)">
Our son Max was welcomed into this world on September 1st, 2009. Our baby Max was born a perfectly happy, healthy and active baby. Ten days later on September 11th our lives were changed forever. Max was airlifted to Children’s Healthcare in Atlanta where it was discovered that his heart was failing him. After three days of grueling tests the doctors discovered that Max had caught a virus and the virus had attacked his heart. We were told that our sweet baby Max would have to undergo a heart transplant in order to survive.
Max had his first surgery when he was three weeks old. The surgeons inserted the Berlin Heart (a mechanical pump) into his tiny body. Max was the third baby to receive this ventricular assist device at Children’s and had been on it longer than the other two babies. Without this device, our sweet baby Max would not have been able to survive while waiting to receive his new heart. Great news—on November 8th, Max received his transplant! We were so excited that we could finally bring our baby home with us.
Max came home to us on February 9th. There were some complications following his heart transplant, therefore he came home with a trach and ventilator, with that came a load of medical equipment and supplies!!
We need your continued help. The ongoing medical bills are extensive not to mention the co-pays for doctors visits, of which there are many. We are also responsible for medication copays, of which Max takes 15 on a daily basis.
To help offset the uninsured expenses for baby Max, a fundraising campaign has been established with HelpHOPELive. HelpHOPELive is a non-profit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for over thirty years. All contributions are administered by HelpHOPELive. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Any help you can provide is sooo gratefully appreciated.
Our little man has become an inspiration to many. He has fought through so much and continues to keep on fighting. We need your help. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer or have an idea for a fundraiser. We thank you for your prayers, support and generosity.
Sincerely,
Erin, Rick, and big sister Emma and little brother Cooper
404-775-5696 or [email protected]
Updates (14)
June 24, 2011
It's been a long time!
It has been a long time since we have updated Max's page! This past year has been a very busy year for us. Max has officially been off of the vent for an entire year! He still has the trach but we are hoping that maybe in the next 6 months they will be able to pull it. Max continues to have many doctors appointments, he sees multiple specialists that include, cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, and urology, along with multiple visits to his pediatrician anytime he shows signs of being sick. He has weekly therapy visits both physical and speech and he has been working VERY hard, while Max cannot walk or talk yet he has learned a few words and has learned to scoot on his bottom, these are both things that the doctors never expected him to do because of the brain damage from the strokes, he continues to amaze his doctors!!
Max became a big brother on 11/29/10 and it has made our family feel very complete, watching him with his baby brother is amazing!
We recently had a scare with Max he spent the end of April and most of the month May in the hospital, he was diagnosed with interstirial pneumonia, which for him can be very dangerous since his immune system is compromised with all of the medicines he takes to prevent rejection. Thankfully Max pulled thru and has been doing great since he came home, he continues makes us smile and laugh and remind us just how blessed we are to have him here with us
http://http://
February 16, 2010
Back Home Again!:>)
Today, being February 16th, we are heading out to Children's to bring Max back home with us!!:>)
It was a short stay and hopefully his last for quite some time!
We have yet to receive the equipment necessary to travel with Max so it should be an interesting trip out of the hospital and home in the car for the first time!LOL
Erin, Rick, Emma, and Max
January 30, 2010
Light at the end of the tunnel!!!!!
We are thrilled to report, Max is sooooo close to coming home!!!!!!
A discharge date of February 9th was given, we may not meet this date but it will be close!!!!!! Max is in the process of being weaned off of two narcotics. He is scheduled to be free of one on February 8th, they will then begin the wean off of the second. Once they know he can tolerate that process, he can come home to us!!!!!!:>):>):>)
We are in the midst of care training, home equipment delivery, etc. A very busy process but also very exciting!!!!
