Testing, Buttons, and Kidney's

A little over a week ago I went through testing to see if my body is healthy enough to give a kidney. So far so good, my blood pressure is like a teenager, and my labs all look normal. We are awaiting the results from my EKG (not really worried about that) and my CAT scan of my kidney's (a little worried). Why, may you ask? Well the only other mom's that I have been able to speak to about this could not give their kidney because of something that was found on the scan. If that scan comes out well, and the EKG looks good we are ready to go. The transplant clinic called to inform us that Austin is ready to go pending a donor. we have our last appointment with them on the 31st of March. If all of my tests are looking good then we will probably set a date on the 31st. I am terrified that some little thing will come up and the transplant will be off. I have been praying like crazy, and trying to be okay if something does come up. The Lord will provide, and His way is the best way. I have to remind myself of that whenever I feel like my heart is going to pound out of my chest with worry.

We have officially started our fund raising efforts. We have the following in the works:

• We raised $1000 through Partylite sales, thanks to all who helped!
  
• Dinner Auctions in Moses Lake, New York, and possibly here in Santa Clarita (post transplant).
• A whole slew of activities in Newbury Park. Our big one will be a walk-a-thon on April 30th with kettle corn, and a silent auction.
  
• The local radio station did a story on Austin.
  
• Garage sales in Seattle and Moses Lake
  
• A raffle through Crystal Harris (a really cool basket with loads of cute, cute crafty items)
  
• There is a Silk-Screening place in Royal City, Wa that is making school shirts and giving proceeds to the campaign. As well as making shirts with the above logo on them to sell. The shirts will be available, we are trying to come up with a system of distributing, I will post on here when they are available, and yes, kids sizes will be offered!
  
• Selling buttons and vinyl decals of the above graphic.
• Coin collectors at stores
• A bunko night with dinner in Moses Lake
  
• Possibly a bowling tournament in Moses Lake...
• We have a website through COTA for Austin (www.COTAforAustinJ.com)
  

We are working through the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA). Funds are given to COTA in honor of Austin, then when we get Dr bills we submit an expense report that will reimburse us for transplant related expenses. It has been great working through them.

If you are interested in being involved in any of the above mentioned activities, or hosting your own event, please let me know (benandcortney@gmail.com). If you have any ideas of your own, we are always looking for good ideas! Also Austin's blog button is available now to post on anyone's blog that is interested in spreading the word (above left).

We have raised $8,351.95 (with the Partylite fund raiser included) we are 16% there to our $50,000 goal already! Almost all the above mentioned activities are still in the works, and almost the whole amount raised has been through persons that have seen Austin's story on Facebook or email and have been touched by it! It reminds me of what a special boy we have, and how inspiring he is to everyone. I never cease to be amazed by the generosity and love of perfect strangers, our friends, and our family. Thank you all for your help. We are truly blessed.