The second anniversary of Emma becoming an angel just passed on November 1, 2009. Needless to say, our family is still grieving the loss of our precious daughter and sister. Mason (4), Emma's twin brother, and Hannah (3), their baby sister, are doing quite well. However, as a parent it is heartbreaking to watch them grieve, try to understand what happened, and to watch them grow-up without her. We are committed and feel very passionate about this cause. Blood donors like yourself made it possible for us to have a little bit longer with Emma than we may have had otherwise.
Please read the details below, find us and join our group on FaceBook (Emma Pritchard Memorial Blood Drive), schedule an appointment to donate, pass along the information to ANYONE that you know who may be able to donate...just DO SOMETHING to help...Donate for Emma.
Please note that we are holding the blood drive in conjunction with FUMC/Friends in Christ Preschool's Breakfast with Santa. We (the blood drive) will be handing out raffle tickets to those who donate/attempt to donate for prizes to be drawn after the blood drive to places such as Toys R Us, Stonebriar Mall, gifts from LDesigns, Green Peridot Salon, and many more.. We hope you can join us!
Many blessings and thanks,
Monique & J.C. Pritchard Mason & Hannah Pritchard
The Pritchard's Story:
When our 2-1/2 yo twin daughter, Emma, fell ill to pneumonia, it hit her hard and fast. Finding ourselves living out every parent's nightmare, we were told that she had a 50% (at best) chance of survival and that her only chance was to be placed on ECMO (life support). ECMO is wonderful, giving many the time/chance for their bodies to totally rest and heal, as it works as the patient's heart and lungs.
ECMO is a VERY serious treatment and requires a tremendous amount of blood and blood components. Emma was on ECMO for 4-1/2 weeks, but did not survive. When it became apparent that there was NO chance of recovery, we had to make the unthinkable call - to remove her from life support. I held her as she passed away in my arms. Devastating, even more so because nothing was wrong with her except the one thing that could not be repaired-her lungs. They had been destroyed by both bacterial/viral pneumonia.
Very rare, "bad luck" the docs said...NOT what you want to hear. However, we as her parents knew just how fortunate we were to have that extra time with Emma. That time would not have been possible had it not been for the amazing generosity of blood donors - people like you, people like me. Blood donation is now the main cause that I support.
This year our Memorial Blood Drive will be Saturday, December 5. It will be located at Friends in Christ Preschool/FUMC on Preston Rd. PLEASE plan to join us and donate! We can not change what happened, but we can continue to say "Thank You" to society and to try to help in the event that the unthinkable happens to you. God Bless.
3rd Annual Emma Pritchard Memorial Blood Drive
Friends in Christ Preschool's annual Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 5, 2009 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
First United Methodist Church 7659 Preston Rd., Frisco, TX
Please Contact: Monique Pritchard at 469-261-4591 FOR INFO
Sign up online: www.carterbloodcare.org
Click Donate Blood, At Mobile Blood Drive enter zip 75034 & sponsor number SPON043232
Jim Van Brunt (One of our Favorite FFSC Board Members!) & Haylee (Note Burke & Tiffany Schroer in the background... looks like they're working hard while Jim & I pose for this photo... oops :))
