Coin Lithium Battery Safety Video

The National Safety Counsel and Energizer are reaching out to spread awareness about the danger's of button batteries in the home. They suggested 4 S's to remember: Store, Select, Secure and Share to help keep your home safe.

Take a moment and share this video with your family and friends!

                       

Awareness Alert! Hearing Aids

I receive emails and private messages on a daily basis, of different peoples experiences or interactions with button batteries. I am so grateful that so many of you are taking this issue seriously and are helping our family spread the word. Over the past month I have had several reader's write to me about Hearing Aids. Hearing Aids are used for individuals mature and young in life. The issue is, how the button battery is housed and stored in the hearing aid devise. Some manufactures compartmentalize the button battery so it is difficult to remove. A pain to open for some I am sure, but when the hearing aid is used by a small child, the extra effort to remove the button battery is essential for their safety.

With her permission, I want to share an experience and concern my friend Cindy wrote to me about. Here is what she wrote:

"I have been meaning to contact you about my daughters hearing aids. I thought if you contacted the company it would maybe make a larger impact then just me a parent that's frustrated with a design flaw in this otherwise great hearing aide my daughter wears. Tabitha got these new hearing aids recently they are made by the same company as her old hearing aides. Her old hearing aids had a white tab on the inside to hold the battery in place when the battery compartment is opened. The new hearing aids do not have this and I would say that 80% of the time when we open up the battery compartment on these new hearing aids the battery often falls out on the ground and because it's a small button battery (size 13) it can be very hard to locate especially if it falls on the carpet. We have even had this same issue when we have had to open the battery compartment at church and the battery falls to the ground and bounces around on the wooden floor and it's hard to locate. I worry for any little child that might find it and put it in their mouth like they like to do at that age. 

I would love it if you could bring this issue to the attention of Phonak. I think they would be more likely to give this attention after hearing of Emmett's story and your awareness campaign. Thank YOU"

Unfortunately many manufactures are  unaware of the issue of button battery ingestion with small children.  At least I hope that is their excuse in why they are not making an effort to house these tiny batteries in a more appropriate manner.

I am hoping to be able to reach out to someone at Phonak  to shed light on this safety issue. I am just praying I will come in contact with someone who will find urgency in this matter and make a change in the design. Wish me luck!

Colin's New Esophagus!

Meet our friend Colin! This sweetie pie is currently in surgery today at Cincinnati Children Hospital. He is undergoing the same surgery Emmett had performed almost one year ago. Using the colon to replace, in Colin's situation, create an esophagus. 

I met Colin's mom through facebook. The surgery is unique and rare therfore there is only a small population of patients and families who have undergone this particular surgery which is called a Colonic Interposition. Colon's mom has shared with me a little about Colin's diagnosis and condition:

 "He has long gap esophageal atresia and he also had a

tracheoesophageal fistula which was surgically repaired when he was 2days old. Essentially, he was born with an abnormal connection between his lower esophagus and his windpipe. His upper esophagus ends in a blind pouch just below the back of his throat. The gap between the ends of the esophagus are usually short enough that they are repaired shortly after birth- but the gap in Colin's ends was 6.5cm and is now 3cm- but still too far apart to attach naturally- hence the segmental colonic interposition that he will be having done at 

Cincy. 

Colin also has VACTERL association. it is a non-random association of birth defects. Each letter stands for a different birth defect. Colin has V C T E R L.. He also has a cleft lip which is not associated. So he has a long road and fight ahead of him even after this first surgery. It's likely he will have at least 6 surgeries before his first birthday".

This little guy and his family could sure use some faith and prayers in their behalf today. We are so grateful for the many endless prayers for Emmett's surgery last year. We know the reason for Emmett's positive out come, is because of the many prayers sent to our Father in Heaven in his behalf. Thank you! Help us strengthen their family through faith for Colin today and the next several weeks for a safe recovery.

 Go Colin, Go!

Have you met Michelle?

I would like to make a tribute to a very special person in our families life. She has been with our family through the thick and thin. In the darkest hours of my life, she was a guardian angel that helped me know I have a Father in Heaven who loves me.

