Biopsy 06/13

Ok I know it has been a while since any of us have posted. The thing is, I think we are actually busier now than we were while he was in the hospital. At first it was like taking care of new born when we brought him home now it isn't quite as bad, but we are still busy.

Angus is in the recovery room from another biopsy. Everything looks good. Dr. Fudge really likes this new heart thinks it will continue to be a good one for many years to come. Angus finally reached the acceptance stage of everything that has happened. He feels better daily and can't wait till the sternal precautions are lifted...he can't wait till he can jump on the trampoline.😄

Craig

Todays clinic visit

Angus is doing really good and had his first clinic visit today. He is ok and had labs drawn, an echo, and an EKG. Every thing looks perfect and that's how we want to keep it.

Thank you Don

I forgot an very important thank you... To my brother Don for cooking all the wonderful food and also helping Joel & Jeremiah with the prep! Or vice versa... All I know is we
Are very grateful.

Sorry,
My blonde roots or maybe that I have been preoccupied.

Jen

Thank you Joel and Jerimiah!

Thank you Joel and Jeremiah for putting together the skeet shoot! We also appreciate all the people who came out. I heard it was a lot of fun and I wish I would have been there. Happy Mothers Day to all the moms! Thank you again, Angus had a really good time.

First Night Home

The night went well. No complications and he is taking his meds like a champ! He is still very weak.I have spent the majority of the day getting organized with meds and a normal routine.

Home now

Well I took Savanna and Seth to the Orthodontist this morning for a regular appointment knowing Angus was coming home today. The hospital told us it would be around 1400 so I wasn't in a real hurry. We were coming through Keystone when my mom called and said, "Jennifer wants to know where you are because they are ready to let him go". So...I hauled ass and got there to bring my boy home. We are now home and couldn't be happier that he is here.

Craig

Biopsy Results!!!

BEST news ever.... NO rejection!

Thank you Jesus! Next biopsy in 2 weeks!

Angus first heart

Angus got to see his heart today! Wow!!! Sorry, can't post.

News from the Cath Lab...

The results of the biopsy should be back this afternoon late. However, the heart looks wonderful, contraction is strong and numbers are great. Praying for a 0 biopsy (which means no rejection)!!! More than likely, he will be discharged tomorrow.

Cath lab

Angus is off to the cath lab for his first biopsy.
Prayers for a negative one!

Weekly Plan...

Plan for the week: Craig, Angus and I will received discharge planning. Unsure of the day! Our hope is after the biopsy...Thursday at the earliest.

He is supposed to have a heart cath on Wednesday, May 8th. At that time, they will do a biopsy and take out his pacer wires. Many of you have asked about how the biopsy is done. They will either go in through the groin or neck and take a small grasping device (pincher) to obtain a small piece of the heart muscle tissue. What they are looking for is rejection. He is doing fantastic. His atrial pacer has kicked in and his new heart is doing the work on its own. His heart rate is regular and he has not had any fevers or any other signs of rejection.

Signs of rejection for all of you that Angus stays with: fatigue, irritability, shortness of breath, fast heart rate (his heart rate will normally be higher since he has been transplanted 80-90 resting), irregular heartbeat, poor eating, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. We will pray to hopefully never see any of these symptoms, but reality is that eventually he will get sick. We all do...good thing I have OCD! : ) You think I WAS bad...how about now. lol

Pay back picture time....

Bath Time

As everyone knows the isolation is strict in Angus' room, so the gowns and masks are important. At times they serve other purposes. To shield us from the stank...lol.

Skeet shoot and BBQ

From Joel Graves....

A Heart for Angus Fundraiser
When: Saturday May 11
Where: Jennco, located at 7017 NW 135th Ave, Morriston, FL 32668

BBQ/Skeet shoot to help raise money for the Standridge family. Angus Standridge was recently hospitalized and needs a heart transplant. $15 covers food and first round of skeet. $2 per additional round. Shooting starts at 10am, food will be ready around 4pm. Please advise how many people your attending with so we can plan accordingly!

Donations can be made to the Standridge family via paypal at http://blog4angus.blogspot.com or http://www.youcaring.com/heart4angus.

Bring your own shotgun/ammo.

Chance Drawings include: Windham AR 15, Winchester 300 short mag, Benelli 12 Ga. Supernova, Mossy Oak 20 Ga, Browning 22 Auto Mark II Long Rifle, Apple iPad, Primos Double Bull Blind, Signed Limited Edition Primos turkey call, Autographed hockey stick and picture of two time Stanley Cup winner Bobby Holik, John Deere kids electric cart, and more!

40,000 Visits!

Just a note to you all... this blog went over 40,990 views as of today! Thanks for all you do.

04-30-13

Good morning everyone. Angus is doing well, aside from all the melt downs due to his strong dislike for tape! All the medications are off this morning. Except for the anti-rejection meds of course and the antibiotics. His atria (normal pacer site) is waking up, but he is still has the internal pacer. Angus says he feels different when it is off. The first biopsy is scheduled for May 8th. After that, we will know more about when he can come home. Craig and I got a lot accomplished yesterday at home. The house is getting back into order and ready for Angus to come home. Hopefully sooner than later.

