Well I still need to post my thoughts on how the event went but I am waiting for pictures cause my words just can not do its justice! Once receive those will post right away I have written most of the post just wanted those pics!
But I had an experience that was so much fun! Many ask Becky Anderson(Founder of Anything For A Friend) how she can help so many people and do all that Anything For A Friend does. She always answers: "It is really kinda selfish the reasons that I do. "
Well this last Thursday Becky asked me to go down to a recipients meeting due to her needing to be at an other recipients meeting. I of coarse was excited to go now that we can pay it forward. Me and my Mom and boys in tow headed down to West Jordan to Samantha Milborn's Grandmothers home where her committee was meeting. We listened and added any input we could. As the night was going I realized that I was the expert, I was the one they came to. Yea these may be bad thoughts to admit out loud but I am a person that likes to be in control and the one that likes to be in the know. But I felt like what I was doing was helping but...was so very selfish! I totally understand what Becky is talking about! It is so exciting to see somebody get a sense of relief from a simple comment or their lost thoughts start to be found. All this may sound very selfish but, paying it forward is going to be great! It is amazing the people that you can meet in life, at that meeting there were many that were hurt by the recent diagnosing of Samantha, but are coming to realize that what they are doing will really help Samantha and her family but will also help themselves.
I was asked later about all the many wonderful people that are involved with the Anything For A Friend family and how they are all very special people and all so loving and caring. I believe we were all to be together for this purpose, we were all meant to have these trials so that we could meet and then learn the real meaning of life and then serve our fellow brothers and sisters. We are all children of God sent here to learn, and to serve one an other. We as a family have forever been changed by Cody's recent diagnosing not just due to the trial itself, but also because of our hearts have been opened to so many wonderful people that we will never be able to pay back, the only way we feel to pay others back is by helping others the way we were helped in our time of need.
June 12, 2011
June 2, 2011
Standard Examiner Article
We made the news!
But some info was left out about our fun filled day of Fundraising. Our city is helping also through a benefit BREAKFAST at: Stake Activity Bldg 1500 W 250 N, MSC from 8-10 am. KSL news anchors Keith McCord and Dan Pope will be there handing out door prizes.
So grateful for our ward/City helping us out in a time of need.
To read the Article go to: www.standard.net/topics/features/2011/06/01/coming-together-help-top-utah-man-others
But some info was left out about our fun filled day of Fundraising. Our city is helping also through a benefit BREAKFAST at: Stake Activity Bldg 1500 W 250 N, MSC from 8-10 am. KSL news anchors Keith McCord and Dan Pope will be there handing out door prizes.
So grateful for our ward/City helping us out in a time of need.
To read the Article go to: www.standard.net/topics/features/2011/06/01/coming-together-help-top-utah-man-others
May 31, 2011
PSC Not All Wiskey and Drugs
A lot of times with any liver disease most often you will get stares that wonder how you got your liver disease to the point of failure and need a liver transplant. Due to drinking? Or was it Drugs? Luckily with living in Utah we do not get too many of those questions or stares but I have gotten a few. But to some of my fellow liver transplant blogging friends they have had this issue and it comes more often then not. I would like to blog along with them on PSC.
Cody’s condition comes not from anything he could have prevented. He was diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis in 2006 and with UC the liver function is most often compromised. March 2010 was when we started noticing Cody’s skin, and eyes turning more yellow-jaundice like so we decided to see a doctor about it. Our doc that we normally went to was too booked and could not get us in soon so we went with an other doctor that we went to in the past. He scheduled us for a liver biopsy in April. From then we were advised of he had Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis or PSC. And handed a written prescription to start taking. With that we did not ever asking any other questions. And honestly were never told the severity of the disease.
December of 2010 Cody started showing signs of bleeding internally. We ventured up to the hospital where after a scope was performed they found a bleeding ulcer below his stomach. Also while admitted the doctors started raising their concern of his yellow color. Normally in December work for Cody slow’s down and this year did not, so we kept putting the Doctor appointment aside. While speaking with the doctor(the Doc we should have gone to in the beginning-our doctor) he advised us the severity of the disease and what it all entailed.