Three years ago yesterday, October 20, 2010, Michelle came into our lives. She was the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit nurse who cared for Emmett the day after he had the button battery removed from his poor little esophagus. I still remember talking with her the first time she came into Emmett's room. There was something about her, a light that I desperately needed. Emmett had coded (code blue) the previous night. The doctor's in the PICU were uncertain of Emmett's condition and whether he would survive the hideous accident of ingesting a button battery from the remote control of our DVD player.

I remember feeling life-less, empty, terrified and desperate for a miracle. My dad came to be by Emmett and my side. Michelle, noticing my defeated body language, suggested I take a walk outside. I remember looking at her and thinking, "lady are you seriously crazy. My child is hanging on for dear life and you are suggesting I take a walk." My sweet dad looked at me and nodded for me to leave the room and get fresh air. 

So I did, I remember walking down the south sidewalk of the old Phoenix Children's Hospital with tears streaming down my cheeks. The sounds of construction, worker's, machines and tractors were all swirling around in my head. I needed to escape. I began to pray... and I needed to pray there and then... I started to pray out loud. At that point I didn't care who heard me, I needed the love of my Father in Heaven to surround me. I needed Him to wrap me in the arms of his love!  I can not recall how long I was walking for, but I remember coming to a point of exhaustion. I sat on the side of a parking lot wall. I noticed that all the noises of the world that were filling my heard before, seemed to be silent. Every worldly noise except for one little gentle sound... I looked slightly to my right to see what was making such a sweet simple noise. It was a little sparrow. 

At that point I laughed inside of myself. This beautiful little bird is a creation of our loving God, I started to realize that just like that bird our Father in Heaven has created and is in charge of all things. I knew that my Father in Heaven loved me and that there was only one other person who understood my heart ache and Emmett's pain... It was my Savior.

To this day... I have a special place in my heart for Sparrows.

I came back to the room in the PICU were Emmett was medically sleeping. I thanked her for helping me to "get out of the room". Right then and there I asked her if she would be willing to be Emmett's primary nurse. I am sure she was shocked by my forwardness, but she smiled and said she would love too.

There was plenty of rough days ahead for Emmett. He struggled for life most of that year. Michelle was always so gentle and loving with Emmett.  When Emmett's face would wince with pain, Michelle would stroke his distressed forehead and place a little stuffed animal right next to his face, arm or hand. 

Although Emmett was fully medically sedated for months, Michelle recommended that I sing to him, read stories or just talk to him. She stated that although his body was not responsive that he could still hear my voice. I remember a time when Emmett was in a lot of distress, as Michelle and other medical staff were rushing to his aid, Michelle desperately said, "Karla talk to him, he needs you". With tears running down my face, I began to sing him a Primary song, a song about Jesus. There were so many moments that year I felt hopeless as a mother.  My child was suffering and I could not cuddle him or take his pain away. I am so thankful for Michelle, encouraging me to speak to him. Those simple acts made me feel as if I could still be a mother even though so much was out of my control. Thank you Michelle.

That year it was difficult for everyone in the family. Ethan would come to visit his brother in the hospital. Michelle always made an extra effort to help Ethan feel secure and comforted when he saw his brother laying sick and helpless in the hospital bed. She took the time to explain to Ethan what each of the wires were for and why he needed them. To my surprise his little 3 year old mind seemed to grasp it. Amazing. There were plenty of days, I just simple needed a hug, chat or reassurance. I am so thankful she was there!

Michelle helped me start the Emmett's Fight Foundation. She, Michael and I brained stormed ideas for several weeks on what we could do to prevent another child from suffering like Emmett has. She is now a board member of our campaign! She helped give me the confidence to speak out to anyone who would take the time to listen. Before Emmett's accident, I would have never spoken to large groups let a lone a News station. When I wanted to run the opposite direction because of insecurities and fears, she helped me remember that I have a "voice" that needs to be heard! Michelle has a phenomenal family: Michael, David, Aidan, Keali and Jameson. Thank you for sharing Michelle. We love you Michelle! Thank you for changing our lives for the better! I hope you know you are stuck with us now forever. Thank you for being such a terrific nurse and a loving friend!

- We all LOVE you!

Karla, Michael, Ethan and Emmett 

Cincinnati, Ronald McDonald House and a Big and Little Emmett

We are here in Cincinnati once again. Cincinnati has been a positive experience for our family. Michael and I discussed how we actually look forward to coming out to Ohio. 

