Shower and Progress

We are throwing a shower for VCU - weird, right?

As most of you know, our daughter Jillian and her friend were involved in a horrible accident this summer while being pulled on a tube by a Jet Ski. Jillian was airlifted to a level one trauma center @ VCU in Richmond, VA. It was the scariest day of my life, and I wasn’t sure if my baby was going to make it or what the long term damage would be – each piece of good news from the medical professionals treating her was like a brick being lifted from my chest. We soon learned that she would be ok but that we had a long road ahead of us.

Jillian suffered an orbital fracture, a severe concussion, ocular muscle damage, a bruised chest wall, multiple pelvic fractures, several lacerations, and a broken femur. She was in a wheel chair and used a walker for several months and is now back to walking and running, thanks to God’s grace and the miracle of medicine. Her fractures have healed and we are progressing healing for the concussion and eye muscles. She did suffer from less than normal grades first quarter but came home with a great report card today!!

Fast forward almost six months later and Jillian’s femur is healed, which means we are ready to go back to VCU to have the titanium nail and screws removed from her leg – we are thrilled at her progress and really looking forward to starting another chapter in this journey.

Getting to the point of the reason for this “Shower”? The care Jillian has received at VCU was above and beyond anything that words can describe, they are top notch. So much so, that we travel to Richmond for her Orthopedic care rather than switching her to a Dr in NOVA.

VCU not only took care of Jillian, but they took care of us, the family. They made sure we had a warm bed to sleep in, facilities to shower, and more – such a relief when you are worried about your little one and don’t have time to think of yourself. Even more amazing is that they have ensured our care when Jillian has surgery next week knowing that we travel to get there. They arranged for hotel room, provided resource information, etc.

The Hospitality House is a volunteer organization that provides a place of rest for patients and their families, and they have a wish list. What better way for the Chesley’s to give back than to organize a “Shower” for them? They have a few needs for new items, and I am asking for your help, if you can.  I will bring the items next week when we are there, and also when we go back for our follow-up visit, so drop them off at my house anytime over the next week.  Please consider donating to this wonderful facility that is literally one of the only locations close by for families to stay and have given to so many in a time of need.

 List of needed items (new) are below:

Daily House Items

* Silverware & Cutlery

* Stainless Steel Cookware

* Hand Sanitizer

* 10, 45, 50 gallon trash bags

* Dishwasher Detergent/ Hand Soap

* Laundry Detergent

* Furniture Polish

* Glass Cleaner

* Air Freshener 

* DVDs

* Alarm Clocks

* Irons

* Blankets

* Double Bed Sheets (WHITE)

* Pillow Cases (WHITE)

* Wash Cloths (WHITE)

* Bath Towels (WHITE)

Trial Size Items

* Shampoo

* Conditioner

* Shaving Cream

* Toothpaste

* Soap

* Disposable Razors 

Pantry Items

* Soups

* Ready to go Meals

* Milk

* Tuna

*  Snack Food

* Canned Meats

* Fruits

* Coffee & Creamer

* Crackers

*  Cereal

* Sugar, Salt & Pepper

*  Vegetable Oil

*  12 oz Sodas / Drinks

*  Loaf Bread

 

Whatever you can provide is greatly appreciate and we can't thank you enough.

XOXO,
Amanda