Then began the Journey of “The Wait” as detailed in many other post before. But this is me on my Soap Box to let everyone know that liver failure is not all Whiskey and Drugs. When someone that has an issue with any of those sort of things they do not get the same luxuries as We get. The have to prove themselves before they are even considered to start the process. It is sober for so long admitting themselves to any type of meetings needed. It is harder for them. But when it comes to Decision day it does not change. Still same guidelines: 1st Local/Regional -also considered Status one Acute Liver Disease less than 7 days to live. 2nd Local blood/tissue type, current MELD score, and body size. 3rd Regional (outside of our state) blood/tissue type, current MELD score, and body size.
So really you need to be sick and to the point that you will not survive. It is really hard to understand that. Cody has been feeling so good lately, sometimes I find my self thinking how our life is feeling “normal” I think I might jinx us by saying that. Cause that is how I felt last December, getting ready for Christmas (early might I add!!-yea I am a total procrastinator!) and now anything can happen, at any time.
Its funny how through any life changing event yes you think you get back to normal but does it? Our family has been dramatically changed, but for the good. We are now taking our life to Pay-it-Forward. I can not wait for the opportunity to do what others have done for us. There is so much they have done. But we will save those for an other post I am getting off subject.
We all have big changes in our life that are more or less a second chance. But for me that change is a second chance at life.
May we all take this chance we have today to make the best of it. Many have the chance to understand the reasons behind a disease or may judge the reasons behind it.
Cody’s condition comes not from anything he could have prevented. He was diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis in 2006 and with UC the liver function is most often compromised. March 2010 was when we started noticing Cody’s skin, and eyes turning more yellow-jaundice like so we decided to see a doctor about it. Our doc that we normally went to was too booked and could not get us in soon so we went with an other doctor that we went to in the past. He scheduled us for a liver biopsy in April. From then we were advised of he had Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis or PSC. And handed a written prescription to start taking. With that we did not ever asking any other questions. And honestly were never told the severity of the disease.
December of 2010 Cody started showing signs of bleeding internally. We ventured up to the hospital where after a scope was performed they found a bleeding ulcer below his stomach. Also while admitted the doctors started raising their concern of his yellow color. Normally in December work for Cody slow’s down and this year did not, so we kept putting the Doctor appointment aside. While speaking with the doctor(the Doc we should have gone to in the beginning-our doctor) he advised us the severity of the disease and what it all entailed.
Then began the Journey of “The Wait” as detailed in many other post before. But this is me on my Soap Box to let everyone know that liver failure is not all Whiskey and Drugs. When someone that has an issue with any of those sort of things they do not get the same luxuries as We get. The have to prove themselves before they are even considered to start the process. It is sober for so long admitting themselves to any type of meetings needed. It is harder for them. But when it comes to Decision day it does not change. Still same guidelines: 1st Local/Regional -also considered Status one Acute Liver Disease less than 7 days to live. 2nd Local blood/tissue type, current MELD score, and body size. 3rd Regional (outside of our state) blood/tissue type, current MELD score, and body size.
So really you need to be sick and to the point that you will not survive. It is really hard to understand that. Cody has been feeling so good lately, sometimes I find my self thinking how our life is feeling “normal” I think I might jinx us by saying that. Cause that is how I felt last December, getting ready for Christmas (early might I add!!-yea I am a total procrastinator!) and now anything can happen, at any time.
Its funny how through any life changing event yes you think you get back to normal but does it? Our family has been dramatically changed, but for the good. We are now taking our life to Pay-it-Forward. I can not wait for the opportunity to do what others have done for us. There is so much they have done. But we will save those for an other post I am getting off subject.
We all have big changes in our life that are more or less a second chance. But for me that change is a second chance at life.
Cody Anderson
May 9, 2011
May 5, 2011
Whats An Other Year To You?
A year to me, Hutton will be 6 and finishing Kindergarten. Huston will be 3 and running even faster then he already does. Cody and Amy sorry leaving out the age here 
Who knows what they might be up to! But to the point of the post….
Cody went in for his check up on the Tuesday the 3rd. And all is well…actually better then well. They were surprised at how well he was feeling, alot better then in January/February when we saw them last. We talked about the current symptoms that Cody currently has and any secrets to make them any more tolerable. Cody has a bad case of itching, which is very very common for PSC or any type of liver disease. They added to his medications to see if they could help him stop itching a little. I hope so I am tired of seeing the injuries he gives himself from scratching too much. Over all labs looked great there was a small spike on some of tests but not enough to worry.