Thank you for praying for Angus. We hope you will continue to pray. We also appreciate the love and support more than you know.

Report about the other child who received his heart transplant...Doing very well!!!!! Please continue to pray for him, as well as the other one who has been waiting 5 1/2 months.

Up and walking

First walk since transplant.

04-27-13

Angus is having a wonderful morning, he woke me up to tell me one of the kids i put on the blog got a heart! He is so excited!

For those of you who are praying for the two I put on the blog several days ago...keep praying for both of them. We know God does deliver! The family has not gotten a confirmation call yet, so please pray they do and it will be the perfect heart!

04-26-13

We have gotten off to a little rough start this morning, but he has been joking around more! Made it in the chair for 5 minutes, then got dizzy. We tried. One day at a time. He is still on quite a bit of meds and a pacemaker, so it is to be expected.

Continue to pray!!!

04-25-13

Oh lord please bless me and my family... we now have two in puberty and one of those is on steroids!!! Lord, I only thought we had mood swings. ok...
I can tolerate it, you did allow us to keep him! Please give us strength though and help us remember, this too shall pass.

He is eating very well...still painful, but not detouring him.

Please continue to pray. There are also several more I would like to add to the prayer list, ok +many more.... (3 that are in need for the perfect heart).
God we know you are good and you have a plan, please help us to gain strength and understanding from your plan. Point us in the direction you need us to go with this message or maybe you have bound us closer together.
Thank you God for what you have done for us, given to us in Jesus and what you will continue to give! Amen

4-25-13

Today Angus stood and sat at the beside in a chair. He was a little dizzy, but otherwise tolerated it well. There is a plan to walk later in the afternoon. We will see how that plays out.
He is not fond of two of his IV lines or the Nystatin medication, but he is reasonable.
We know everyone wants to visit, but we are taking precautions to protect his heart and he understands and sends his love to everyone. For those of you who do not know, he cannot have visitors because he is on a medication that completely shuts down his immune system. (his body is unable to fight infection, so he is at a greater risk for developing an illness that will invade his new heart very easily). None of us want that...we want a strong heart and Angus to return home as soon as he possibly can.
Please continue to pray for recovery, Thank you all for your daily support!

8pm, 4-24-13

Hello, Angus just conned his nurse into buying him pizza...lol! He ate three slices. Then he got hiccups! Ouch. Today he got his chest tubes removed, as well as his foley catheter. He is strong! One day at a time!

01:49

Ok...it's 10 minutes till 2(in the morning), and I just woke up to go to the bath room(that's what I do now...I'm in my 40's). I didn't wake to an alarm or to Angus moaning or being in pain. I just woke up because I had to pee. Thank God! He is lying there with his legs crossed way up in the air as usual just sleeping like a baby for the first time in 1 month 3 weeks and 1 day. Truth is I couldn't be happier with having to sleep here right now. I miss my wife and other 3 kids, but this is worth the wait.

Craig

YouCaring.com Fundraising Site is up!

Check it out at http://www.youcaring.com/heart4angus ! The first page is a video that Angus' Aunt Jeanie (Stevens) created. Unfortunately it's got copyrighted music in it, so you can only watch it on your PC/MAC. It's not available on Mobile Devices (Android/Apple). Please like and share this video on Facebook, Twitter, Churches (that's your Church, not the Fried Chicken place.. c'mon now), The Bowling Alley, The Pool Hall, The fast food restaurant with that burger you just have to have (yeah, I'm talking to you mister "my pants shrunk"), the bar, with the guy playing darts, that pretty girl at the grocery store (you know who you are baby... "how you dooin"), the hibachi restaurant chef that throws the shrimp up in his hat, the UPS guy, your congressmen, the gals/guys at the nail salon (hey, this is the 2000's after all), oh.... and Oprah!

From Jeanie:
Please take 4 minutes to watch this video and then visit http://www.youcaring.com/heart4angus We need to raise $100,000 to reach our goal and the family would appreciate any financial contribution. Our goal is 1 million views! please help us reach our goal and give Angus a HEART OF GOLD!! Thank you so much for your donations, prayers and support!

Update

It has been about 5 minutes since my last post. The picture on top in my post is the echo of his new heart this morning...the echo tech lady said it was a pretty one.

Oh yea...I forgot Jennifer put the toenail pictures up already. Sleep deprivation is so bad.

Craig

Tuesday Morning

I came in to Angus and an onslaught of nurses as to be expected. He feels really good and said he wants to get up. We are going to at least have him sit on the side of the bed today and hopefully will be able to get the chest tubes removed tomorrow.

It is very critical that he does not have any exposure right now. They have put him on a medication that kills the cells in his blood that normally fight infection, so his body doesn't think that is heart is one and try to kill it. A simple cold can be (without a better term) life threatening for him right now. Visitors are welcome to come by but are not allowed in to see him. At least for a while. Once he is able to get up and walk the halls, maybe by then we can allow a few people in. Anyone who wants to come, just give us a call or let the ladies know at the desk and we can come out if we are not too busy.

So as everyone knows by now Angus is a Seminole fan and has been giving all of the nurses on the floor a hard time. So he got paid back when he came in from the transplant and was still sedated. He got his toe nails painted Orange and Blue by two of the nurses. Pictures to follow.

