Team Travis: His Final Gift

Monday, February 21, 2011

His Final Gift

Tomorrow we will know exactly where Travis' final gift went tonight. We were at the hospital once more this evening to kiss our sweet boy one more time. Please continue to pray that his kidneys reach the recipient and that the recipient will be able to live on.

8 comments:

GildaFebruary 21, 2011 at 6:14 AM
So sorry to hear of your loss, praying for your family during this time that god will give you strength. And your angel's gift lives on.
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Wodzisz FamilyFebruary 21, 2011 at 6:38 AM
What an amazingly beautiful gift. You are wonderful parents and I am humbled by your generosity.
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AnonymousFebruary 21, 2011 at 6:59 AM
Travis, you are a true angel! Your Parents are amazing. I have followed your incredible life through a friends FB page, and through your own. My heart is broken. I am a mother of a boy who was born with congenitally diseased kidneys. From the time I was 5 months pregnant, a renal transplant was always a possibility. Like your parents, I have had days and nights of not sleeping, eating or functioning. The worring and fears consumed my life for many years. Fortunatley for him, surgery has been able to spare the remaining kidney function he has, and he is doing just fine. The gift you have given is the most selfless act. Travis you will live on the the life of another child who has suffered until now. I wish that I could put my arms around you and your parents. You have touched my life, and one day I hope to meet you in Heaven.
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JanetFebruary 21, 2011 at 5:28 PM
I have just read through your blog and realized that Travis was just too special to do the work God wanted him to do here. He is an angel...a tough angel. May God keep you close and comfort you as you travel this journey. What an amazing gift you are sharing with others. Sending lots of thoughts and prayers, love and hugs.
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Rooted.February 22, 2011 at 10:31 AM
My heart is breaking for you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss.

I must also say that Travis gift is a true miracle. As a daughter with kidney issues that could one day lead to a transplant, reading this makes me smile.
You are a wonderful mama and Travis, a true angel <3
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AnonymousFebruary 23, 2011 at 6:34 PM
I am so sorry for your unimaginable loss. You showed such amazing grace and strength in making the difficult decision to be separated from your son so his organs could be taken for donation. It is such a selfless act and I do hope that you find some comfort knowing that part of him lives on to help others. My prayers are with you as you navigate this very difficult time.
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The818February 24, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Oh Nicole....I am so so so sorry to hear that Travis has become an angel. And to know that he may have given life to someone else in the process is just...there are no words. I'm crying right now, feeling the loss of your sweet boy in my own small way too...as I'm sure are many he touched, because you were so generous to share his story with us. You guys are incredible - you have all my love and thoughts.

Wishing you peace. -Morgan
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AnonymousFebruary 24, 2011 at 11:50 AM
i dont know what to say right now, but i feel i need to say something. i dont know you, but i just want to say thank you. thank you for letting travis save another childs life in the midst of such a heartbreaking time in your lives. you two are amazing. i am a mother of a little girl who received a new heart when she was 6 months old. all i can say is wow, and your courage and strength is truly humbling ang inspiring. love and prayers always
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Travis Gary DiCarlo

Travis Gary DiCarlo, first son of Roger and Nicole DiCarlo, was born at San Diego Kaiser Hospital, October 23, 2009 with a Congenital Heart Defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, or HLHS. The short explanation is that Travis was born with only half of a heart. In order for him to live, a series of three operations were planned.

Due to an infection, Travis had to have an additional open heart surgery to insert pulmonary artery bands on October 29, 2009. He had his Norwood Surgery on November 21, 2009. He was sent home on December 14, 2009 from Rady's Children Hospital of San Diego after spending his first 52 nights of life in the hospital.

After being home for several months, Travis was due to for his next surgery in the plan, the Glenn procedure. But the life of a cardiac kid can change in an instant and life doesn't always go as planned. Due to the anatomy of his heart and some rhythm issues, Travis had what the surgeons called Norwood part 2. They replaced his Sano Shunt with a bigger one, enlarged his pulmonary arteries and installed a pacemaker. This surgery was performed on May 3, 2010. Travis went home on May 17th, 2010.

Around Travis' first birthday in October his cardiologist detected some narrowing in his pulmonary artery and ordered a heart cath. The heart cath showed extensive narrowing in his aorta and his pulmonary artery. On February 17, 2011 Travis had his 4th open heart surgery. He was doing well with recovery until he suddenly went into cardiac arrest on Friday (2/18). After two hours of CPR Travis was placed on ECMO (a heart/lung bypass). Although his heart did begin to beat again on its own, his brain was damaged during the whole ordeal and he lost all brain function. We had to say goodbye to our beautiful boy on Saturday, February 19th. We miss our boy terribly.....