Now they are telling us since his MELD score went down (was a 16 at listing and as of yesterday a 15) that it could easily be another 2 years before we will get a liver. So it was a little rough to hear that. Is it wrong I want my Husband to be sick? Yea it sounds wrong in its own degree, but I feel like our life is going to stay on hold that much longer. Are we going to be able to progress? Or we on a stand still for the next 2 years? Yes granted Cody will actually be able to have a decent summer and get to do some of the things that he wants, like our exciting Lake Powell trip that we have been looking forward to. And of coarse the camping trips with the boys that Cody has so desperately wanted to teach the boys about.
At least for now and this summer we will be able to enjoy it and go do the things we wish and not worrying about missing the chance for a liver(yes if you go out of town you take the risk if losing a liver if one comes available, and you are not close enough to receive it.)
Who knows what they might be up to! But to the point of the post….Cody went in for his check up on the Tuesday the 3rd. And all is well…actually better then well. They were surprised at how well he was feeling, alot better then in January/February when we saw them last. We talked about the current symptoms that Cody currently has and any secrets to make them any more tolerable. Cody has a bad case of itching, which is very very common for PSC or any type of liver disease. They added to his medications to see if they could help him stop itching a little. I hope so I am tired of seeing the injuries he gives himself from scratching too much. Over all labs looked great there was a small spike on some of tests but not enough to worry.
Now they are telling us since his MELD score went down (was a 16 at listing and as of yesterday a 15) that it could easily be another 2 years before we will get a liver. So it was a little rough to hear that. Is it wrong I want my Husband to be sick? Yea it sounds wrong in its own degree, but I feel like our life is going to stay on hold that much longer. Are we going to be able to progress? Or we on a stand still for the next 2 years? Yes granted Cody will actually be able to have a decent summer and get to do some of the things that he wants, like our exciting Lake Powell trip that we have been looking forward to. And of coarse the camping trips with the boys that Cody has so desperately wanted to teach the boys about.
At least for now and this summer we will be able to enjoy it and go do the things we wish and not worrying about missing the chance for a liver(yes if you go out of town you take the risk if losing a liver if one comes available, and you are not close enough to receive it.)
April 30, 2011
An Event To Change Your Life!
Last night we had the opportunity to attend Bob Eggett's Anything For A Friend Event. It was amazing and then some! The feeling that you felt was really honestly indescribable. It showed really what the true meaning of Anything For A Friend really is. We did not know many there, but you felt like you were amongst family. They had an amazing turn out numbers were reporting around 1000+ they ran out of food and raised about $18K!!! They had a kids corner that our little monkeys adored... Really did not see them most the night they were way too busy playing!
At the event Bob and Ingrid Eggett introduced the upcoming recipients Us, Cyndy Tangren, and Mila Garcia. We had photo ops with all of the recipients from past and present, that came to support Bob and his family. Please go read all of these amazing peoples stories. I would tell you but Anything For A Friend's site tells it better.
It calmed alot questions that Cody and I have had in our minds. We have been so very fortunate for all the many many people that have donated to our event. Cody and I at times have not felt deserving of it. But seeing what we saw in others eyes at the event calmed alot! We know having that event and accepting the help really helps others. From the event makes us just so much more excited for the many many events to come. We have big dreams for Anything For A Friend just like they do. We see our event as one of the first stepping stones of what is to come. The next stepping stones will come in time but they will be close together and easy to acheive with our "friends".
We met some people that were friends of a past recipient, did not know Bob, besides his picture from the website, but were following their new "friends" and the last things they said to us as the left was: "See you on June 4th!" Honestly that is what Anything For a Friend is really all about!
It was an amazing night, one I would not have missed for the world! Can't wait for the many more to come!
At the event Bob and Ingrid Eggett introduced the upcoming recipients Us, Cyndy Tangren, and Mila Garcia. We had photo ops with all of the recipients from past and present, that came to support Bob and his family. Please go read all of these amazing peoples stories. I would tell you but Anything For A Friend's site tells it better.
