Blessings for Ethan

The last graft is complete!

2007-01-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

(Here is Ethan at the beginning of this school year... we can't wait to see that smile here at school again!)

On Thursday, January 11th, Ethan had his 7th surgery which completed the grafting process. All of his burns have now been successfully covered! For this most recent surgery, grafts were taken from his upper back area to cover his neck and chin. Since it was critical for there to be no movement in this area, Ethan was heavily sedated and a "paralytic" was used to keep him from moving. He was kept on a ventilating machine during this time. After 4 days in the Pediatric Critical Care Unit, they began reducing the medication that was keeping him sleeping... it didn't take long for Ethan to begin moving parts of his body and squeezing his mommy's hand to let her know that he could hear her.

Ethan is now back in the Adult Burn Unit at Vanderbilt. He is such a little fighter. The day after he woke up from his long "sleep", he got up and walked by himself into the hydrotherapy room. Way to go "E"! Today he walked all the way to the nurses station! All of the nurses have been so fantastic and they love Ethan just like we all do!

Ethan's arms and hands are healing really well! The sites on his thighs where the last grafts were taken for his chest is also healing slowly, but nicely. His newer grafts on his chest, neck and chin have a way to go... but they will get there.

In the next week, Sara and Ethan will begin the next phase of their journey of healing. They will be going to the Shriners Hospital to begin a 3-4 week physical therapy program. There Ethan and Sara will learn all of the stretches and procedures that Ethan will need to be doing for some time to regain his mobility. Since they will be leaving soon, it will be best not to send any more items or notes to the Ronald McDonald House location.

As they have been doing up until now...they will continue to take things one day at a time... Please continue to strengthen them with your prayers. Specific concerns are for the speedy healing of the new grafts on his chest, neck and chin... also for a good transition for both of them as they go to a new place. God has provided for them each step of the way, and He will continue to provide for their needs. They have been so blessed through the people that they have met in Nashville. Let's pray for God's continued provision of His people to stand by their side.

Go ETHAN!!!

Last posting on this site

2006-12-23T11:31:00.000-08:00

Sara and Ethan are so thankful for ALL of the prayers, and well wishes from everyone who has left messages for them on this site. At this time, in order to protect the privacy of their family, updates on Ethan's condition will be sent via e-mail through close friends and family. This will continue to be a long and difficult journey for them from a physical and spiritual standpoint. Please continue to keep them lifted up in prayer.

Amazing New Technology

2006-12-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Ethan had another surgery. During this surgery they removed the cadaver skin that had been protecting the burned areas on his chest, neck and chin. They replaced it with a synthetic material called "Integra". The Integra is "dermal regeneration template" that will hopefully minimize the deep scarring in that area. It helps to prepare the cells below it for the best chance to regenerate new cells and to grow. It will also make for a thicker dermis when they put the grafts of Ethan's own skin on in 1- 3 weeks. There is a much increased risk of infection for the next 1-3 weeks during this time until they put the skin grafts on top of the Integra. Please continue to be praying that the Integra will "take" and that there is no infection. This was a difficult surgery. Ethan had to be put under 3 times because the Integra had to be "redone" in some areas. They also put new grafts on his underarm area again. This is a very difficult area to heal. Because of this, the last grafts there did not take. There is also concern for the muscles in Ethan's neck. This week Sara learned that the the burn was so deep in his neck that some of the muscles were burned. This means that he may have a more difficult time regaining all of the mobility in his neck. They are not yet saying that he will not regain all of the mobility... time will tell.

This was the shortest turnaround that Ethan has done with back to back surgeries. As many of you saw, Ethan was doing very well with walking in the news clip... however he has now had two surgeries since then. Each surgery sets him back a little bit and he must regain his strength again. It is a very tough cycle. Ethan's Aunt Janice is so proud of him! She just came from a four day visit where she was able to be with them. She says that each time Ethan is doing his physical therapy, he is trying with all of his might and concentration. He is showing incredible strength! It took him 1-1/2 hours to get out of bed and walk 12 feet! No exaggeration! But he is so determined to do it. We are all so very proud of him.

