Thursday, December 15, 2011

URGENT

This is very serious. We're to the point of critical tests. They're about to start a medicine that could help open her veins that go back to her lungs. They are way too small to allow blood to flow as it should for her to live on her own. If the medicine doesn't help (meaning, her veins cannot be stretched) blood will pool up and tell us that she cannot be helped further.

I can't describe how I feel at this moment... other than desperate. I'm about to fall on the floor and never get up again, or vomit, or...

Call everyone you know RIGHT NOW and ask for a miracle. RIGHT NOW. There's nothing else these experts can do if this medicine can't help her tiny veins. This has to be a God-thing if He choses to heal Anna.

Matt & I are entering numb zone. Tell everyone to hit their knees for us and especially our precious baby RIGHT NOW. It's going to be a very long, agonizing night. It is hard for me to find hope at the moment.

198 comments:

  1. Saying lots and lots of prayers!

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  2. Even THERE Your hand will guide me. Your right hand will hold me fast!!! Psalms 139:10. He is holing you when I cannot my friend!! Praying, Praying Praying!!!!

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  3. Do not lose hope! Prayers are being sent for your beautiful baby girl and for your amazing family. Hold strong.

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  4. Saw your blog link on a friends Facebook and am praying for your family!

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  5. Father God we cry out to You for Your healing touch to stretch Anna Joys veins...allow the medicine to work a.d give the doctors continued wisdom in every decision...we commit her again into your hands and thank you for her...we love her and we love you...in Jesus powerful name...thank you for what you are going to do...amen

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  6. Praying right now and forwarding to all the prayer warriors. Jehovah Rapha we call on you to touch this precious angel, Anna Joy. We believe you can touch and heal her right now today. You still are in the miracle business. Thank you Jesus that we have that hope in you.

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  7. Continuing to pray. This wee tiny soul has already touched many many lives.

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  8. We are praying right now and calling/e-mailing people to plead for God to intervene in little Anna Joy's situation.

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  9. Love to you, Alissa and Matt! More than I have words to express. I have forwarded your prayer request to everyone on my radar whose been praying with you all along this journey.

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  10. Say the word Father and she will be healed!!!

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  11. many prayers and tears for you here at CR tonight - I see His hand above you all there in the room... may you hear the brush of angels wings as his presence descends on you and surrounds you with his love and protection and healing!

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  12. posted to 988 Facebook friends--including some powerful prayer warriors who have helped my husband since his stroke...all the very best to youall!

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  13. I will be praying for little Anna. This news just breaks my heart. God is watching over her. May the medication do it's job to open up her little veins. Thinking of all of you this evening.

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  14. Praying and hoping for you and your Anna in this Christmas Season.

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  15. I only found out about your little girl via a friend on Facebook. I am praying for her and your family...

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  16. Heard of your story through a friend. Praying for you!! Two years ago we sent our little baby to heaven because of a lung defect. I can imagine how hard this must be to deal with. May God give you peace and hope and strength during this time!

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  17. Praying, praying, praying in the name of Jesus - The great healer!!

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  18. Praying for your sweet baby girl! My son was on ECMO for 5 days after his first open heart surgery. The doctors and all the staff didn't believe he would be the same.. but PRAISE GOD, He healed my sweet Noah and looking at him now (a year later) you can not tell that that he ever went through something so scary! I pray that God is healing Anna and tomorrow, all the glory can be given to Him!

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  19. Praying for Anna. God gives us the numb zone for a very good reason. He will see you through.

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  20. I'm in! Jesus work your wonders!!!

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  21. Praying for you sweet child, and for you!

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  22. My husband and I just prayed for you all. Prayed God would heal, strengthen, restore, bring life, bring peace, surround, uplift, renew and help you both to remain steadfast. Prayed that the Spirit of the Lord would fill the ICU, fill you both up, and that you both and especially Anna would feel His healing hand in a very powerful, unmistakable way. We will not cease praying.

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  23. Praying that Jesus' blood will flow and touch every cell in her little body and heal in such a majestic way that we know it is Him and Him only. Praying for you mom and dad and for little Isaac as well.

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  24. Praying and passing on the word!

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  25. We are praying and rallying as many troops to lift your sweet baby and her tired, worn out, getting numb parents to the throne room of our amazing, healing, miracle working Father! I know these are scary times! I awoke in the middle of the night last night and felt an urgency to pray for you guys and Anna. God must have been stirring many to be aware and pray for her! Bless you guys! The Rodes Family

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  26. Praying for dearest Anna Joy and you and Matt!!!

