Lydia's Liver Story

A Celebration of Gratitude!

Lydia turned two years old today.  As we celebrate the first two years of her life, we have much to reflect on and much to be grateful for. We wish to thank all of the family members, friends and strangers who have eased our burdens through your prayers of faith, selfless service and generous contributions in behalf of Lydia and our family.

As Lydia's liver disease worsened, our hearts were touched and our burdens lightened many times by the "angels" who prayed for and helped our family. Countless family members, friends, neighbors, and people we don't know reached out to support and strenghten our family, and many continue to do so.  We know that many, many prayers of faith have been offered for Lydia and our family.  We have felt these prayers sustaining and strenthening us through the grace of God during these difficult times.  Thank you for your prayers!! 

Many family members and ward members have helped us over and over again and continue to help us.   We have felt comforted knowing our children were in good hands with the loving people who tended them while we took Lydia to the hospital.  We have enjoyed many delicious meals that were prepared for us.  We have recieved much help working on our house that we bought with the intentions to fix up before Lydia was born. Thank you for your long hours of selfless service!!

At Christmas time last year, we recieved many anonymous gifts and donations of money. We were also told at Christmas time that a fund had been set up in Lydia's name at Zion's bank.  We were also invited to have Lydia be part of the amazing "Serve to Save" dinner put on by Vallley Elementary's 6th grade. The money that was so generously contributed to Lydia was a tremendous blessing to our family!  Not only did they help greatly with Lydia's extensive hospital bills, but they lifted our spirits as we felt the love and concern of countless people.

Now, at two years old and six months post-transplant, Lydia is doing great!  Despite her serious complications and extended hospital stay from her transplant, she has not been sick or had to be hospitalized since she was released from her transplant. Her blood draws and doctor appointments are getting farther and farther apart as her liver numbers get more normal. She is progressing well in her physical and speech development which was delayed from all of her sicknesses.  Yesterday I saw her take a few steps for the first time.  Yeah!  We feel very blessed and very grateful to be at this point of hope for Lydia. We know that our loving Heavenly Father saw our needs and sent us "angels" to ease our burdens during this trying time. You helped us immensely and our gratitude for you is overflowing. We wish to thank you dear angels from the bottom of our hearts!!!

With love,

Brian and Janene Christiansen