Our next report.......Im confident will be from home!!!:>)
Love and thanks to all
Erin, Rick, Emma, and Max
February 25, 2010
Max's Homecoming on Channel 2 News
Because Max is the youngest patient to have been put on the Berlin heart, followed by a heart transplant, Channel 2 News, WSBTV, reported his story on December 24th. You can see that report with this link:
http://www.wsbtv.com/video/22056062/
They then followed up with a report when Max came home. This was aired on February 21st:
Baby With Heart Transplant Goes Home
http://www.wsbtv.com/video/22659174/inde...
Linda Stouffer reports.
With heartfelt thanks to all,
Erin, Rick, Emma, and Max
February 15, 2010
Visit back to Egleston!:)
Erin, Rick, Emma, and Max
January 11, 2010
Positive update!
4 months ago today, on September 11th, Max entered Children's Hospital. What a journey it has been. We are happy to report we have begun the beginning of the end!! Today, January 11th, Max is moving to stepdown!!!!!!! In this unit, I will reside with Max, Rick will join us after work, so that we can learn all we need to know for his daily care!! When we have learned all there is to know, and am comfortable with it, we will then BRING MAX HOME!!!!!:>):>)
Of course, as our life goes, there has to be conflicts!!haha Our sweet Emma turns 5 tomorrow, not a good time for Mama to be away from home:):>)
With many thanks to all,
Erin, Rick, Emma, and Max :>)
January 5, 2010
Update 1/5/2010
We cannot believe that we are into a New Year and our sweet baby Max is still residing at Children's!!! He is now 4 months old!!!
Max has been struggling with what they call death spells since he had his trach change on 12/29. This was a very trying and stressfull time. They had to put Max back on the paralytic so that he was as still as could be to prevent these episodes from happening.
It was discovered today that the trach tube needed to be adjusted to fit properly. We hope and pray now that we can MOVE ON!! There is a lot for us to learn before we can take Max home with us.
We are ready!!!!!:>)
Keep the prayers coming!!:>):>)
Erin, Rick, and big sister Emma
February 10, 2010
Max is HOME!!!!!!!!!!!:>):>):>)
We have waited SOOOOO long!!!!! After 5 LONG months we are SOOOOOOO very happy to report that Max is FINALLY at home with us!!!! We are soooo very grateful for all the love and support that has helped us get thru this trying time.
We thank each and evey one of you that have kept us going with your prayers and support, without you, our road would have been a tougher one to travel.
With much love,
Erin, Rick, Emma, and Max
December 22, 2009
Success/December 22nd
Max had succesful surgery today. He had a tracheostomy and a gastrostomy feeding tube inserted into his stomach.
It was wonderful to have him come back from surgery and we could see his beautiful face, tube free!!!!:>)
Providing no further complications, we expect that Max will come home to us within the next month!!!!!
Thank you once again for your continued support.
Erin, Rick, and big sister Emma
September 12, 2010
Max's 1st Birthday Celebration!:>)
What a day we had! Everything about it was perfect. Especially the fact that our miracle Max lit up the room!!! He was full of smiles and laughter! The room was filled with joy. To celebrate the fact that God brought our son thru this long hard journey....to have him survive and inspire each and every person he touched along the way....it was amazing! Thank you God!
With much love and thanks
Erin, Rick, Emma, and Max:>)
September 11, 2010
Max 1 Year Old!!
9/11, the one year anniversary of the day our son Max's heart failed him. Today we will celebrate Max's 1st birthday, which was 9/1, with family and close friends.
We will celebrate with joy that Max has fought sooo very hard and come sooo very far in his first year. He is machine free, with just a trach and g-tube. Our hope is that within the next two months he will be trach free.
We give many thanks to all that have prayed with us thru this past turmultuous year.
With Love,
Erin, Rick, Emma, and our Mighty Max:>)
March 24, 2010
7 Months
As we approach April 1st, when Max will turn 7 months old, we are still adjusting to life at home after 2 months.
The most wonderful feeling IS having our family whole again, AT HOME!!!!