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  27. Alissa and Matt - Praying, praying, praying. Looking at the time when you submitted this post...around that very moment I was with our church pastoral staff and board and we were praying for your little Anna. Our prayers are for healing and for peace. When you are at the point of feeling like you can't get up, just lift your arms up to Jesus and crawl onto his lap.

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  28. Saw your story from a friend on FB... my prayers are with you and your sweet Anna...

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  29. We are praying without ceasing. And spreading the word. I was in Target with the girls when I got your text tonight...I stopped everything, went to a quiet spot in the shoe department, sat down & explained to the girls that we needed to pray for Baby Anna & that it was very important. We proceeded to do so & forwarded your text on to as many as I could in that moment. You are surrounded by love & lifted in prayers!! --The Rowswells

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  30. Allisa...I had no idea the prayer request Lynn Brandon posted was for you. My eyes are filled with tears and you are all in my prayers!!!

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  31. praying for yo in the NAME of JESUS!

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  32. My heart is pouring with prayer for you! I don't know you, but I know you in Christ!

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  33. Praying for Anna all the way in china!

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  34. praying for YOU in the name of JESUS!!!!

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  35. Praying extra hard for you and especially for Baby Anna. May God heal her and give you the strength to stay strong. Your story has touched so many.

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  36. Do not despair. You are not alone. God is with you, Emanuel, forever. Do not be afraid; rejoice in the hope of your Father. So many brothers and sisters are lifting you up in prayer RIGHT NOW, this very hour, and I know the Lord hears us. How He will move, I cannot say. But be encouraged: He is near and He cares very deeply.

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  37. Praying for Anna and the whole family!

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  38. I am a friend of Jessica Christensen's, and I am praying!

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  39. praying, praying, praying for your sweet girl!

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  40. I saw this on a Facebook friend's page, and will post on my page as well to ask all my friends and family to pray for your little girl.

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  41. Even like Isaiah 58:8 I ask Jesus that Your healing for Anna would spring forth speedily.

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  42. Praying for you!! I am simply amazed at the community that has formed out of so much love for your family and Anna Joy!! You are literally being covered in prayers tonight. Many wee hours of the night and morning will be spent praying!

    Jeremiah 1:5 Before I shaped Anna Joy in the womb, I knew all about her, Before she saw the light of day I had Holy plans for her...

    You are loved!!
    Joye Hampton

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  43. Praying for healing and strength for Anna and her family.

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  44. Praying for you tonight.

    Kate Hemminger

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  45. Praying for you and your family. My brother was born with his heart backwards in his chest..they gave him a 10percent chance of surviving the surgery as an infant and he beat the odds and survived. I can only pray that the outcome is the same for your sweet little girl.

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  46. Crying out to God on your behalf.

    Carrie Hays

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  47. I have been following since I saw Anna Joy's story on the news. Every day I am full of hope and prayers for Anna. Extra strong prayer and hope tonight. From deep within my heart and soul, I pray for beautiful Anna to heal. Thank you for sharing your world with us. Sending Anna and your family so much love.

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  48. I pray in the name of Jesus give her strength. Please heal her

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  49. Praying for a miracle. God, be there. Be present.

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  50. Sending lots of prayer, to all of your family. Lord, please be with the doctors and nurses tonight as they administer the medicine, and help little Anna Joy's body receive it and let it stretch those veins and arteries.

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  51. I also have been following your story I am in California, and we are praying as well.. God is with you..Stay strong dont loose faith..

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  52. Our home fellowship group started and ended the evening praying for you. We love you, are praying for healing and strength for you all.

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  53. Remember, I give power to the faint; and to those that have no might I give strength. Isaiah 40:29

    Anna Joy, I send forth my Word to heal. Psalm 107:20

    Listen to me, Anna Joy, you who belong to me. You whom I have upheld since you were conceived and have carried since birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46: 3-4

    Lord, we stand on Your Word. We ask for healing. Help us to praise You for You are the Maker of Heaven and Earth. We also ask for that Peace that passes all understanding to surround all involved. Thank You for loving us.

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  54. Anna is and will always be in my prayers tonight and every night. I am a retired nurse and I have seen many blessing from God. I have seen when God heals and the patient get well..Faith, Hope, and Love are all around her and her family..God loves you Anna and your Mommy and Daddy so much..No matter what happens in the future but know that God, Jesus, our Lord, will never forsake you and love you forever and ever. Also, Lord, keep lifting up Anna's parents through this trial and tribulation and answer their prayers. I say and pray this in Jesus Christ name.Amen

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  55. Praying for your sweet baby girl and your family. May God work miracles in the hands of the doctors and nurses attending to Anna and in the medicine they are administering to her body. Your story has touched my family as it has so many others. May God Bless you all.