Emmett has become quite the frequent flyer and is a fabulous flyer... He fell asleep at departure and ended his little siesta during the landing. I was able to get in a little reading time, it was quite enjoyable.

"Brown bear", so Emmett calls him, came along for the journey too. Emmett was tired of holding him so he set him down. I thought it was a pretty clever spot,

I want to thank all those who make it possible for Emmett to receive his medical care here in Cincinnati;  our wonderful families and sweet, sweet Cherril Knight. We love you and thank you all so very much! Ethan I can't wait to come back and snuggle you oh so tight!

Emmett has a busy week filled with clinic appointments, scopes, sleep studies and procedures. We are anxious to meet his surgeon, Dr Von Allman, again tomorrow morning. This is the first time since surgery last December, Emmett had his esophagus removed a replaced with a portion of his large intestine, that he has seen Emmett. I am so excited for him to see the progress that Emmett has made over the past ten months home in Phoenix. Emmett truly is a different kid physically. It is incredible. We are so grateful for our loving Heavenly Father.

Our family has the opportunity to Stay at the Ronald McDonald House this trip. Ethan was not able to come with us this time because of his school schedule. He was so disappointed to be missing out on the Ronald McDonald House, he had such a wonderful experience here last winter.

Emmett spent an hour this evening playing with many of the toys in the activity room.

Emmett made a new friend today...Emmett!

Emmett works for the same company as Michael and has become a great friend and mentor. He and his family, Toni, Emmett (Trey) and Sean have been following Emmett's story over the past couple of years. Our family was able to meet up with Emmett here in Ohio. Thank you Emmett for the nice visit and your kindness!

We are so grateful for the many people who continue to pray for little Emmett and his recovery. Prayers are continuing to be answered as our family witnesses the miracles our Father in Heaven has poured down upon us. Thank you all for your faith!

Go Emmett, Go!

Wylder...

Our family met someone this evening who has deeply touched my heart. A sweet mother of a young and precious warrior named Wylder. Last year Wylder was sent home to our loving Father in Heaven at a young and tender age. His short little life however, was triumphant and he showed the world, through his sweet little smile, how to be a more beautiful and peaceful place.

I have a new hero, Wylder's parent's. After reading his mother's blog and her two recently published children's books, my heart was filled with laughter, joy, heart ache, hope and love. Although I know it must be difficult, I am grateful for this families openness to share their journey of their precious Angel with us all. This families story is beautiful and uplifting. Their faith and optimism is inspiring. On the home page of the blog Wylder's mother Shannon beautifully describes her love for her son.

Take a moment to be inspired by this incredible family.

Wylder James Blog

Shannon has written and illustrated two children's books dedicated to her son, Little Wish and Warrior Baby  We had the privileged of reading them to our boys this evening. Our family was moved by the message.
Shannon and her husband have also started a non for profit foundation dedicated to raising awareness and research for Niemann Pick A disease. 

Thank you Shannon for touching our lives. Thank you for teaching us what is truly important in life! Our prayers are with you. God Speed!

- The Rauch Family

Birthday picture winner is.....

And the winner of the Emmett's birthday picture is....

All of them! Our family just LOVED them all we couldn't choose just one. (How do you know I am a mother of small children? When everyone is a winner;))

The boys were full of giggles while viewing all of the photo's you all submitted. I had a few tears just seeing all the love and support that surrounds us. Thank you!

Most smiles that came from our family... Love the Energizer Bunny and the puppy! Beautiful family!

Wonderful nurse who helped calm Emmett's mommy's nerves before his helicopter ride to Phoenix Children's. Thank you!

Most tears coming from Emmett's mommy! We sure love Dr Egan and his wonderful staff!

Gucci and KW... need I say more... Adorable!

Michael... Emmett is his super hero!

Most adorable Walton's

Here is a sweet little guy. His mom sent this picture all the way from Maldive Island which is all the way over in the Indian Ocean. So cool! I love that he is sporting his green for Emmett. Thank you! 

Most incredible cake!

Most adorable birthday lunch niece!

Most handsome!

Most creative!

Most adorable!

Most incredible nurse on the planet;)

Thank you all... Emmett had a terrific 4th birthday! Thank you for taking part in it!

