Synopsis to Getting a New Heart

First of all, this is never how I though my 18-year-old daughter's senior year would be ending. Ebonie has always been such an outgoing, athletic child. She is a fighter, she doesn't put up with anything, she is a protector of her friends and teammates. She moms everyone making sure they are taken care of and would give the shirt off her back, or in her case the mouth guard out of her mouth if that's what someone needs. 

I thought maybe being able to type out feelings (we all know how great I am with those), updates, and keeping a daily journal would help Ebonie when she wakes up and is in a better place to understand everything that has happened. 

So... here we go with what got us to the point of Ebonie getting a new heart and a new chance to fight for her life!

03.07.2023 - The beginning of the journey I never thought we would be on; Ebonie woke up like she does every morning, got ready for school, came in to tell me she was leaving and remind me it was the first day of track season which started her day off more excited than ever! That afternoon would change our lives forever. Toward the end of track practice, Ebonie told her coach she wasn't feeling well and needed to go into the trainers. E called me and let me know Ebonie was nauseous and looking a little pale and suggested I pick her up today instead of letting her drive home. I talked to Ebonie and told her I was on my way; she said she felt like she was going to be sick, and her arm hurt. I thought she was just tired and overheated since she dressed for cool weather but always works hard in practice. A few minutes later THE CALL came; E said the squad was on their way and Ebonie was unconscious.  Later I would learn that A started compressions and E got the deliberator and got help. Ebonie was shocked several times and received lifesaving CPR. (Ya'll learn CPR, it saves lives!) Ebonie was rushed to Dayton Children's Hospital while sitting on the hall floor watching a Lucas Device (LUCAS - Chest Compression System (lucas-cpr.com)) continuing compressions that Ebonie had a pulse. As Dayton Children's Hospital started running tests to understand what was happening to Ebonie the support started pouring in. Everyone from coaches, the athletic director, principal, superintendent, family and friends all fille the waiting room and help to make sure everything was taken care of, even our dog. My mom and E stayed with me overnight while we waited for answers.