Angus is very happy right now, he just wants to get better so he can go home. I think he misses the dog...lol.

Breathing Tubes Removed...

Angus is about to get his breathing tube removed, requesting his Foley catheter be removed. Don't think he is quite awake enough. God is good and he does deliver!!!

By the way...check out our new Gator fan....NOT!

Heart is in

Dr. Wallace from the heart crew just left the room and said,"his new heart is jamming along".

Craig

Update on the surgery

We for word at 6:30 pm
He has been in the OR since 02:00 AM. The heart arrived around 530 this morning and they are placing it now. He is scheduled to be out around noon. So far things are going very well. Continue to pray.

4/22/2013

We have a heart!!!!! Woo hooo!! God is good. Lets pray that the procedure goes well and the heart looks perfect enough to use.

4-21-13 post VAD change

VADs are changed and he is resting comfortably. Dr. B said, "there was some "junk" (clots) in there, but he has seen worse.

Continue to pray for a beautiful heart soon!

4/21 VAD changes

For everyone who has been following....thank you very much for everything that has come our way. It has been a roller coaster of a ride for us and all though he is doing a gazillion times better there are risks still involved.

The VADs or pumps that are in place to actually move the blood have gotten quite a few clots. It was explained to me by one of the doctors that since his blood is passing through something that was not created by God(which I feel he played a huge role in creating this machine, but anyway) that the blood will try to do its job, that is to clot. Since this is happening more than the Doctors are comfortable with he is going to have both pumps changed today at 0900. There are risks involved with leaving the pumps in place with the clots that have formed of one dislodging from the right pump and ending up in his lungs, or from the left pump and ending up in his brain. On the other side of the spectrum there are risks during the pump change that include lack of perfusion during the procedure and micro bubbles that can form and ending up in his brain or lungs.

In a nut shell...we can be danged if we do or danged if we don't. This is by far one of the most amazing machines in its simplest form I have ever witnessed. It all comes with risks and with the good lots of times comes the bad. He will be out for a while after and we will just pray that all goes well and God can keep brains sharp and hands steady of all who will be involved today.

Craig

Another way to give

Donate life- be an organ, eye or tissue donor. To understand more go to donatelife.net

Be the match - "For people with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma or other diseases, a cure exists. Be The Match® connects patients with their donor match for a life-saving marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant." (m.marrow.org)

To understand more about blood transfusion/donation and HLA matching/cross matching....go to
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/HPS/transplant/html/hla.html

Please consider to donate. I realize it is a tough decision and many of us do not think in advance...we should consider that someone is in need.

Thank you,
Jen

04-17-13

5 days since last post. Angus is doing better in school...lots of threats for spankings and briberies : ) He is dehydrated and his pumps are showing that. Caffeine free drinks and water; however, he is not drinking very much either! Weird considering he is always getting ice and water at home.

Thank you for the livestock donations and purchases. I heard there was also a beautiful, hand made quilt!

We cannot thank everyone enough!

4-12-13

I sat today with Angus and realized how much patience home school parents have. Gees! I had to almost threaten to take all his fun things away in his room. I started with his phone, then his play station remotes, moving onto iPad and I said boy... Do you not get it? Do it or you won't have TV or computer either AND you will still be repeating 7th grade... AND this time it will be with your sister! He sat up and bed and got busy, but God bless him... First day back and he had easy English, math and then a test in science that reminded me of dreadful physics... ! In the end... He was able to keep it allHe then said, "Jen your making me do school on Saturday"? And I said, " you just ha a month of Saturdays, time to make up. " it is our job to teach responsibility whatever the cost....so get her done!!!

Thank you Grits girls

Thank you GRITS girls (+ others) for doing the fundraiser in Dunnellon for Angus. I heard the food was very good. : )
Thank you everyone who supported us by coming out and buying the dinner from the GRITS girls.

(Click Photo to Enlarge...)

4-09-13 Nutrition, Necklaces, & Jewelry...

Ok... We are going to try and get Angus on a normal eating routine. His nutrition is not the best and so we are going back to the old tough mom and dad. He can only have a soft drink with his NORMAL meals. (They only get it at home for a treat) ...I know what all of you are thinking and its okay. My concern is how he will convert to taking care of his heart after his transplant if we are pushing the terrible stuff on him now. TRUTH...we know that we are all at risk for coronary artery disease; well..Angus is at a higher risk. We ALL would like to see him be healthy. Which means I am also having to play the nurse role. Angus and I have discussed this and although he is scared...he now knows why I am being "difficult" (his words) because I love him.

He does need protein for healing and calcium from bone strength, he cannot have spinach or kale right now because of the vitamin K, the reversal to all the blood thinners...we want his blood thin. So, he likes the chocolate smoothie from Tropical smoothie, I put whey protein and a multi-vitamin in it too. It tastes yummy and the dietician loves that he likes them.

Off my soap box now! Pics of the necklace presentation...Thank you again Gary and Michelle for them. Praying for your families as well.

Praying for a heart in Gods time.

I have a friend that is willing to do a fundraiser..selling Premier jewelry. If anyone is interest, please let me know. There is a catalog online.

(Click Photos to Enlarge...)