The benefit concert in Tennessee was a huge success. About 450 people from all over crowded into a community center that holds 400 and were treated to a wonderful concert by LeAnn Rimes, Rascal Flats and Michael McDonald. There was also a silent auction. The event was to Benefit Vanderbilt University Hospital and was in Ethan's honor. About $22,000 was raised and a portion of that will go to Ethan. Sara hates to have to rely on others for financial support. She is such a giving person and is not used to being on the receiving end. But she knows that there are so many people who are moved by Ethan's story and want to help out. Words can't describe how much she appreciates everything that has been done on their behalf.

Thank you for continuing to pray for Sara and Ethan especially during this busy time of Christmas.

Let's all remember the real reason for the season...

Ethan is on the Nashville News!

2006-12-17T07:54:00.000-08:00

(The link below was only good for a few days and is no longer available on the WSMV website. They do not allow their stories to be downloaded...)

WSMV News in Nashville has done a news piece on Ethan! There is a benefit concert scheduled for today which will benefit both the Vanderbuilt Universtiy Hospital Children's Burn Center and also Ethan. A friend of Sara's is connected to the music industry there and has arranged for this concert to happen. In this news clip Ethan is reunited with the little terrier dog who was also burned in the fire the day after Thanksgiving. It is wonderful to see Ethan up and moving in the video clip. Ethan sure has a very long road ahead of him... but I praise God that he is doing so well!

click on this link to view the clip www.wsmv.com/news/archive.html

once on this page, click on the story "Boy,Pet reunited after fiery accident"

In the clip Sara is wearing a t-shirt that says "e-team" and it has a cute lizzard on it. These are T-shirts that are being sold at the benefit. If it is possible to order the shirts and have them sent here to CA it will be posted on this site. We are working on it!

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Ethan is Strong

2006-12-15T22:23:00.000-08:00

Today Ethan had his 3rd surgery. During this surgery, they placed more cadaver skin on his neck and part of his face. Next week they will do his next surgery and will put on something called "Integra", which is synthetic skin. This will prepare the cells to receive the grafts of Ethan's own skin which will be placed in a few weeks. When the date of his next surgery is set, it will be posted so you will be able to be praying during the surgery. Ethan continues to have pain. Unfortunately, things will have to get worse before they can get better. Over the next few weeks as Ethan has skin removed from other places on his body, the amount of areas in pain will increase. Please continue to pray for relief from pain.

There is praise to report! The antibiotics are working and Ethan does not have any more congestion in his lungs. There continues to be residual low fevers, which are normal while his body is going through these procedures. Also, even though Ethan is still not eating solid food, he has not lost any weight. Apparently the food that he is being fed through the tube in his nose has more nutrients than a normal 6 year old would eat!

Sara's sister, Janice is visiting until Monday. Tonight Sara is getting some much needed sleep as her sister is staying the night with Ethan in his room. Even though it is extremely difficult for Sara to leave Ethan's bedside, she knows that she needs the rest and welcomes it.

Once again, Sara wants everyone to know how amazed she is with the outpouring of love from everyone. She continues to have people from churches all around the area coming in to stop by and pray with her and Ethan. There is also a gentleman on staff who regularly prays with her and is helping her stay focused on God and being strong. Sara's faith remains strong. Even though she is going through so much and is having a difficult time seeing her son go through such painful procedures, she still remains the caring and giving person that we all know and love. She spoke of the little boy who is in the bed next to Ethan and how his family lost their home in a fire caused by a space heater. The little boy's father is in Iraq... Sara looks at them and knows that she is so blessed to have so much support from people both near and far. Today, she received a box of goodies from Ethan's class and was beginning to go through it. She is also receiving cards, letters and checks from people every day. She is beyond thankful and is concerned that she will never be able to thank each person personally. When she learned about the Alamo night fundraiser, she was stunned and so thankful... Thank you Wendy for arranging the event and also to everyone who attended. I know that some people waited an hour to be seated for dinner.... what a blessing you all are to her and Ethan.

So we remain fervent to prayer... and thankful to God for all he is doing and will continue to do.