What is difficult, is adjusting to what is a new and different normal. Daily medication preps, changing out of equipment parts, dealing with lack of equipment, having to change medication suppliers do to incompetence that could potentially be deadly for Max, road trips for appointments, an hour of preparation for those and the equipment we need to travel with. The fear we live with on a daily basis, what will the day bring for Max. Helping our 5 year old daughter adjust to life with Max, who requires so much of our time for care. With the help of prayer, we are making it!!
We give so much credit to families out there with children, it is a normal struggle on a daily basis to juggle life. There will always be a special place in our hearts for those, like us, whose normal will never be normal.
We thank God every day for our good health, our heatlhy daughter Emma, and for Max, that has survived his early life struggle. God has blessed us.
Erin, Rick, Emma, and Max :>)
December 18, 2009
Update 12/16/09
Max has continued to struggle with the process of being weaned off the respirator. Well, with good reason. It was discovered that the left side of his diaphragm is not functioning properly, not an uncommon occurance after heart surgery. Also, his airway, due the fact that he has had a respirator tube for three months, is not fully developed.
Max will undergo yet another surgery on Tuesday, December 22nd. He will have a Tracheostomy. This will allow him to come home!!!!!!:>):>) He needs time for his body to heal, this will give him the time he needs.
Once again, we thank you all for your continued prayers
that have gotten us thru this process.
Happy Holidays to all
Erin, Rick, and big sister Emma
December 10, 2009
Three months old
Our Mighty Max turned three months old on December 1st. It has been a month since he received his new heart. We wish we could report that he is home with us, but that is not the case. Max is still at Children's Hospital
A week and a half after his tranplant they started the process of weaning Max off of the respirator, it was not going well. He was not able to tolerate it. They started investigating as to the reason why. They discovered air in his stomach. The Dr's feared damage to his intestines. A week and a half after his heart transplant, Max went in for yet another surgery. What was discovered was a hole in his diaphragm. The Dr's repaired the hole and Max started the recovery process yet again, he had been thru so much in such a small time frame.
After this second surgery, Max contracted RSV, a respiratory virus. This was quite a setback.
Today, being December 9th, they are once again starting the process of weaning Max off of the respiratory. Today was a good day, it went very well. Max is looking sooo strong. We will see what tomorrow brings, everyday is something new!
We have no doubt that our Mighty Max is going to win this long battle. Our hope now is that Max will be home for the Christmas holiday, and we can once again be a family.
We thank you all for your continued prayers, we could not endured this process without them.
Erin, Rick, and big sister Emma
Photo Galleries (3)
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Guestbook
July 6, 2011
Mr.Max, you hang in there. You're a survivor. I think about you everyday.
Uncle B
September 15, 2010
I saw Max's 1st Birthday pics on wsbTV and I couldn't believe his smile!
God bless him!
M. Roman/Marietta, GA
April 16, 2010
Erin, you and your beautiful family are in my prayers.
Cathy Newton; Gardner, MA
March 24, 2010
Max you were looking strong the other night. Rick and Erin you and your family are in our prayers.
Bill aka PoPo
March 23, 2010
Mighty Max and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. He is truly a blessing.
AM Collins, San Antonio, TX
March 19, 2010
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong Mighty Max.
The Shenk family/ Longwood, Fl
February 25, 2010
Erin, what a story! Max is so strong and your family has been through so much. This little man is blessed to be home with a loving Mom and it must be so awesome not to have to travel to a hospital everyday to see him. Your little "Mighty Max" is in our prayers everyday. So glad to see what great progress he has made and hope to see more good news in your postings to come.
Jennifer Ide Cormier "Loving Friend" Maine
February 24, 2010
MrandMrs.Morris,
Im so sorry to hear about Max I teach Emma at LLL(Loganville Little Learners). I wish you all the best and the best of Health to you all.
Many Blessings, Alecia Hooks
February 10, 2010
From all the heart Moms and Dads in our group:
I know we don't know each other but all of us in the heart group can definitely relate. We each have a different story of our children's journey's but still the same basic concept. Congratulations on your trip home. I know the journey has been long and tough. Hang in there. He looks great. Can't wait for more updates as he settles in at home. We all are very proud for all of you. Keep up the good work.