4-7-2013 Happy birthday Savanna

Good morning. GOD is good and so is Angus. We have been blessed! He is stronger and ready for a new heart when the best one comes. I read this in a book that Super gave me and thought it was awesome...and fit my little gamer : ) Apostle Paul instructed all Christians to "put on the full armor of God" the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the sword of spirit, the sandals of gospel peace, and the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:13-17) He will provide us when the time is right and we believe that.

Happy Birthday to Savanna! Today Angus requested we have a party for her in his room, so that is the plan.

Thank you everyone for purchasing dinners in Dunnellon, as well as the awesome necklaces!

Jen and Craig

UF...enough said!

Today Angus was paid a visit from some of the University of Florida football players as well as some female athletes form the Lacrosse, Track and Field, Gymnastics. Angus was piled up in his bed with his FSU blanket and pillow when all these guys and girls came in and it didn't matter to him. He thought that was the coolest thing since the Berlin Heart. The look and smile on his face was worth mare than anything I could have ever imagined.

I can't thank UF & Shands enough for all they do and have done. Not only for us, but for everyone who has ever been even close to where we are right now.

Thank You Gators!

Craig

(Click photo to enlarge)

Long time since...

It has been a long time since I have posted anything, we've been quite busy. Angus is getting around pretty good these days and is now only on medications by mouth and is no longer attached to the IV pumps. He is still quite weak at times and has his ups and downs, but seems to be in really good spirits most of the time. He is very happy with the generosity of everyone who has been showing support, he is a very appreciative child. He has made many friends in the nurses, doctors and other staff on the PICU floor. Jennifer and I are also very grateful to everyone for the support in all aspects. This (even though it has been a month already) is still a complete shock to us and we have to do all we can to try and keep things as normal as possible for Angus, Savanna, Flynt and Seth as well as our selves. We could not be doing any of this if it weren't for all of you. I sat down yesterday and tried to remember everyone who has been a part of this adventure with us. It is long from over and we know that we will always have the support we need.

Thank you again to EVERYONE

Craig and Jennifer

Angus' Article in the Gainesville Sun.

You can read the article by clicking here.

Monday evening

We had a great weekend. He is improving. His feeding tube was removed, all he has now is his IV and Berlin Heart connected. He is still easily exhausted, but walking laps around the unit, is nothing short of a race : )

Friday 03-29-14

I apologize for delayed progression. : ) Angus is getting stronger. He's mostly working toward strength, therapy, healing, and waiting for the right donor. It is in God's hands. He knows when the best time for transplantation is, but Angus is ready. He no longer has a fever, his lungs are getting stronger and he is eating. Protein means healing! Continue to pray and thank you for all of your support.

If any of you want to donate live stock, there is a Livestock Fundraiser for Angus that's been posted on Facebook. Thank you Mike Joyner for jumping in. You are amazing. - Jen

Update from CW:
Just adding info to what Jen said about the Cattle Fundraiser. They have established two drop off stations. Cattle will be accepted on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at Thomas Cattle Company in Williston and there will be a designated pen at Ocala Livestock Market. The cattle at Thomas Cattle will be gathered and hauled to the market on Monday, April 15. The cattle will be the first cattle to sell in April 15th sale. The check will be made payable to Craig Standridge – 100% of these monies will benefit the family. Feel free to call Mike Joyner 352-572-4098 with any questions you have regarding this fund-raiser. Thanks in advance for your help!

Central Florida RC Heli and Multirotor Fest

Angus' Uncle Craig W is organizing an RC Helicopter/Multirotor Fun-Fly Benefit Event. However, he needs to find somewhere to hold the event that can support the number of people expected. This could be a pasture, someones farm, property, etc and would have to be free of charge since this is a benefit. The area needed would need to be:

- Located in Central Florida (Gainesville, Ocala, Jacksonville, and surrounding areas)
- Easily accessible by county or public roads. (Less than 20-30 mins from Interstate would be great)
- Free of trees
- Large enough for approximately 100 or more vehicles to park
- Flat grass (to be used as runway area for RC vehicles)
... more specs to come once we figure them out ;)

There would be RC pilots (possibly with trailers), some vendors such as food/drink, and sponsors. He is also looking for local businesses that would like to help sponsor the event.

For information or to offer help/sponsorship, please send Craig W an email at hansauf@gmail.com and put "Central Florida RC Heli and Multirotor Fest" or "CFRHM" in the subject line.

Alienware Laptop Computer is here!

Guess who just had the best present ever!!!! Yep, Angus got his computer and he is so excited . Thank you everyone! Cassie, (nurse) said his facial expression was priceless. (Click photos below to enlarge).

He walked 3 times today and Jen made him do bicep curls with the cardiac monitor because he said he was weak. : )

Update Sunday morning

I know we have not reported lately. He is doing well. Getting up out of bed walking and finally playing on the play station when he can. He is making improvements daily. Bed sore is healing. Pushing protein so it will. Hate to see him hurting.

Saturday 3-23-13 mid afternoon

Angus had a good day. Appetite is increasing and he is getting stronger. He is better at sitting for infer periods of time and walking. Continue to pray!