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A few more things...

2006-12-09T16:10:00.000-08:00

The last update was with very limited information. These are more specific details about Ethan's progress and some prayer requests.
Specifically regarding Ethan's infection in his lungs. Apparently, though his coughing has gotten better, he has developed a fever and they are concerned what the origin might be. Last night he had a 105 degree fever and today it is at 102. They drew some blood last night to run some tests to determine the cause and to decide a course of action. Please keep this in your prayers.

Tuesday will be Ethan's next surgery. It will not be a grafting procedure. Its purpose will be to "clean up" the areas that they have already grafted.

Ethan is doing physical therapy 2x each day and is making wonderful progress. He is able to walk all the way down the long hallway in the hospital. It is painful for him, but he is really making progress in that area. God is hearing our prayers...

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A long Road Ahead

2006-12-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

It has been 4 days since Ethan had his last skin graft surgery. The doctors are pleased with the progress and healing of the skin grafts on Ethan's arms and hands, however they continue to be concerned about the armpit area. Because of the way that this area must be able to move and stretch, it is a more difficult area to heal. This area along with the area on his neck will continue to be the areas of most concern. The places on Ethan's legs where they have taken the skin for his skin grafts are healing. Because of this, they have become very itchy and uncomfortable. This is a very normal development, however it is just one more added thing that Ethan is dealing with. Ethan continues to be in pain from the burns and the grafting. Healing is a very long process and will continue to be this way for some time. Another hydrotherapy session has been done and the doctors believe that things are doing well in general, with the exception of the areas under his arms. The congestion in Ethan's lungs is still there to some degree, but is much better.

Sara is continuing to be bedside and attending to Ethan's every need. The very limited amount of sleep that she is getting is done there in his room. To say that she is exhausted is an understatement. Please continue to pray not only for Ethan's healing, but also for strength, stamina and health for Sara. This weekend, Ethan's Daddy will be visiting him and next weekend, Sara will have the comfort of having her sister by her side once again.

On the homefront: Ethan's classmates at his school are missing him terribly and have been drawing beautiful pictures and writing notes which are being sent to him. They are praying for him in class many times a day. His class has also been excited to have the addition of some of Ethan's pet parade visiting their class. The two tree frogs, gecko, and fish are helping the children feel close to Ethan and it allows them to feel like they are helping out.
There is going to be a fundraiser at the Alamo Restaurant in Newbury Park on Wednesday, December 13th. The restaurant will be donating a generous 20% of all of the sales of that day to Ethan's fund. (excluding alcohol sales). If you live in the area and would like to come out for lunch or dinner, we welcome you to use this as an opportunity to support Ethan and Sara financially.

Another note: When leaving a comment on this site, please click on the "comments" link that is with the most recent post. I would not want Sara and Ethan to miss any of your beautiful prayers and messages that you are leaving for them. Since the process of healing is a slow and long one, there may only be updates every few days. Thank you for your continued prayers, concern and support for them. This will not be an easy journey, or a short one. I pray God will bless you for your continues outpouring of love for them.

Paul writes in Hebrews, "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown to Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them."

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Ethan is Out of Surgery!

2006-12-05T17:27:00.000-08:00

Today Ethan had surgery to place new skin grafts on portions of his face and ears. He has come through the surgery and is doing very well. His chest congestion seems to be better today and he is not coughing as much. Praise God! After being in recovery for a time he was able to wake up and talk with everyone. He is not on a ventilator and is breathing well on his own. It was a very, very long day for both Ethan and Sara and after what I pray will be a good nights rest for them, I hope to be able to give you more information about his progress. Thank you for your faithfulness to prayer. Scripture says that the prayers of the saints are like sweet incense rising up to heaven. A pleasure for our God to hear, and an amazing gift to Sara and Ethan.

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Still waiting

2006-12-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

This is a quick update to let everyone know that Ethan's surgery had to be pushed back to 1:00pm (11:00am in CA). The surgery is expected to take 3-4 hours. We are contining to pray for the congestion in his lungs, especially during the surgery. Thank you for your continued prayer!