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  56. Praying in Coronado, CA
    Kyla Edelman Kay

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  57. When words escape me, I find it hard to express my thoughts. Bu I will be quiet in prayer and hold a vigil in my heart that asks for this medicine to do all it needs to for little Anna to continue bringing Joy to our World! Good thoughts.

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  58. Prayers and big hugs!
    You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born.
    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
    Every moment was laid out
    before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
    They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them;
    they outnumber the grains of sand!
    And when I wake up,
    you are still with me! (Psalm 139:13-18 NLT)
    We know our Lord has you all held tight in His loving arms!
    My heart aches with you!

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  60. Peppley's
    My family is parying for you and your family may God guide the doctors.

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  61. Our hearts are breaking too... We are praying our hearts out!

    Tammie Rutledge

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  62. praying and asking others to join in. May the Lord wrap you all in His arms tonight, rest in His comfort. We pray that he touches little Anna's body and heals her. May his love surround your little boy as well.
    I will continue to pray fervently for you through the night.

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  63. May the Healing Hand of our Lord Jesus Christ touch your precious baby girl. I pray peace over your family right now. God has amazing plans for you and your baby! May God bless you and surround you during this time.

    Romans 8:11 "And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He Who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, Who lives in you."

    Our God is always active, His love, grace and mercy continuous and everything He does is intentional.

    Romans 8:28, 31 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to His purpose....What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

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  64. My husband I are about to bow our heads in prayer! May God heal your your sweet baby!!!

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  65. Just to let you know that people around the World are praying for you and especially for AnnaJoy. Praying from Zambia, Nothing is impossible with God.
    In Jesus name, please heal AnnaJoy!

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  66. Praying for your sweet girl! So sorry for the pain you are in. We have been there, we know the numbness. A prayer for you two as well. Erin Ebright,

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  67. My husband and I are continually praying for sweet Anna Joy. She is so adorable and is so blessed to have such caring parents. We love you guys and pray the Lord will bless you tonight.

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  68. Our nephew was born with HLHS and is doing very well. He had his Fontan surgery on November 8, 2011 and was out of Children's Hospital, in Seattle, the Monday after Thanksgiving. We had our Thanksgiving dinner at the hospital with his family and my in-laws, and it was the best Thanksgiving dinner ever. Good luck on your journey.

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  69. Your lives are singing glory to God! My friend read your story in Idaho, then emailed if to me in Georgia to join with prayers. God is placing your family on people's hearts around the globe. May you have peace that surpasses all understanding!

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  70. Jesus I ask that Your kingdom would come and Your will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. I ask for your healing presence to fill the room that Anna JOY is in and give her body strength in every way. Heal your beloved daughter Jesus.

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  71. hi guys...we are all here for you. even the ones that you dont know and will never have the chance to meet. we will all pray for you, rejoice with you, cry with you, and love you all. we are your friends and family and now extended family. a lot of us have not experienced what you are going through...but those of us that are parents, know what it is like to love our kids and to want to do everything in our power to protect them. god was amazing yesterday, he was amazing today, and will be amazing tomorrow. i pray for your little fighter and everything that is within her. i pray that God will continue to work and continue to make her stronger and for her little veins. just know you are all loved more than you can know and thousands are in diligent prayer tonight all over the world...love to you all.

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  72. Father God I thank you that you are in the midst of this situation and I break all authority, real and false, that satan thinks he has in this case and call forth the blessings of You Father upon this child's life in the name of Christ Jesus! I call forth the Resurrection Power of the Holy Spirit upon the blood vessels and every bit of cell growth in this child's body that it all comes into alignment with GOD'S WILL NOW IN CHRIST JESUS NAME! I break all discouragement, doubt, fear and all words spoken by anyone that do not align with God's Word from this child and I ask you for a hedge of protection around this little one and that she be ask Father that she be hid in Christ as she completes the growing her body needs to do to come home Healthy and Strong in Jesus Christ Name! I praise God and give God the Glory for His Word being true and Victory being His! I thank you God for guiding the hands, hearts and heads of those caring for her. I thank you God for Your Peace, Your Presence and Your Power Presiding over all in Jesus Christ Name, AMEN!

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  73. We saw your story through friends on Facebook. We are praying. May God fill you with his peace and comfort as you endure this night, may you feel his presence, and may his hands bring healing to baby Anna Joy that she might live a full life.

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  74. I'm praying extra hard for your family and baby Anna! My son returned to Jesus 3 years ago. Anna has touched my heart here in Wenatchee.