Go Emmett, Go!

Emmett's 4th Birthday!

....4....

I can not believe it! Emmett is 4 years old today and what a monumental day! 

Four years ago, I met this little guy who was eager to come into the world at just 28 weeks gestation. It was an emergency C-section, which meant Michael and I had little time to come up with a final decision on a name. We chose Emmett because of how strong it sounded and it came from a Germanic origin. Rauch being a German name. The meaning of a name is important to us. While the nurses were prepping me for the C-section, Michael searched Google for the meaning behind the name Emmett.

 Emmett: Strong, persevering, powerful and universal leader. 

Wow! Little did we know as parent's then, what an impact this little life would have, not only to our family, but to the world!

Then...

Now!

It will take Emmett another 40 plus years to match up years to as many surgical procedures he has had performed over the past 4 years. I sure am grateful for the many miracles our Father in Heaven has performed for our little boy! We are so grateful for these blessings! Today we are going to celebrate!

In honor of our Emmett, today I want to reflect and give thanks to the many people who have impacted our lives forever... These people will forever have an lasting mark on our hearts for their time, service, love, sacrifice and energy they have shown our little boy and family. So let the list begin:

Dr Craig Egan

Dr Steven Nelson

Michelle Chacon-RN

Susie-NICU RN

Karen-NICU RN

Jan-NICU RN

Julie-NICU RN

NICU Nurse Practitioner's

Alicia- NICU message therapist

Dr Ellis- MD

Dr Abrams-MD 

All the other NICU RN's and RT's who made a lasting impact on Emmett

All the INCREDIBLE Intensivists MD's at Phoenix Children's Hospital PICU

All of the wonderful Nurse Practioner's at PCH PICU

(Cassie, BJ, Amy, Susan, Merideth, Kim and more)

Dr Lacy

Dr Tong

Dr McOmber

Dr Roa

Wendy Pauker- Child Life

Brie-RN

Arica_RN

Dixie-RN

Holly-RN

Kara-RN

Amy-RN

Grandma Sue-RN

Jen- Wisconsin;)-RN

Jen A.-RN

Ida-RN

Serena-RN

Megan-RN

Dr Wendy

Dr Shepherd

All the Respiratory Therapist in the PICU at PCH

All of the many other wonderful PICU nurses

All of the Pre and Post Operation nurses

Endoscopic nurses

OR nurses

Jen-PT
Jackie-PT NICU
Kristen-SP
Monica-SP
Kim-OT
Sherryl Knight

Sharmain-RN

Lisa-RN

Sue-RN

Todd-RN

Dr von Allman

Marilynn Stoops

Dr de Alacon 

Dr Wood

Becky L-RN

Dr Pointer

PICU RN's at Cincinnati Children's Hospital

Last but not least:
Ethan
Grandma and Grandpas
Aunts and Uncles
Cousins
Sunrise Mountain Ward
Dear, dear Friends

I know I am missing many incredible people/ Nurses who helped impact our lives, especially Emmett's. Please forgive me if I did not mention your name. Thank you forever and ever for working around the clock to help save Emmett's precious little life. We LOVE you! 

Go Emmett, Go! 

We love you sweet boy with all of our hearts!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!!

Orange or Green for the Birthday Boy!

Emmett's 4th Birthday is tomorrow October 1st!

I was thinking it might be fun to celebrate Emmett's birthday with you all.

 Here are a few instructions on how you can help celebrate Emmett's birthday:

1. Wear Green, Orange, Grey or an Emmett's Fight T-shirt or make a Happy Birthday sign for Emmett

2. Post a picture of you wearing your Emmett's Fight colors on Emmett's Fight Facebook Page

3. I will share it with Emmett and Ethan to let them pick their favorite photo. 

4. Wednesday I will post the favorite picture on the blog!

A few example below:

I am so excited to see all of the great pictures!

Button Battery Ingestion Awareness in Florida!

This past weekend our family had the opportunity to venture down south to beautiful Orlando, Florida! Our family was asked to share our story about Emmett and the importance of keeping button batteries out of little one's reach for Child Safety Month.  We hope all those who view the segment will recognize the importance of safe guarding their homes.

