress that Trent will make, and know that if it were possible for the Todd family to thank you in person, they would.
With that said, meet Trent (again or for the first time), introduced in the words of a good friend and fellow football coach.
"When the Doctor Gives You 5 Years to Live: Coach Trent Todd"
A coach and a great friend of mine, Trent Todd, has been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease marked by scarring in the lungs. Tissue deep in the lungs becomes thick, stiff and scarred. The scarring is called fibrosis. As the lung tissue becomes scarred, it interferes with a person's ability to breathe.
In some cases, the cause of pulmonary fibrosis can be found. But most cases of pulmonary fibrosis have no known cause. These cases are called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Pulmonary fibrosis can develop slowly or quickly. There is no cure. Many people with the disease live only about three to five years after diagnosis.
In short, Trent needs a miracle and/or a double lung transplant. His doctors gave him five years to live. That was a few years ago. At first, things did not seem so "bad." I confess I didn't even notice much of a change. He continued to work, continued to coach ...
But now things have taken a different turn and he needs an oxygen machine to help him breathe. Please pray for Trent, his wife Jill and his two young children Sophia and Bryce.
And yet, Trent wants to continue building SportsLeader. He wanted to record some short video messages to encourage others about what life, coaching and mentoring are truly about. My family and I had the opportunity to visit with Trent and his family and it was such a blessing. Being with a man who only thinks of others, who you know cares about everyone ... it is an inspiring experience and I could see that all of my children learned a great deal from him.
This short video clip is the first of a series we will create. Click on the link to watch it: http://sportsleaderusa.blogspot.com/
Please take a moment to ask yourself: Why do I coach? If I were in Trent's shoes would my perspective be different?
Life is short. I encourage you to dig deeper in your heart and consider making a change to have more of an impact on the young men's hearts and souls you are mentoring.
God bless you,
Lou
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