Our thoughts and prayers will remain with you.
All our love,
Tonya and Jason Newman (Lily's parent's)
And all the other families in our heart group.
We will all continue to follow "Mighty Max" and your family throughout your journey.
Tonya Newman
January 12, 2010
Mighty Max, you are the most amazing little miracle in the world. It's funny that although you are only four months old, you have changed so many people for a life time (myself included). I cannot wait to hold and play with you and show you all about life.. just like a big cousin is suppose to do.
I LOVE YOU!
Oh and by the way.. you are already signed up to be my ring bearer and I don't even have the groom yet.. crazy cousin Kayla.. you'll learn that soon enough! HA-HA!
Big Cousin Kayla, Loganville, GA
January 8, 2010
We don't know you personally but my mom works with Peggy. We had our baby boy 2 weeks before you and you all have been in our thoughts and prayers. We hope he gets to come home soon.
Kim Aslinger, Snellville GA
January 8, 2010
Our family will be praying for Mighty Max and his family. My heart is so full of emotions after reading his story. I know GOD will do MIGHTY things through MAX. Amazed,
Ann Parham, Summit Baptist, Loganville and Gwinnett Co Gov't
January 7, 2010
Great story and I pray it comes out well. The pictures are very cute as well. I hope that you are able to hold and play with your son very soon. If anything will bring your faimly bonds closer, "Mighty Max" will do that for you. Please keep everyone at the county informed.
Matt Herrington, Gwinnett County Govt.
January 7, 2010
I love you my sweet little nephew. You are the greatest gift that God could have blessed our family with. You inspire all of us to greatness beyond our belief sometimes. We are hoping and praying that you will be home with us soon. Thanks to everyone for all of their prayers & support, it has given me a renewed faith in all of our family, friends and everyone we have met along this journey. Our prayers are with you Might Max!!! You are my hero!
Auntie Ra-Ra, Loganville, GA
January 7, 2010
Rick,
Not sure you are aware of the fact that my husband Wally had a liver transplant on Septmeber 1, 2007 - we have been reading about Mighty Max. You are in our prayers.
Harriet Wharton?Gwinnett County Government
January 7, 2010
I am praying for Mighty Max. What a precious baby! I am also praying for strength for the family, I know you need it.
Lisa Fower, Gwinnett County Govt.
January 6, 2010
I will be praying for you and your family. I saw this on a message board and it brings back so many memories for me. My son was born with a congenital heart defect, and although he did not require major surgery it was a very frightening experience for me. I have a special place in my heart for all those "little hearts" out there. Please keep updating and we will keep praying.
Melissa, SC
January 6, 2010
Might Max, you are an inspiration. Your story has touched my heary. I pray God heal your little body and give peace and comfort to your family. Your story really hit home as I have a 14 weeks old at home. I pray for you to get better and to be able to go home soon. God bless you and your fmaily. Stay stong Max! You're a real fighter!
Megan K
January 6, 2010
Rick, I had no idea about little Max until I read the County Line. Anyone that reads this will no doubt be thinking of you and praying for your beautiful little family and especially for Mighty Max. What a cutie! Be strong and pour as much love on that baby and your little girl as is possible! :)
Debbie Phan/Gwinnett County Government
January 6, 2010
Erin I hope max feels better i am still praying for him & your family you have been tru so much. bless your heart. i hope he gets to come home soon. love you wte mommy & baby kaylie
Renee / Murfreesboro tn
January 2, 2010
Erin, Rick and Emma and of course "Mighty Max", please hang in there and stay strong. Keep your faith as it will get you through. My name is Tonya Newman, my daughter Lily Nevaeh Newman was a patient at Children's at Egleston for just about the first year of her life. She was born with HLHS (basically a half a heart). She had many surgeries and we were on the transplant list but Lily lost her battle in April 2009. She was 8 1/2 months old. Mention our name there everyone knows us. It's kind of a weird famous. The nurses and dr.'s loved her very much. She had lots of personality. I spent all my time there and just got to know everyone very well as I'm sure you have. It's a great place. I know it's a lot to take in but Max has every chance in the world at being pretty normal. There is also another baby that we know that got a heart transplant back in May 2009 and he has had his 1st birthday and is doing fabulous. His name is Mason Ring, he is well known as well. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know. I know it's a lot to wrap your mind around but you can do it. You'll get used to the amounts of medicine it will become second nature. We were able to have Lily home for 3 months and you do get into a routine and it's a different kind of normal. It sounds like you are doing a great job. My prayers and thoughts will be with you. Keep your head up and enjoy little Max everyday.
