About The ABLE Foundation
Our Mission
The ABLE Foundation works to raise and distribute funds to support children with medical needs, their families, and encourage their healthcare providers. We believe that, together, we are all ABLE to make a difference.
Our Story
March 23, 2018 our son Abe, 13 months old, was hit by a car. He was air ambulanced to McLane’s Childrens Hospital in Temple TX. We feared the worst and it was near close to that. Abe had skull fractures, a brain bleed, 7 broken ribs, damaged lungs, liver and spleen contusions.
But a true miracle he survived.
The next day was a whirlwind with doctors, CT scans, X-rays, with the glorious news that his brain bleed and swelling had stopped. And although sedated, he was able to grip our fingers and respond when saying his name. Then his lungs collapsed. He could not get oxygen. They had to paralyze him to support the vent machines, but after hours on the new machine, he still couldn’t get the oxygen he needed. We were so broken and on our knees praying for a miracle. As they prepped for a risky procedure, called ECMO, the doctor wanted to attempt one last medicine. This gas miraculously opened up his lungs to start receiving oxygen and he was tolerating the life support vents again. Surgery was put on hold and we watched him fight for every breath for 21 days.
The days were so long, watching minutes tick by with so many ups and down. But every minute was a gift and we watched him slowly heal. Thanks to a wonderful team including nurses, RRTs, and doctors, on day 21, Abe was officially removed from the life support vents, and breathing on his own. It was the most beautiful sight to see and so many happy tears holding him for the first time in our laps since the accident occurred.
Due to being paralyzed for so long though, he had lost most of his muscle memory and ability to eat on his own. Over the next weeks thru rehab, he slowly learned how to take a bottle, feed, hold his head up, crawl, and eventually walk again. Abe today is now medically clear. Our miracle.
We will forever be grateful for the gift of having Abe here with us. McLanes’ and Childrens’ staff took incredible medical care of him, but also supported us as a family. My husband and I never left his side and they help pick us up off the floor when grief overwhelmed us. As we adjust to our new normal at home as a family again, it is constantly on our mind that every minute someone is having their worst moment as we did when we got that call. We want to do great things with our miracle and help others in the worst of times.