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  75. Your sweet little Anna has been in my thought and prayers. I'm in Idaho and I have been following your story since a few days before your Anna Joy was born. I will keep her and your family in my prayers, especially tonight.

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  76. I just heard about your story tonight and I am absolutely in awe of your strength. It's amazing how far faith will carry you!! I'm praying over your beautiful family.

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  77. Father, in the name of Jesus, I lift up this little Angel, her family and the doctors to you. I pray for peace and that everyone will feel your presence around this sweet baby girl. I pray over this medicine she is being given and that it will do exactly what it needs to do, nothing more and nothing less. I pray for strength for Matt and Alyssa and that they will know that you are with them and they have so much love and support surrounding them. With God all things are possible.

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  78. A friend on Facebook just shared a link to your blog and I felt prompted to read. I believe God has a reason for everything and everyone. What a fighter little Anna is! May God be with you to comfort you and guide you through this. There are people all over the world who are with you in spirit. Although we are strangers here, we are all God's children. His will be done.

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  79. Praying a miraculous recovery for your sweet daughter and for strength for you all. Hoping with you, crying with you, calling out to the Lord for His hand of healing and protection to be on Anna Joy, for angels to surround all of you and hold you up. For His will to be done and praising Him for what He has done and is going to do.

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  80. I have shared today's post on my Facebook page. I know many people are praying for your sweet Anna tonight. May God's hands be with the surgeons, may His strength be with Anna, and may His will be done through the medicine. Anna's story has may chapters to come. Hold your head high and may your faith in Christ fill your hearts and Anna's. Praying for all of God's Grace to be in the Seattle Children's CICU tonight.

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  81. As I'm the 100th comment on this post, I find myself at a loss for words, except that I'm always and again praying for a miracle. Cling to your Heavenly Father and he will carry u through. I love ya Matt!!! And I am lifting you and your family up on prayer right now!!!-bev Lohrman

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  82. I am praying for beautiful Anna and for your whole family right now.

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  83. This is being posted and spread on Facebook. HUGE hugs and equally huge prayers...

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  84. My heart is aching for you! I am pleading with God to answer our prayers of healing for Anna! Right now I am asking him to give you and Matt the peace that surpasses ALL understanding as you wait.

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  85. Praying you sense the arms of the Shepherd Jesus holding you and comforting you as I know He is holding Anna Joy. Psalm 23

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  86. You probably don't realize this, but there hasn't been 1O minutes that have gone by without someone commenting since you posted this at 5 today. And I'm sure there are many more that got caught up in thei prayer and didn't post. You are so surrounded by love and support from friends, family, and total strangers. That including me. A mother of two from nampa Idaho that doesn't know anyone that knows you but happen to come across your blog. I saw this post on facebook and once 3 years ago found myself stuck with a baby in the nicu asking for prayer. I know a speck of what you are going through and thank you so much for telling your story. Sharing it with hundreds. We all love and support you with prayers galore!! I figured out since 5oclock today on average some one has posted every 3 minutes. 17 comments every hour. There are prayers flying your way. Hold on brother!! 100 is nothin. Praying.....
    Angela R- idaho

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  87. Alissa - I don't know if you remember me, we went to high school together (Colleen Fraser is my maiden name) I've been following your story through Collony Henry's posts on Facebook. I just wanted you to know that we are praying for you guys and asking God to use this situation to glorify Himself there at Children's and with all of the people looking on! We had some medical issues with one of our sons a couple years ago, which is irrelevant other thanI distinctly remember a period of feeling completely hopeless and lost in the middle of the whole thing and God showed Himself to me in the most beautiful of ways. So, I'm praying for you specifically tonight that you would be drawn near to Him and comforted. Thanks for sharing your story and your heart and letting us petition the father with you guys!

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  88. Praying! I am a friend of Jayme Lenkers. We are praying here, and I have asked my fb friends/family to join me!

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  89. Saw a post on Facebook from a friend. I am crying out to the Lord for your beautiful Anna....

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  90. Praying for your family and sweet girl!

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  91. May God surround you and little Anna Joy, may you find peace in knowing He is watching and is in control. We've been praying for your family for strength and healing! Anna is a beautiful girl and she already has such an amazing story!!!

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  92. You are on my mind. I heard this song and thought of you many days ago now, and want to share...it is by Truth called He Is Able...

    Like peering through a window blurred with rain
    emotions run together in a flood of doubt and pain
    we've prayed as best we can
    now we must leave it in His hands

    And yet I know when my eyes fail to see
    HE IS ABLE
    and even though it seems impossible to me
    HE IS ABLE
    But if He chooses not to move in the way we prayed He would
    I'm confident He's working all together for my good
    And I will stand behind His Word for HE IS ABLE

    Questions seem to haunt us night and day
    How could God allow my heart to be torn this way
    Does He listen when I call
    Is he even there at all ???

