Precious Family-

The doctors have taken BJ off of the nitric oxide! His ventilator pressure is still at 50%, and his oxygen level remains steady around 90%!! Though we are encouraged by this, the doctors have estimated that he will be on ecmo (The blood oxygenation procedure that bypasses his lungs... the highest level of life support they can give.) for at least several more weeks. As long as this is the case, he is in critical condition.

Once the ecmo is over, BJ will still be in the hospital for many weeks. A special note to all of BJ's friends: I know that many of you cannot WAIT to come see him. But know this- the recovery period for all that BJ is now enduring is very long... we're talking 1-2 years of physical therapy and healing. This will be the time when he needs you the most. I know it is hard for you not to be able to see him, but right now, especially while he is unconscious, the ULTIMATE that you can do for him is to pray. We have seen already the power of prayer in this whole situation- Don't underestimate it! And another thing- Many of you know that BJ is quite the intellectual... he loves to learn and actually values studying. (!) So, (and yes, this is a message from my mother), be sure you aren't neglecting your school stuff by worrying about him. We know he is in Almighty Hands!!

And a BIG thank you to BJ's friends who have posted stories about and for him, you are a great source of encouragement and laughter in this time! We read these comments to BJ nightly, and we feel it helps others to see more of who he is. :)

For those of you planning to donate blood at Northside next week, go to the link below and follow the instructions to register.

1) http://appointment.bcentral.com/storefront/indianabloodcenter
2) Select Northside Baptist.
3) Select calendar day of August 31, 2005
4) To the right, select the time of your commitment
5) Select Enter Appointment
6) Under Appointment Information complete form
7) Under Appointment Options: make selection that is convenient for you
8) Select Submit

We are working on figuring out the process for the out-of-state people who also would like to donate in BJ's name. :)

All of you have been such an amazing blessing. You may never know how much your prayers and encouragement have touched my family.

This is all for God's GLORY!!!
Lauren

One more note: There is a little boy on BJ's floor named Jayden who is also in critical condition. His family have become friends of ours as we share similar experiences and the waiting room. :) As you have all so wonderfully ministered to us, please also lift up Jayden and his family in your prayers.