Thursday 3-21-13

I cannot stress enough how grateful Craig and I are for the dinner all of you have provided for our children. I cannot imagine trying to go to the grocery store, cooking, etc. our heart goes out to all of you. Thank you Tonya for keeping the kids A students! Could not live without you.

Angus had a great day, his spirits are getting better, he walked around nursing unit twice and initiated it on his own! Way to go Angus.

Wednesday afternoon

He is in a great mood! Laughing with the staff, asking their blood type! Be careful not to tell him you are A-... Lol! He has also learned how to set off his Berlin alarm. He told Christen (nurse) he was doing it to annoy her. : ) Walked 2 laps around the whole unit and sat for several hours. Getting A spa treatment now! Who could argue with that.

Tuesday evening

Angus just ordered up French fries and a coke... From McDonalds! Shands does not sell coke, nor is there a McDonalds here... ! : ) The urine catheter was removed. He walked a lap around the unit and is very much awake. : )

Tuesday 3-19-13 update

Angus is feeling pain from the chest tube, but he is playing words with friends with me and he is about to get of of bed.
He is feeding himself and talking to a friend he has made since he has been in here.
Gwen (chief flight nurse) at ShandsCair sent him a Seminole flag... Made his day! Gave big smiles, which made ours. : )

Monday morning

Angus had a set back. Placed on Bipap to help his breathing and hopefully push some fluid out of the lung. Probably a chest tube placement today, also a CT scan of chest and abdomen. Foley catheter placed.

Jen to Human Translation:
Bipap - Delivers air through the mask to be set at one pressure for inhaling and another for exhaling. If anyone has or knows someone who suffers from Sleep Apnea, this is the mask that is worn over their nose while they sleep.
Chest Tube - Flexible plastic tube that is inserted through the chest wall and into the area surrounding each lung. It is used to remove air, fluid, or pus from the chest cavity.
Foley Catheter - Urinary catheter.

Sunday evening

Regressed a day! Right lung full of fluid, continuous diuretic in hopes to drain the lung. His oxygen saturation dropped and they placed him On oxygen. He does not like the incentive spirometer, but we are pushing in at well as an EZ pap. He was upset with the nurse and myself... Because we made him get up out of bed, walk and tried to make him eat. We are only hard because we care! Sore on his back side is sloughing, so now very painful. Nana came in and force fed him. Yay Nana!!! Continue to pray : ) thank you.

Jen to Human Translation:
Continuous Diuretic - Drug/Drug that cause increased passing of urine.
Oxygen Saturation - The ratio of oxyhemoglobin to the total concentration of hemoglobin present in the blood. Oxyhemoglobin is the bright red hemoglobin that is a combination of hemoglobin and oxygen from the lungs. Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein, bound to red blood cells and makes up nearly all the oxygen presence. Hemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen from lungs to other parts of the body, where the oxygen can be used by other cells.
Incentive Spirometer - Angus has to breathe in from the Incentive Spirometer as slowly and as deeply as possible, then holds his breath for 2-6 seconds. A gauge shows how well his lungs are functionaing. He has to do many repetitions a day while a therapist measures his progress.
EZ pap - Similar in function to the Incentive Spirometer, but it's regulated by the Respiratory Therapist.
Sloughing - Dropoff;Shed.

Saturday evening update

Angus is a new person today. Prayers are working. He is playing games, eating and talking a bit more. He took several walking trips around the unit today. He is less weak and the fever is also down.
Thank you for the prayers, donations and support (whatever kind you are giving). We appreciate all the support we have gotten. Our 4 kids are being taken care of in every way possible. Craig and I could not feel any more blessed.

Shhhhhhh....Angus' Laptop is a Secret.... (queue Mission Impossible Theme)

Just a quick note to Friends and Family, or anyone who may talk to Angus or see him in person. The laptop that is coming for him will not be here for another week or so, but we're still trying to keep it a secret so he is surprised. So when you talk to him, text, email, or communicate.... please don't let on that he's going to get this really great laptop. We've had to steer the conversation away from it several times because people may have said something or asked how he liked it. ;) When it gets here, his Uncle Craig will be loading all of Angus' games and software on it and then we will get it to him. When we deliver it, we'll make sure to take photos and do a post on the blog and probably Facebook to show everyone how excited and appreciative we're sure he'll be.

Angus has a P.O. Box

Several people were asking via messages and email if there was a postal address they could send cards/gifts to  or mail donations (instead of online) . There is now a P.O box set up in Keystone Heights for Angus.

Angus Standridge
P.O. Box 1031
Keystone Heights, Florida
32656

Fever is down... but so are his spirits.

White blood cell count is down, fever is down. Praying that continues to improve.
His spirits are down. Please pray for his acceptance.

Friday @ Noon

Angus got a feeding tube yesterday, feedings are at night and he feels like someone dumped food into his belly. He is still running a low grade fever, nothing bacterial is coming back. He is doing well, walking and sitting in the chair.
His Spirits are Very Low... Pray that changes!

