Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Our rough Thanksgiving BUT still thankful...

On Thursday morning our 17 year old niece Danika Tibayan had an asthma attack that escalated to her passing out and flatlining twice.

She apparently was without oxygen for 30 minutes, she collapsed at home without a heart beat, and her mother (my sister-in-law) began CPR as medics arrived. Medics took over administering CPR and resuscitated her. They tried to get oxygen to her brain but because of her lungs collapsing it was impossible. Once in the ER she flat lined again and they resuscitated her for the second time.

They performed a cryotherapy technique called:

            Therapeutic hypothermia: This type of therapy is used for an unconscious patient who has                 
            spontaneous circulation after suffering an out of hospital heart attack. In the hospital, the     
            patient is cooled to 32°C to 34°C for 12 to 24 hours in hopes to minimize damage to brain   
           tissue and improve functional recovery. ( Healthline)

She is currently off the therapeutic machine and she is sustaining her normal body temperature. Now, we are just waiting for the seizures to stop (with meds) so they can slowly take her out of the induced coma.

We are constantly in prayer over this girl. We love her so much!  This is my letter to her...

Danky,
I know you like all the attention but this is a too much! :) We love you so much and are eager to hear more good news of your prognosis. The kids are asking for you and Rock was gonna cry because he wanted to know if you were ok. We miss you Danky and we want you to just wake up, laugh with us and be silly with us like you always are. The nurse put your hair up in a bun the other day and I was reminded of how you always put your hair up at your house when the family is hanging out, AND it reminds me of your funky dance you do when you get excited.

So I'm thinking of the things I want to buy you when you wake up---Is this why you did this, so we can all pamper you?! Oooh...you're funky Danky :D  I definitely have to buy you some yummy cupcakes from Sprinkles, your fav!

Key and Story have been pretending to be cheerleaders-- is this your doing? After seeing your sweet friends, how much they love you, and the support they've been to you, I wouldn't mind Key-Key and Storky being little cheerleaders. 

Danky, your Tito and I love you and thank God for your life and how you love the family. I read the essay you wrote to USC and it was encouraging. Yes, rebellion can be silly and immature and I'm so thankful you realized it and want to continue to grow in maturity. Please know your Tito and I are always here for you and want what's best for you in Christ Jesus. We want to be faithful to the Lord and be arrows that point to Christ, not to us, and because of that, maybe we can seem like we aren't on your side, but we are, and I know you know it :) 

You are a strong little one! Your body is taking a pounding and you just refuse to fold and throw in your cards! You're a fighter and I'm so thankful for your endurance. Your parents are so strong and I see where you get it from! They love you so much...Your dad keeps telling us stories of you and your mom has not left your side! They are both relying heavily on the Lord and just in constant prayer. They are so encouraging. 

Wake up soon--take your time though, do it slowly but keep resting physically and spiritually on the Lord. He is right there with you, never leaving your side. 

Love you Danky,
Tita Frances


 
 Our tradition for Danika for her birthday... ZPizza, Sprinkles and going to the beach.
 
 
 
I have more recent pictures but they're in our hard drive. I'll have to upload more later.

Thank you for all the prayers! The Tibayan family is so encouraged by everyone's love and constant prayers. Words can not express our gratitude. Dennis, Nina, and Niko are encouraged by your love. Please continue to pray.



16 comments:

  1. Frances! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this blog. My son has asthma since he was 1 year old and he has been seeing a Neuro for what I thought were seizures. It turns out they may be tics or some movement disorder that he'll hopefully grow out of. In any case, I feel the deep longing and am desperate for the Lord's healing over Danika. I pray that Christ's perfect power may rest on her body. Thanks for sharing, I am in heartache with you! Love - Hannah Nguyen

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    1. Hannah that you so much for the hugs, love and prayers. God is still good and kind... He is reminding us to cling to him.

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  2. Beautiful letter. <3 Brought me to tears. Praying for you guys and Danika.

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    1. Thank you so much Linda! We need the prayers. Specifically Kuya Dennis, Ate Nina and Niko as they proceed in the long road ahead. God is still good and kind in what he is doing.

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  3. I came across a "Like" page from Facebook and ran into this page. My heart reaches out to you guys. And my thoughts and prayers are with Danika and your family.

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    1. Thank for your prayers and love towards our family. We are heart broken but still clinging to Christ Jesus. Much love, Frances Tibayan

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  4. I loved the letter. Titas are the best! We must have faith and just keep relying on the Lord to make it all better. I hope for the best for her! She's a great person and has such talent and spunk :3

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    1. I'm glad you personally met Danika and her spunk :) Your love and concern has been felt. Thank you again for remembering Danika with us, she will truly be missed. Much love, Frances Tibayan

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  5. Thank You for sharing this blog. It was so beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. My boys and a few drinks know Danika. I will continue to pray for u, Danika and the family and what lies ahead for u guys. Keep trusting in the Lord in this whole situation including what to do next.
    Deanna Saenz

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    1. Thank you Deanna for your love and concern for the Tibayan family. The family is devastated but still clinging to Christ Jesus for strength--He is our only hope. Much Love,The Tibayans

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  6. I am so very sorry for what is going on. My heart and prayers go out to you guys and I'll be sure to spread to word to Pray For Danika. I am also a 16 year old girl with asthma and to see this happen is very heart breaking. She seems like a sweet wonderful girl. She'll pull through. Again, my heart and prayers go out to you.

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    1. Thank you for your prayers. The family is devastated of her passing but still clinging to Christ Jesus. Take care of yourself, be careful and watchful of your asthma.

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  7. Oh my goodness, poor beautiful Danika. My deepest condolences to her Mama, family and Friends. This is so heart breaking to hear. What a beautiful letter and pictures of her....So sad.

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    1. Thank you for your love and support. Her Mama and Dad are clinging to Christ Jesus, "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" 2Cor 6:10

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  8. This blog has encouraged me so much within this last week of reading all of the updates on Danika and her prognosis. I cheered at the same gym as Danika (WCA) except I was on the college team, but I TRULY adored her, and also noticed her 'cuz I think she was one of the only other Filipinas at the cheer gym! These past few days, I kept thinking to God, "I thought you would help her wake up so that You can be glorified with a MIRACLE" and I think He's been pointing out that her life IS a miracle and her passing is ALSO a miracle in bringing all of the thousands of people to learn of Christ's love and to see the example her parents are leading!!! The way her mom praised God for blessing them with her for seventeen years is also God's strength, and sooo beautiful! Praying for the Tibayan Family with lots of LOVE... Until we meet "WeiWei" "Danky" again<3 -Melissa

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    1. Thank you for your love and support Melissa. I too wanted to see a miracle, but realized God is still working and making miracles.

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