It calmed alot questions that Cody and I have had in our minds. We have been so very fortunate for all the many many people that have donated to our event. Cody and I at times have not felt deserving of it. But seeing what we saw in others eyes at the event calmed alot! We know having that event and accepting the help really helps others. From the event makes us just so much more excited for the many many events to come. We have big dreams for Anything For A Friend just like they do. We see our event as one of the first stepping stones of what is to come. The next stepping stones will come in time but they will be close together and easy to acheive with our "friends".
We met some people that were friends of a past recipient, did not know Bob, besides his picture from the website, but were following their new "friends" and the last things they said to us as the left was: "See you on June 4th!" Honestly that is what Anything For a Friend is really all about!
It was an amazing night, one I would not have missed for the world! Can't wait for the many more to come!
April 9, 2011
Therapy
Well it has been quite a while since the last post. Alot has happened, Cody continues to feel "all right?" he has felt a little pain with a slight fever and some major sleep insomnia but still great spirts and trying to stay active, seems to keep him feeling better. Most days has to take a nap with Huston but over all doing good! Just how we want it-I guess?-
Fundraising has gotten underway and is rolling really fast! This week has been rough since the meeting on Wednesday I have gotten hardly any sleep! Always running up to my Mom's to talk about the fundraiser. With AnyThing For A Friend by our sides we have and can accomplish alot. Anything For A Friend had a "special" ran on them right after conference and has become ever more popular! There was one "Angel" that watched the episode and then decided that she wanted to help, boy did she help! Honestly can not even explain how many things she has donated! Chantelle is a true example of a Daughter of God! She told us she has been looking for someone to share this with and felt we really needed it. Honestly we do not know eachother and have never met but she still has done so much for us and still finding more to do. To see the many things donated by her company of Diviine Modestee go to Anything For A Friend and look under the donations. We keep getting more and more people that are so willing to help us out. There really are some great people in this world, I wish I could write about them all and thank them. I hope I can one day.
Well my "therapy session" by what I mean is the starting the fundraising planning being fully engulfed in the planning and everything has been so very therapeutic! It wipes out the negative completely. It feels good to be able to do something and stay busy and feel like I have control of something.
We decided to change the 5k run to the same day as Cody's Mom was planning the benefit dinner. With all the Cons it just seemed better to have an afternoon "fun run" along side the dinner. So it will be a great party, we are going to see people that we have not seen in the longest time. Those people seem to be coming out of the woodworks! It is amazing the people that we have heard about, ran into that know and care so much. So we are having a meeting on the 16th at my Mom's house and in need of more people. Leave a comment and I can give you the info you need to get there.
Stay tuned in for more event info We will be doing pre-registering for the 5k and are working on getting that event page set up to have that started. Will try and keep more posting coming I know I have forgot some things, till then Love you all...A
Fundraising has gotten underway and is rolling really fast! This week has been rough since the meeting on Wednesday I have gotten hardly any sleep! Always running up to my Mom's to talk about the fundraiser. With AnyThing For A Friend by our sides we have and can accomplish alot. Anything For A Friend had a "special" ran on them right after conference and has become ever more popular! There was one "Angel" that watched the episode and then decided that she wanted to help, boy did she help! Honestly can not even explain how many things she has donated! Chantelle is a true example of a Daughter of God! She told us she has been looking for someone to share this with and felt we really needed it. Honestly we do not know eachother and have never met but she still has done so much for us and still finding more to do. To see the many things donated by her company of Diviine Modestee go to Anything For A Friend and look under the donations. We keep getting more and more people that are so willing to help us out. There really are some great people in this world, I wish I could write about them all and thank them. I hope I can one day.
Well my "therapy session" by what I mean is the starting the fundraising planning being fully engulfed in the planning and everything has been so very therapeutic! It wipes out the negative completely. It feels good to be able to do something and stay busy and feel like I have control of something.
We decided to change the 5k run to the same day as Cody's Mom was planning the benefit dinner. With all the Cons it just seemed better to have an afternoon "fun run" along side the dinner. So it will be a great party, we are going to see people that we have not seen in the longest time. Those people seem to be coming out of the woodworks! It is amazing the people that we have heard about, ran into that know and care so much. So we are having a meeting on the 16th at my Mom's house and in need of more people. Leave a comment and I can give you the info you need to get there.
Stay tuned in for more event info We will be doing pre-registering for the 5k and are working on getting that event page set up to have that started. Will try and keep more posting coming I know I have forgot some things, till then Love you all...A
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