March 14th

Angus slept really well last night and woke up to eat a pretty good breakfast. The doctors were going to put a feeding tube down if he didn't start eating better. He is making a galant effort to do so. He looks better today than he has looked in a long time. Thanks again for everyone's support.
Craig

Wednesday morning

Good morning/afternoon. late blog, but Angus and I slept in (well deserved). He woke up for a little walk, sat in the chair for an hour,  then got a spa treatment. Gotta love a nurse. Still very little appetite. Please pray that his appetite picks up.
Thanks, Jen

Personal or Private Info

Family and Friends. Just a note to make sure you don't include any personal or private info in the comments you post to this blog. It's a public blog and people out there are employed by companies that scour the internet for information such as this to be sold for contact and marketing purposes. There are also individuals and criminal organizations that use this same information for identity theft, or other nefarious purposes. So any posts with phone numbers or the names and location of minor children will not post. If you want to get any messages to Jen and Craig with that information, please email blog4angus@gmail.com and we will pass that information to them a quick as we can. Thanks - CW.

Angus had a busy day...

Angus had a busy day, walked a little twice, whipped Craig's butt in call of duty, lot and sat in the chair for several hours. He is tuckered out...sleeping now. He is coming to terms with the heart transplant. God has a plan.

Angus versus Usain Bolt?

Angus got up and walked today for the first time. He made a "lap" around the unit. ;) He's defintely Feeling better. He is now aware of the need for a transplant and is on the road to acceptance.  ~ Craig

Update Tuesday Morning

Angus has been sitting in the chair for an hour. He's finally comfortable there and saying he is ready to walk with physical therapy. He's also eating...Sweet! Thank you Jesus! Improving everyday : )

Thanks

First off...Jennifer and I want to thank everyone for all that has been done and all of the offers of help that have come our way. Just so everyone is also aware, we do see the texts and phone calls we just sometimes can't reply or answer. Every call and text is also important to us so thanks again.

Jennifer and I have been kicked out of Angus' room. They are taking all of the chest tubes out right now. Yep!

Thank You All,
Craig

Monday Morning Update from Jen

Transplant coordinator just came in. We spoke to Angus about needing a heart transplant and he is scared. I would be too. Very common! He said, "he does not want someone to die." I explained to him that would happen anyway to that person, even if the did not give their organs. We are going to take that conversation slowly! Hopefully 2 chest tubes out today. Second goal is to eat, won't eat anything! Even his favs.
Keep praying and he says to tell everyone thank you.

Sunday Night Update from Jen

Angus had a good birthday. I don't think I have seen him that happy in a while. He was not happy that his siblings and family had to leave though. Happy birthday to Angus. What a sucky place to spend a birthday, but we will make it up to him. He does have a fever so visitation is limited again. He said, "thank you for all the gifts, thoughts and prayers."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGUS!!!!

Happy Birthday to you. 

Happy Birthday to you. 

Happppeeey Burrrth-day dear An-gussssss. Happppeeeey Burrrthday Toooooo 

(wait for it, big finish here) Yoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! 

We love you buddy!

Angus Standridge Benefit BBQ Chicken Dinner

The GRITS gals are at it again. This was posted on Facebook yesterday and I just wanted to share it with everyone reading the Blogs.

ANGUS STANDRIDGE BENEFIT BBQ CHICKEN DINNER

April 6, 10:00am
First Realty of Dunnellon
20668 W.Pennsylvania Ave.
Dunnellon, FL 34430


"Angus Standridge is a 13 year old young man who was recently hospitalized, it became quickly clear to both Angus' physicians  and family that his heart was failing. Angus is recovering from his first surgery (Berlin pump) while he awaits his new heart. Angus is the son of our late beloved friend, Michelle Blauser Standridge. His parents, Craig and Jennifer Standridge have not left his side. Please help us add to their support by purchasing a Chicken Dinner on April 6, 2013 at First Realty of Dunnellon, 10:00 to "when we sell out." Tickets are $10.00 each. If you would like to preorder tickets (so we may get an appropriate head count), please send your payment to Ms. Elaine Blauser Hobbs, 20962 second Ave, Dunnellon, Fl 34431. Also tickets will be sold by Paulette szydlo, Rebecca Duley Gibbs, Andy Stancil, Jessica Markham Shaffer, Valerie Hanchar, Lisa Hamm, and Tiffany Cannon."



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Photo Gallery Updated..... Also, last night this blog went over 10,000 views!

Thank you Nikki & family!

Thank you Nikki & family for you support, prayers and visit. We both appreciate you coming by and talking with us. Your children are adorable! I just want to squeeze all of them with big hugs. : )
He is having trouble coping, but it is still early. I think once his chest tubes are removed and he is in less pain it will be easier for him.

He had a good night...

He had a good night; asked for food and teeth brushed this morning. Will sit in a chair again today.

Update Friday Night

Angus sat in a chair for 45 minutes, against his wishes, but made it through the pain and suffering with some distractions. Doctors say about 2 more days and all the chest tubes may be removed.
He slept most of the afternoon... Worn out!
Thank you every one for your meals, support, prayers and just plain family & friendship!
This was written by Craig not Jennifer...lol. Not!