Sincerely,
Tonya Newman
Tonya Newman-Fairburn, Ga
December 28, 2009
GOD bless Mighty Max! He is so cute! I know you all can't wait until he comes home, which I hope is real soon! love, hugs & kisses to you all!
chrissy, Loganville First United Methodist Church, Loganville GA.
December 27, 2009
God bless Max and your whole family. I have a 5 month old and a 3 year old and I don't know what I would do if one of them was that sick. God must have some big plans for Max!
Jennifer Worley
December 26, 2009
I was so touched by this entire family! Max, so strong, so alive!!! God continue to hold you in the palm of his hand. To Max's mother, God has diffently given you tremendous strength to stay so strong, you are a remarkable woman and mother. To Max's father, continue to be the rock your wife needs and the shoulder for your children. To little Emma, do not worry... baby Max know exactly who your are, he has not forgotten his big sis. You can see it in his face, the way he is looking at you in every picture. You will always be in my heart and prayers Morris family, I look forward to reading that Max has gotten to go home.. God Bless...
Tiffany Miller, McDonough, Georgia
December 26, 2009
Your baby boy is a beautiful gift from Heaven above and I know that God is holding him up through all of this, as well as all of you. We will be praying for all of you, but mostly for Baby Max, and that he gets to come home and begin his first New Years with his beloved family
Jeanne Coleman, Canton, Ga
December 25, 2009
I will hold you in my prayers, as God holds you in his hands.
Joan Stargel
December 25, 2009
We will pray for you and Mighty Max. We are sending a donation.
ComptonBerlyn 30134
December 25, 2009
GOD BLESS YOU !
JEWEL MORTON
December 25, 2009
Keep fighting Mighty Max. I know with God's help and the love of your family you will get through this. You have some of the best doctors in the world and your care is top notch A-one.
Your parents will always be there for you and with the love and prayers of so many friends known and unknown you will be well protected.
Linda Gail Smith/ Conley, GA
December 25, 2009
Dear Family and angel Max, I am so touched moved and inspired by Max's Courage of his Spirit and the love of his family. Max has a message for us all. God is indeed Good ! I will continue to follow his progress and give what I can. I don't know any of you personally but I love you and I send you my prayers.
Ayana Mishelle Hendricks, Georgia
December 24, 2009
I will pray for this beautiful little baby! God is in control, be strong and believe!
Charlene, Suches, Georgia
December 24, 2009
Hey MIGHTY MAX hang in there GOD bless you
Sunshine Angel Atlanta Ga
December 24, 2009
God Bless you all! Mighty Max, Big sister, Mom and Dad - all our prayers are with u all!! Merry Christmas - i know that Max is still in the hospital but soon he will be home! Max is a strong boy and will continue to get stronger every day!
Angel, Ga
December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas Max! May Jesus stay beside you and your mommy and daddy and help you grow stronger each and eveyday so you can go home with them soon. You are a Mighty Miracle and he holds you in his hands.
