Gastroschisis Awareness Day Celebration, Texas Style

So, I'm sure you've heard me mention a time or two that my daughter was born almost two years ago with a birth defect called gastroschisis. That is where the abdominal wall doesn't close in utero and the intestines (and sometimes other organs) are outside of the body at birth. July 30th has been recognized by a few states as the official Gastroschisis Awareness Day, so we had our annual celebration yesterday. It was held at Cook Hospital in Fort Worth. 

Over 120 people showed up, we filled that entire room. 

Three full bags of things were donated. Thank you to my reader Amanda who sent in some headbands to donate! 

Yup! Gastroschisis Awareness Day is officially recognized in the state of Texas, thank you Governor Rick Perry! 

These are the gastro kids that were the stars of the event. 

Daddy and his princess. She's wearing the official color of gastroschisis: green! 

Oh so thankful for this little girl. 

The Carter blood drive van was on site. 21 units of blood were donated, which means that it can save the lives of 252 babies! 

It was a great time, and it was nice to finally meet the other gastro parents in the area. It was a definite reminder that gastroschisis isn't a "one time and done" thing, there were a few kids who still had tubes attached to them and others that still have on going complications. So say a prayer for these kiddos, and hug your kids tight, moms. They're a precious, precious gift.