Update Friday Morning

I am updating on what I know from the evening. Angus is waking up slowly and becoming more aware. He has a multitude of different feelings. Craig had to be a little blunt with him in order for him to cooperate. We have to be tough to get results, so he texted me and asked me to come get him and take him home. No more texts after he did not get the answer he wanted. He did eat 1/4 of a cheeseburger and a sprite. He sat up on the edge of the bed twice and got a new mattress to help his sore bootie : ) We expect him to go through some depression. Please send him an email. He will read them eventually. Thank you for the continued Prayers and support. ~ Jennifer

The kids were able see Angus

Just a post to let all of you know that Savanna, Flynt, & Seth saw Angus yesterday. They were able to talk to him, touch him and see his Berlin pump. They went home more relieved that he is Ok.

Email address and pop tops

Please save your pop tops for Ronald McDonald house. It helps them raise money. Send them in with whomever, just get them here please. : )

Angus has an email address. Please feel free to send him an email with the understanding it may be awhile for a response.
Angus.standridge@hotmail.com

Thank you sooo much for donating to his lap top. I am grateful for all of you! He is going to be shocked! What a great birthday gift. - Jennifer.

Thank You Page

Added the Thank You page to list the names of all of the folks who donated and included the well wishes they added in the comments section from their PayPal transaction. Please click the tab at the top of this blog that says "Thank You" to open that page.

Angus' Laptop has been ordered!

Because of the generosity of you all, family and friends, the laptop computer for Angus has been ordered! We were even able to add Microsoft Office 365, Accidental Damage Protection, and a Screen Protector to the order. Angus will need the Microsoft Office for school, so that was wonderful. The Accidental Damage Protection will be very useful, since it covers the laptop for any and all accidental damage, theft, etc. The screen protector will help protect the LCD screen from scratches and such that may occur as a result of the current situation in the hospital as well as when Angus is able to go home.

Any further donations as well as the remainder of the current donations will be used in bridging the gap that will likely exist in what Health Insurance does not cover, as well as other expenses that the family may incur that are directly related to Angus' illness. 

Craig, Jennifer, Angus, and their family want to thank you all so much for all you have done, are doing, and will do. Jennifer asked me to tell you all that words can't possibly convey their gratitude.

I got the biggest hug finally - Jennifer

Angus slept the majority of the night, In between necessary nurse interactions. He is his normal sweet & polite self. I got the biggest hug finally. I also told him that everyone wants to be here, but the doctors are being safe so he won't get sicker and he understood. He is able to eat whatever he wishes, but he has a fluid restriction. Guess we went a little crazy on tea : ) believe it or not... My little bacon lover said nothing greasy! Go figure. Please continue to pray.

Sorry for the typo!

Holy cow.. Did not mean to put anus! Gees... Lucy's would be proud. (Lucus down the street has trouble pronouncing his name and that is what he calls him)

Guess what... This ap lets you edit. : ) sorry you missed it

Updates on your Smart Phone

Download "Google Reader" (free) for your Android phone or Apple iPhone and it let's you put a Widget on your phone desktop to Angus' blog with live updates. Its available on GooglePlay Store for Android and  on iPhone from the Apple Store.

Cards, Food, or Gifts at the Hospital

Just a quick note to family, friends, and loved ones who visit the hospital and bring food, cards, or gifts. If you bring food, please make sure to label it with a sharpie permanent marker or otherwise non-removable markings. If you bring a card or gift, please make sure to put it directly into the hands of Craig or Jennifer. If Craig and Jennifer are not there, please find whichever responsible family member is present at that time and get it directly into their hands. Do not leave cards or gifts in the waiting area, the Ronald McDonald House area, or any other public accessible area. It's unfortunate to have to say this but some things that were brought in never made it to the family.

Many Thanks

Angus is sitting up in bed drinking tea and watching Star Wars. I read him a few of the cards that were sent and he is very appreciative. He misses all his friends at school and believe it or not would like to be there with you rather than here, ok playing video games.
: )

Soon he will have an opportunity to text and email since he is unable to have visitors. When he is stronger and in less pain, so they can sit him up more. We really want him to have contact with his friends so they can lift his spirits.

Words cannot express how grateful we are for everyone that is praying, thinking of us, feeding us, donating, helping with Savanna, Flynt and Seth and just plain being there for moral support, As well as many, many other things...

Just spoke to a sweet lady here. Her baby is here...please pray they go home. They have been here 6 months. She needs to get home to her 2 year old in Georgia.

Update

Angus has gotten his breathing tube out. He got a spa treatment, including hair washing, dressing change and his nurse tuckered him out. He still unable to talk, weak vocal cords. He Is constantly asking for water and has told Beverly, "Jen is capable of taking care of me at home." Lol, I wish that we're true and he could come home with us, I said, "Are you sure you want me to bother you about homework and video games." He just smiled.

Update: Wednesday Afternoon.

Angus slept the majority of the night, In between necessary nurse interactions. He is his normal sweet & polite self. I got the biggest hug finally. I also told him that everyone wants to be here, but the doctors are being safe so he won't get sicker and he understood.
He is able to eat whatever he wishes, but he has a fluid restriction. Guess we went a little crazy on tea : ) believe it or not... My little bacon lover said nothing greesy! Go figure. Please continue to pray.

Overwhelmed with your Kindness!

Craig and Jennifer wanted to let you all know that they are absolutely overwhelmed with all of your kindness, phone calls, emails, and prayers. You all have helped to provide comfort and strength through a very difficult ordeal. The level of personal and spiritual support for Angus and the family really shows what wonderful people you all are.