Lisa Spoone
December 24, 2009
Wow! You have one special little boy! I wish I could give you more than prayers but at the current time that is all I can offer. Your story is truley amazing! Your family, especially Mr. Max, will be in my prayers until he is fully recovered! May God continue to heal little Max! Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Jennifer, Temple, Georgia
December 24, 2009
merry christmas to baby max. i just read your story and i think you are a truly amazing baby. i pray for your speedy recovery and i pray you go home soon to your mom and dad
pam burrell blairsville georgia
December 10, 2009
What an amazing little guy! I just read your posts and am really touched by your family story. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Deana Jorquera, Longwood, Florida
November 25, 2009
Max, you are the most amazing gift from God. You're always in our thoughts and prayers, and we are praying for your complete and total recovery to come home soon. Mommy, Daddy and Big Sissy cannot wait until you are there with them. Grandpa and I love you so much, and we are so thankful for the strength God has given you to continue your fight. We can't wait to hold you again soon.
Love, Mue-Mue and Grandpa
November 23, 2009
Hey there Max! You are such an amazing little guy with quite the spirit. The entire flight team checks on you each shift... Keep fighting little man! We love you (even if you have Gator stuff all over your bed...) :D
Much love!
Matt and Tesia Robinson Monroe, GA
November 21, 2009
Mighty Max is a warrior. He is in the best hands and God will pull him through. This journey will bring you all stronger and closer to the Lord. I pray God will lift Max up and wrap him in his arms and get him home soon. I continue to pray for Max as well as you, Erin and Emma. Max, keep on fighting and we will see you home soon. Rick and Erin, keep the faith! Be strong, and lean on Jesus. He will get you through these trying times.
Jill Crews, Monroe, GA
November 15, 2009
Super Max, you are an amazing little soldier for God.
You are an inspiration and continue to touch more lives every day. We are praying for you, Daddy, Mommy, And Emma every day and can't wait for you to get home. We have a lot of hiking, camping, and fishing to do, so get better soon! I love you!
Uncle Rod, Lilburn, GA
November 14, 2009
Max is the most precious gift from God that our family could possibly have been given. We are constantly keeping you, Daddy, Mommy & Emma in our prayers and you all know how much we love you. God continues to show blessings to us all that we can never ever fully understand but are so thankful. I love you dearly my wonderful, sweet, awesome Max! You are my hero because you are such a fighter and an awesome gift from God! Keep fighting! Your Aunt Ra-Ra loves you!!!!!!
Aunt Ra-Ra, Loganville, GA
November 14, 2009
Max I have known your mommy since she was a little girl when she went to school with my daughter Kari(Luhtjarv)Bowen.You hang in there little one! I have been and will continue to pray for you! God Bless you sweet boy!
Dawn Luhtjarv Litchfield,Maine
November 14, 2009
Baby Max, You can't even imagine how many people you have touched in your short little life! You are a fighter, and you and your family are an inspiration to all of us. We continue our prayers for all of you and hope that your homecoming will be very soon. Love to all.
Auntie Kathy & Uncle Eddie/East Longmeadow, MA
November 13, 2009
I can't wait for you to be home little man!!
Daddy/Home
November 13, 2009
I know that you'll continue fighting just as hard as you possibly can so that your mommy and daddy get to have their Christmas wish! We are constantly thinking of you and keep praying that God will continue watching over you!!
Kari Bowen/Kingsport, TN
November 13, 2009
MAX, your mommy and daddy and big sister Emma love you very much, so keep getting better and Max you are a strong little boy.
Dawn,Eric Gauthier/ Winchendon,Ma
November 13, 2009
I am a friend of a friend who has been praying for little Max. By the way, I nicknamed him Rocky as he sure is a little fighter. May God Bless him in his recovery. He is just beautiful. By the way, my own granddaughter was born the day after Max.
Angela Lombardi (friend of Carole Shanks)
November 13, 2009
My sweet little Grandson!! Counting down the days till you are home!! God bless you and your new heart.
I Love You
Nana :>):>)xoxo
Barbara Quail/Monroe, Ga
Mail a Check
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Max Morris
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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