The neatest experience, Michael was able to do an entire interview in Spanish(he speaks Spanish fluently)! We hope to reach all families around the nation and hopefully one day much farther!

The segments will air this week! I will post the air-dates as soon as I am informed, otherwise they will be posted on youtube and then re-post them later in the week.

Emmett is now a pro at this interview business, by the 3rd one he kicked off his shoes and really got comfortable.

After the interview were over, we set off to visit the Atlantic Ocean! It was so beautiful and the water was incredible warm. We are so used to California's cool Pacific water. I will take the warm water anytime, I actually got in it;)

Emmett collected sea shells while Michael and Ethan had fun riding the waves. I wish Phoenix had a beach....

On Sunday we took our boys to see the beautiful LDS Temple in Orlando. It was so gorgeous and the boys enjoyed the water fountain displays and chasing lizards

Ethan was quite the videographer. He took pictures and narrated our journey throughout the weekend. So sweet!

Our family LOVED downtown Disney! The ambiance was so magical!

First time Ethan and Emmett met Mickey! 

We took the boys to Magic Kingdom! I LOVE Disney, sigh! All of my childhood memories just rushed back into my mind. The boys soaked it all up! They both said that their favorite ride was the Magic Carpet ride.

Emmett's expression right after meeting Mickey.

Ethan picked out some new shades while at Disney World. I can't believe it is Fall already. The park was decorated in charming Fall decor.

The Lego store is the boys favorite of all.

The last day the boys wanted to try miniature golf. It was fun but the humidity Florida has, goodness! I am so used to the dry heat of Arizona. It was a wonderful and much needed vacation for our family. I am so grateful for the opportunity our family had to continue to educated those in the community about button  battery safety.

A Rap about Emmett and Me!

Here is a tribute to all of you "Trach Moms" out there. My Dad loves to write up poetry and today he said these words kept rolling over in his mind, so he decided to write them down and put it to a rap.  So thank you to my Dad who notices the everyday craziness that happens in my home. Thank you for always being willing to help. I love you Dad! Thank you for thinking I am "awesome". 

a – a – a – Awsommme!

Awsommme!
I know an awesome Mom!
She used to be my girl,
But now she's got two boys,
And she know how to curl. (I am a hairdresser)
She does her own blog,
And she’s on the TV,
She’s - got more hops,
Than energizer bunny.  (Battery Controlled)
 
bo – bo – bo – bolusssss!
bolusssss!
She knows all the hospitals,
She knows all the rules,
The doctors better listen,
Or she’ll take them to school.
She mixes up the food,
And it looks kind of ikk,
And if you need to suction,
Put your thumb on number 6!  (The number we have to suction Emmett's trach)

 

s – s – s – Suctionnnnn!

Suctionnnnn!

She has to watch the trach,

What he eats, she has to see,

And when he cracks smile,

Emmett, where’s the H M E?

Two boys that like to wrestle,

And get carried away,

You get them off to bed,

And start again the next day!

Oh yea, she's Awesome!

a – a – a – Awsommme! Awsommme!

-By Stan Thomasson

An apology and a blog post WAY overdue!

 Goodness! I have to apologize for the absent over the past month. What a whirlwind it has been, however a very exciting whirlwind and I am about to tell you all about it! 

Mr Ethan started Kindergarten!!! I can't believe he is old enough for this exciting adventure. I of course was more anxious than he was and could not sleep the night before. I has a little worried that he would have some anxiety after dropping him off, but he rocked it like a champ! He said to me, " I got this, mom, I got this".  He has a fabulous teacher who sends home daily emails about his homework assignments and how much she enjoys working with the kids in her class. She has been such a dream as a teacher, especially for a first time kindergarten mom;).

Ethan wears a uniform, which I am loving, and makes sure we are 15 minutes early to school each day. He watches the clock and when its time...we all better be in the car or else.... This has been a struggle for me since I am known for being "fashionably late" everywhere I go. But with Ethan's help, we have been "early" every morning since school has begun. Yahoo!

We have another school boy in our home! You guessed it, Mr Emmett! He is officially a preschooler and I am not hyperventilating. To be honest, I did sit in the first three weeks of school just in case he needed me:) I do realize that I am a helicopter mom, however I will forever justify my reasoning for it. Michael has told me I just need to work through it before he gets married, so I have about 30 years right?!?;)

He too has the most wonderful teacher! Emmett LOVES her and is so excited when it is time to go to school. Emmett also attends school with two of his best pals, Owen and Cooper. The first day of school, Cooper ran up to Emmett, grabbed his hand and said "come on Emmett, I show you around". Oh precious!!!