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." ~ Proust 

Update Wednesday Morning

Angus is getting his breathing tube removed!!!
We are jumping with joy over the progress.

How to Post Comments to this Blog.

People reported having trouble posting comments to the blog posts. The blog was setup to require a login to Google accounts by each person in order to prevent anyone who was just cruising the web for open blogs to make ugly comments on from doing so. But we understand that not everyone uses Google accounts. We just made a change so that anyone at all can make a comment to the blog without any kind of account needed. The only difference is now, when you make your comment, it is sent to one of us for approval before it is posted. We just make sure it's not some random person and click accept and tada, it posts. So please understand your comment may not show immediately. Here are some quick and easy instructions to show you how to comment.

Berlin Heart Information

Interesting Links on the Berlin Heart, the device that is being used to help Angus.

Great article on "Ventricular Assist Devices for Children".

The FDA Approval page for the "Berlin Heart EXCOR® Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)".

Update Tuesday Night

Angus looks so much better after his Berlin heart was placed. He is making continued progress. Please continue to pray. We need a heart transplant and him to get off the ventilator support. He is nodding appropriately and asking questions about the device. (Pointing at it and such). We are hoping that the tube in his mouth will be removed tomorrow.

Donations - Anonymous or Otherwise.

The Standridge Family would like to thank all of the friends and family who have made donations by name, but they also understand if some wish to remain anonymous. If you make a donation and wish to remain anonymous, please put a quick note in the comments section on the PayPal payment page such as "Remain Anonymous". We will simply list "Anonymous Donor #1", "Anonymous Donor #2", etc, in the Thank You messages. Since I did not think of this ahead of time... If you have already made donations and wish for it to remain anonymous, please shoot a quick email to blog4angus@gmail.com and just let Craig W know you want your donation to remain anonymous. We will wait to post the thank you messages until tomorrow night to give time for those folks to put in those requests. No donation amounts will ever be posted to this blog (pennies are just as important as dollars).

Donations

Angus has a long road ahead of him as far as recovery time. Likely months and months will go by and he's been an active young man in the past so this will not be easy for him. As some of you know, Angus is a Gamer. Meaning, he absolutely loves PC and console gaming. What we're planning to help him fill some of this time and also keep him entertained and educated, is to get him a really nice Laptop. PC Gaming is pretty demanding as far as hardware goes and it takes a fairly powerful laptop to run any of today's games. So to meet those demands as well as take into account portability and longevity, Angus's uncle Craig W has selected an Alienware M14x Laptop with a few upgrade options. This laptop is highly recognized as one of the best gaming laptops available. The M14x has got a slightly smaller screen and is more portable than the 17 inch version. The 17 inch version is a whole lot larger in size, weight, and power consumption. This laptop costs $1900.00 plus shipping (amount updated). For anyone that is interested in contributing, please see the button on the upper right section of this blog. If you click that button, you can make a donation toward this goal. You can donate via PayPal account, or if you don't have a PayPal account you can donate via Credit/Debit card. Anything donated over the amount of the cost of the laptop will be used to bridge the gap that will likely exist in what Health Insurance does not cover as well as other expenses that the family may incur that are directly related to Angus' illness. Note please that the Paypal reciept email will not have Angus's name on it because you have to be 18 years of age. It will have Angus's uncle Craig W's name as the recipient.

M14x Laptop, customized with an Alien Nameplate bearing Angus's name, and an Alienware Tactical Backpack.

Standridge Family Meal Help

For anyone that wants to help out by providing a prepared meal to the Standridge Family so that they can focus on attending to Angus. Tricia Horton has created a meal planner/calendar on FoodTidings.com to help coordinate this effort. Click Here to access that calendar. The link will also be permanently available in the menu bar to the right of this blog under "Help with Standridge Family Meals".

It looks like this...



Angus is out of Surgery :)

 All, 4 tubes of the Berlin are placed into the heart and Angus is off heart bypass. He has done very well through the surgery. His color is coming back and he is back in his room in the ICU. Your prayers are reaching him and he and his family thank you for your continued support and kindness.

Update: Surgery Scheduled for Midnight.

Updated info. The Surgeon says they are now going to perform the surgery to connect the Berlin Heart at Midnight EST.

Update: Monday Night.

 Thank you for all so much for all your of your posts, emails, blessings, and prayers. Angus is very sick and his heart is failing. This is not due to strep (Streptococcal pharyngitis) as was initially suspected. It has apparently been going on for a while. Angus will be having heart surgery tomorrow at Shands Hospital in Gainesville to attach a heart pump called a Berlin Heart. The Berlin Heart is a "Ventricular Assist Device" (VAD). It supports the work of your heart and helps to ensure blood is able to be pumped around the body effectively. This will pump blood through Angus' heart and body and keep his organs healthy until he receives a heart transplant. After the surgery to connect the VAD he will be awake, alert, able to play on the laptop, and talk but confined to the hospital until he is feeling better. Please continue to pray for Angus.

Blog4Angus Created for Easily Accessible Updates...

This blog was created as a centralized place for everyone to get updates on Angus' status rather than Facebook or other social media. Sometimes updates on Facebook do not show correctly or at all and people were missing them. Stay tuned here for updates.