I also want to let you know that there are two other websites with some beautiful pictures of Ethan and Sara. If you would like to view them go to www.aboutEthan.com and www.carepages.com password is loveyouEthan.

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A Mother's love

2006-12-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

It's 8pm in Tennessee on Sunday night...

Sara is sitting by Ethan's bedside and being his cheerleader, comforter and strength. During a phone conversation with her, I could hear Ethan's tiny voice in the background as he called out to his mommy. As they had their conversation... I could hear it in her voice...she is being so strong. I'd say that I don't know how she's doing it...but I know her strength comes from the only One who is able to give strength in the enormous quantities that she needs right now.

Sara is simply amazed at the love that everyone has shown to them. She spoke of a wonderful local Pastor, Gary Dodd, who has been there with her praying and ministering to her each day that she has been there. Members of his church have all sent cards and well wishes to her... but she says, "they don't even know us!" I assured her that there are far more people praying for the two of them than she can ever imagine...people from all across the country. A few local Nashville friends of friends here in CA have gone to visit her and pray with her... they don't know her either, but have been called to her side.

It means so much to her and she thanks

everyone from the bottom her heart.

Ethan's condition is not quite what they are calling "stable", but he is not considered to be in the "critical" state anymore. He continues to take antibiotics to fight the infection in his lungs. It is not pneumonia, but there is some congestion in his chest. Each day they get him up for just a bit and have him take a few steps. He is also sitting up for a portion of each day. Some of the time he is able to have some nice conversations with his mom. He says that he really misses his friends very much. Other conversations are not as easy for Sara to have with him. He is in quite a bit of pain. Those of us with 6 year olds, or young children know that they can't understand it when they are in pain, they get mad when it won't go away... Ethan is unhappy that he is in pain. The biggest request that Sara has is that we would all be praying for God's miraculous removal of Ethan's pain. It is understandably the hardest part of all that they are going through.

Ethan is having hydrotherapy every three days. He will be having it tomorrow. During the procedure they give him Ketamine, which puts him "under" so that he will not feel any pain during the treatment. The hydrotherapy is basically a process where they clean his skin and put on new bandages. This Tuesday at 9:30 am, TN time, Ethan will be having his next surgery to remove the cadaver skin on his chest and neck and replace it with skin grafts from his legs. During and after the surgery for a short time, Ethan will be back on the ventilator

and will be more heavily sedated.

Another request that Sara has made for prayer is that Ethan will begin eating. He doesn't have the desire to eat anything that they have offered to him. Because of this, he is continuing to be fed through a tube in his nose. He is most likely not hungry due to all of the medication that he is on, but it would be awesome for his appetite to return.

Monday morning, tomorrow, the intercessors prayer team at Hillcrest Christian School where Ethan attends first grade, will be having a time of prayer with Sara by speaker phone. We will be joining together with her and raising our voices to the Lord on Ethan's behalf. This will be happening between about 8:30 am - 9:30 am. You are invited to join in with us from wherever you are and make your requests known before our Lord. He is listening, and He promises that whenever two or three are gathered in His name that He is there...He will be with you wherever you are praying, as we become one in prayer.

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Taking it one Day at a Time

2006-12-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, they began easing up on the medication that has been keeping Ethan sleeping. Sara was so thankful to be able to see him open his eyes, even for such a brief moment and look at her. She has been singing to him and has noticed that when she does, he has a positive response on his pulse monitor.

How sweet is the sound of his mother's voice...

On Thursday, they were able to remove the tube that has been helping Ethan breathe for the last week. Ethan is now breathing on his own and has been able to talk to his mom for the first time since the accident. Though it is a relief for Sara to be able to communicate with him a little bit more, she is concerned for his comfort level. Ethan's throat is sore and he is understandably uncomfortable. Please continue to pray for Ethan's pain

and for incredible strength for Sara.