Emmett is also starting to wear a pasi muir valve (a one way valve) on his trach. The valve enables his voicing to be louder for others to understand him. He loves having a  "loud voice". Evidence: He started yelling all around the house, laughs and says, "my voice is loud" and then giggles some more. Seriously, the simple things in life are the ultimate best!!!

So there is one more member of our family attending school that started this month. It is me! I did it! I have talked about going back for a few years now and I have officially done it. It will be a long journey, but my friend Kathy told me, "you are going to live the next ten years anyway, might as well go to school while you live it". Well said and needless to say, that helped me take the plunge and just do it. My goal is to be a Speech Pathologist and it will probably take me the next ten years but I am so excited about it! I know it will help me to have a better understand of Emmett and his life long challenges.I  hope to be able to help families with similar situation as ours family and give back.

Last but not least for the month of August, our family said farewell to our home of eight and one half years. It has been bitter sweet. Michael and I have shared so many sweet memories of bringing our babies home and all the joys and laughter that family life brings... On the flip side there are many memories I am ready to leave behind and forget. The past three years of Emmett suffering and struggling, paramedic's filling the living room and many anxious and sleepless nights. Michael and I feel that now that Emmett is healing so beautifully that a move  was a fresh start for our little family. Our family has stayed in the same area, for we sure love the community that surrounds us. So we say farewell old home, farewell...

Emmett's Fight has some new and exciting opportunities coming up in the near future and we are excited to continue to spread the word about button battery dangers. We are so grateful Emmett is thriving and we savor every moments we have together as a family!

Go Emmett, Go!

Dairy Queen fundraiser for Phoenix Children's Hospital

Attention to all of our wonderful Phoenix Emmett's Fight fans! Today Dairy Queen is teaming up to raise money for Phoenix Children's Hospital! Since it is still over 100 degree's outside, it's a perfect day to venture out and get a delicious Blizzard.

Visit www.miracletreatday.com for participating locations. Proceeds from each Blizzard will be donated to benefit PCH. Last year Dairy Queen raised $55,000 dollars!!! Incredible!

At 9:30am Emmett will be at Dairy Queen and will be on Channels 3 and 10 live! Come enjoy a Blizzard and help Phoenix Children's Hospital, our home away from home!

Huffington Post

Thank you Kate Carr, CEO of Safekids Worldwide for sharing Emmett's story and shedding tremendous light on the dangers of button battery ingestion! I am so thankful for the many wonderful people who have helped to bring this to not only national but international attention! We hope to save lives by preventing a preventable injury by knowledge. 

Go Emmett, Go!

click on the link below

Huffington Post

Emmett's Dad

I want to take a moment and share a few things about an amazing dad. A dad who sometimes has to take the back seat in his family, who spent 8 months worth of nights in a hospital reclining chair to be by his fragile son's side as he fought for his life. A dad who spends hours upon hours on the phone with the insurance company, paying medical bills or making the "stern" phone calls when his wife is frustrated and can't get answers from doctors offices, ect. A dad who always puts his family first, loves his God and Savior and loves with wife with all of his heart;)

This dad, many times, works long 60 hour plush weeks, never complains and provides an honest income for his family. He teaches his son's how to work hard and how to run and play, sports, legos and video games with his son's in which loves every minute of it.

This dad loves to challenge himself in work, education and extracurricular activities. He has great patients as he sometimes has to only "listen" and not try to"fix" his wife's firecracker moments when she goes off on a tangent. He is supportive and encouraging of his wife's crazy ideas. He quietly and modestly loves to serve and help others. No public praise is needed, for he receives satisfaction from seeing the joy in those he serves. 

 I am so blessed to have this "dad" as the father of my two boys and my husband. I am grateful we are a family who will be together forever! I am grateful that after nine years of marriage, we are stronger than ever as husband and wife and I sure am in love with this man. I am so grateful he is example that my boys have to follow.  Hooray for a terrific dad!!! Thank you Michael!