In Birmingham

Tim, Emily's Dad has called to say that the plane landed and that she is now at UAB and in a room in the most acute intensive care unit aka "Emily's home away from home" :-). She had one episode in Lubbock as they were loading her up but it sounds like the rest of the transport went smoothly. UAB sent their own transport team and transport plane, came in their special 'jumpsuits' looking very professional and competent but I can only imagine the gut wrenching feelings going through the family members that were watching her go.

If you know Emily personally, you know the profound impact that she has on people and I believe both hospitals have come to love and care for her deeply. Tim asked one of the doctors in Lubbock this morning as they were discussing the possible transport: "If this was your daughter, what would you do" and after thinking for a minute responded with "I would transport her to Birmingham." The concern is that since she has been in the hospital for 2 weeks now, the risk of secondary infections increases and if something else were to set in, it is best for her to be at UAB where they are used to treating a myriad of things for transplant patients.

My hope too is that Emily will relax at UAB more because it is familiar with her. She has been there so much that she knows the doctors and nurses and they know her. She also knows many of the patients that come in and out and there is this amazing sense of community there because of all that they have been through together. I know that there is a sense of trust that Emily feels by being there that she has not felt before with other doctors and hospitals. I'm praying God uses this in her favor.

THANK YOU for praying tonight! I know the family appreciates it as do I. God is so faithful and it encouraged me tonight to see each time slot covered and to know my very best friend was being prayed for by so many other friends.

A couple of other updates:
* I think the ultrasounds of the liver, kidneys, and gall bladder to not show any significant findings
* The biopsy of the lungs did not grow anything
* They know for sure she has the flu but have still not confirmed about the swine flu
* Faith is sleeping and eating well and after Jason explained to her about what was happening today, she said "Ok" and he left without a major crying episode.
* Please lift up the family in Lubbock tonight who are now so far away from her. God knows no boundaries but the physical boundaries of this earth are sure frustrating at times like this.
* Jason cannot stay with her in this section of the ICU so pray for rest and good sleep for both of them.

Emily, we love you and miss you and cannot wait for you to get better. Don't give up fighting. We are all pulling for you. God, protect her and be with her tonight as only you can.

~Emily T