Today, the doctors removed the bandages on the skin grafted areas of Ethan's skin. It is awesome news that they feel the skin grafts from Ethan's tissue have taken successfully! They also feel that it is very possible that many of the 2nd degree burns on his lips and face may heal well enough to not need any reconstruction. Pray that these 2nd degree burns on Ethan's face will heal quickly and completely. Ethan's tissue was used to graft on and under his arms, and on his hands and fingers. According to his doctors, it is looking like Ethan's chances of having complete mobility with his hands is very good. They are still concerned however, about the future mobility in Ethan's neck area. Encouraging mobility and keeping away infection will continue to be paramount concerns as Ethan goes through this many month process.

I know you are all lifting up every part of Ethan's body before

our Lord who is the Great Physician.

Ethan's next surgery is scheduled for either Monday or Tuesday and will be to remove the cadaver skin that has been placed on his neck, chin and chest area and replace it with a graft of Ethan's own skin. For now, we pray for peace and rest for both he and Sara.

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A Time for Prayer

2006-11-29T15:56:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, November 24th, while visiting a friend's farm in Union City, TN, our sweet little Ethan was seriously burned by a fire. He has sustained 2nd & 3rd degree burns on 35% of his body. After being taken to a nearby hospital he was sent by medivac to Vanderbuilt University Burn Center in Nashville, TN. This center is a level 1 Burn and Trauma center and is considered to be one of the very best in the area.

Though Ethan has sustained very terrible burns, we are praising God that he was not injured even more seriously. Ethan has no burns below his belly button and none on his back side. His face has some 2nd degree burns on various places, such as his forehead, but the doctor is hopeful that in time these scars may not be very noticeable. The 3rd degree burns begin on the lower part of his cheeks and continue down his neck and chest. Portions of his ears may need some reconstruction but the bone and structure are still there. There are also 3rd degree burns on his arms and armpits and on portions of his thumb and first finger on each hand. When he arrived on Friday he was placed on a ventilator and was given additional blood. He has been on pain and deep sleep medication which has kept him from being able to respond to Sara, which has been understandably difficult for her. After the first three days of stabilization, Ethan had his first skin graft surgery this past Monday. Portions of skin from his thighs were used to graft his hands, arms and armpit area. Cadaver skin was used on his chest and chin area. Though he will be considered critical in condition for some time, the doctors feel that he is responding very normally and that he is doing as well as can be expected at this time.

On Wednesday, they began slowly easing up on the medication that is keeping him asleep. Thursday, they will be removing the breathing tube. Please be praying that there are no complications and that the procedure goes well. Ethan also has a strep infection in his throat and also an infection in his lungs. His doctor says that this is something that is very common and is expected.

Friday is a Big Day.

Ethan's doctor, Dr. Summit, will be removing the bandages and looking at the skin grafts to see if they have taken successfully. If things are going well, they will be planning for surgery on Monday to do some additional grafting on his neck and chest. This is the area of most concern. The doctors believe that he will regain full movement in his hands and fingers, but their concern is for the mobility of the neck area and the area near his armpits.

Sara is SO thankful and touched by all of your care, concern and prayers. It is at times like this when we are able to be the hands and feet of Jesus and take care of the ones that He has put into our lives. Sara has been overwhelmed by all of the loving and supportive phone message and calls. She truly is blessed by knowing that everyone cares about them so deeply. At this time, it has been requested that friends bless Sara by using this blog to communicate their well wishes and prayers to her. She will be able to print them out and share them with Ethan as he begins to progress and is able to be more alert. The information will be updated frequently as to Ethan's progress and any needs that they have.

Your prayers for God's strength are sustaining her right now. Even though she is so incredibly saddened by what has taken place, she knows that God is full of mercy and that He will see them through this difficult time. As Sara is able to be quiet with Ethan and with the Lord, she will be able to see His Mighty Hand at work in their lives.

Sara is staying at the Ronald McDonald house near the hospital. Anyone who desires to send her a card is asked to send it to that location.

Sara laPorte c/o Ronald McDonald House

2144 Fairfax Avenue

Nashville, TN 37212

Please continue to pray for strength and healing and for God's miraculous restoration. Please know that your prayers are no small gift! It is a incredible gift when we are able to reach out in faith and lift up the ones we love into Christ's capable hands....that His Glory may be revealed.

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