Hi, Bridge is continuing to do well. She has been in school full time since last Tuesday and loving it. She is tolerating the brace well, about 21 hours a day now. We have been doing a lot of yoga at home, and she actually looks forward to it. We are very fortunate enough to share our amazing story about Bridgette and Paul with channel 13. We meet with Benita Zahn and her team at my mom's house Tuesday the 11th. The National Kidney Foundation set-up this great opportunity for us to hopefully give some incite, hope our just plan awareness of how many people out there suffer from kidney disease. Maybe if it doesn't inspire someone to give their kidney, maybe it will inspire people to sign up for organ donation in general. We have some other amazing news going on. We are going to Hawaii in June through 'The Make A Wish Foundation'. Bridgette was approached in dialysis in Albany about a week after she learned of her illness, and they asked us if Bridge would like a wish. Mark and I kind of were upset about being approached and couldn't wrap our brain around the thought of it, so we put it off for a good while. Finally we came to terms with it and realized this was not about us and our feelings, but about Bridge's, so we asked Bridgette if she could have anything in the world, meet anyone, go anywhere, what would she want and she responded" I just want to be with my brother and swim somewhere warm". That was truly her wish. Finally after months of thinking about what to do, she asked if she could ask for a luau and maybe swim with the dolphins. We let Make A Wish know and they came back with you got your wish!!!!! We are all so excited. We have been reading about Hawaiian culture and the different foods we will try, but the best part is that we will be all together in the warm sunshine, swimming and not having to "worry about a thing" as Bob Marley would say. Thanks again for all the love and support, I kept my promise, I am updating more even though I am back at the hospital and driving a lot, but I love being back!! Take care, Megan

Hi everyone, once again it has been a long time since I have written anything, I am sorry. There is always something going on which I am sure is true in everyone lives. Bridge has been doing remarkable well. She has had some more challenges but continues to strive forward with a positive attitude. Bridgette just recently got fitted for a scoliosis brace that she will have to wear until she stops growing. She has to wear this brace 18-23 hours a day. It has only been 2 weeks but she is up to 20 hours. We go back to Boston mid May to see if the brace is working correctly or if she needs surgery to help assist with the brace.(That is not happening, I have started taking her to yoga and practicing strength and spine exericses at home, so to prevent the surgery) We recently just went to Virginia Beach for spring break. Some of Mark's family lives there so we stayed with them. The weather was nice and warm and we took lots of walks and went to the beach twice. Bridge unfortunately had to go to the hospital 3x for blood work due to her WBC's and ANC levels being extremely low, 0.9 and 0.52. She needed a shot in the belly everyday until levels came back up to normal. The challenge with not only getting her mind set on receiving another shot in the belly was the fact that the insurance wanted a co-pay of $3300 for the medication. I think the hardest part, other than watching your child suffer is fighting with the insurance companies. It is a full time job. Bridge started school again this week. This has been her 3rd day so far, hopefully this time she will be able to finish out her last year at the Mountain School. I finished work at the clinic just before we left for VA and now I start back at the hospital in Bennington this Friday. When am I going to win the lottery???? I would like everyone to know that we will be walking for the Kidney Foundation on Sunday June 6th, in Albany. I know mom and Colleen, and I believe Paul will be volunteering. We will also be attending the Gala at the Desmond on May 27th for the Kidney Foundation. Bridge has one more time inspired someone and that someone is Tracy Metzger, she is the chair for this event. I also believe that my Uncle Craig is on the committee. We are all so very excited to continue to receive all the love and support from everyone. On a side note, I was deep cleaning Bridge's room today, closets, under bed, draws, etc. It took me about 5 hours. I was so deeply touched by all the gifts and cards and words of encouragement to her. I just want everyone one to know that you are all special and truly our in our hearts. Thank you for everything each and everyone of you has done for our family. I promise to update more. XO Megan