    And yet I know when my eyes fail to see
    HE IS ABLE
    and even though it seems impossible to me
    HE IS ABLE
    But if He chooses not to move in the way we prayed He would
    I'm confident He's working all together for my good
    And I will stand behind His Word for HE IS ABLE

    And as as the night gives way to dawning and evaporates way
    I stand to face another day
    And I will stand behind His Word for HE IS ABLE

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  93. Hi Matt and Alissa. You don't know me but I happened across your blog recently and have been closely following baby Anna's progress. All children are such amazing gifts from God and He has a plan for each and everyone of them. I pray throughout the day for your baby Anna. She is such a beautiful little girl and hooray you get the joy of watching her grow up and live a wonderful life and I pray that the medicine works and her veins grow so she can live that wonderful life. You are a strong family. Keep fighting!

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  94. I have not met you either, but we are sisters in Christ! I came across your blog tonight through a friends Facebook post and have been fervently praying since. My husband and I laid in bed praying outloud for precious Anna Joy and fully believe that a miracle is possible. Her life is miraculous as we speak and especially as hundreds if not thousands around the world are praying on her behalf. We are praying for the two of you and also for the days ahead. you are not alone in this journey!

    Love in Christ, Allyson Baker

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  95. I don't know you personally, but your family's story has touched my heart. We are praying! My 19 month old, Anne (because God is gracious!) and I lifted the four of you up at bedtime. Our God is Emmanuel- God with us. He is intimately with you and with your sweet girl in this battle on this night. He is holding her and He is holding you. Peace to you.
    Blessings,
    Nicole Longnecker

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  96. I am a friend of your cousin, Amy. Lifting your daughter up in prayer and you both as her parents as well. No one can love your little one more than God and I know He holds her in His hand. May you feel His peace, comfort, and ultimately, His joy. Please Lord Jesus, lay your hand of healing on little Anna Joy - one touch from you would heal her completely. Your will be done, Lord.

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  97. My family and friends and I are praying for peace for you two and healing for Anna. I called in the troops via facebook and text messages the moment that my sister (Katie Harding) forwarded me your text. We will continue to pray for your sweet baby. Know that she has already touched many lives. She is truly a gift.

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  98. My family and I have been lifting your family up in prayer. My 13 year old daughter even went to school the other day and asked her friends to pray for little Anna. May God provide you comfort, strength, refuge and healing for sweet Anna Joy. Prayers and love from friends of Heidi's in Salem! The Clark's

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  99. Praying for all of you today as you go through your night. I pray that you will be filled with peace and that you will be able to rest.

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  100. Praying and trusting---with thousands of others

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  102. Just read about your precious baby Anna Joy from a link on Facebook, standing in prayer with you tonight as you wait for news. Our God is faithful and GOOD. Praying in Olympia.
    And now, O LORD, for what do I wait? My Hope is in you." Psalm 39:7
    ~Rachel Bjorklund

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  103. I found your story through a friend on Facebook, as many others have as well it seems. WOW...what an amazing Gift from God you have in your little Anna! Praying for your beautiful girl! God is SO good and has such incredible plans for this amazing child!

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  104. Followed a friend's link from FB. Prayers sent up from Kingsport, TN!

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  105. I am praying....in fact, I found that I was awake about every 60-90 minutes last night...and each time I woke up, I prayed for you and your precious Anna Joy. May our dear Lord surround you and Anna Joy and her "room" at the hospital with angels -- placing a hedge of protection around each of you; pouring out the Holy Spirit into every fiber of your beings -- and bringing life and breath and healing to Anna Joy, as well as comfort and peace to you during this challenging time.

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  106. Like so many others, I woke up in prayer throughout night. Two pieces of song consistently came to my heart:

    Come Holy Spirit, I need thee.
    Come Sweet Spirit, I pray.
    Come in Thy strength and Thy power
    Come in Thine own gentle way.

    and

    All who are thirsty
    All who are weak
    Come to the fountain
    Dip your heart in the streams of Life
    Let the pain and sorrow be washed away
    As deep cries out to deep, we sing
    Come Lord Jesus, Come.

    Still praying without ceasing.

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  107. I found this through a good friend and to read it. My heart goes out to Little Anna and her mom and dad. I am praying that the medcine will work. Praying for the sweet little Anna and her family. Will cont.

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  108. Oh, my. I am thinking about you guys constantly and always praying. It is so sad for her to come this far, to come to this standstill. I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through right now, I just know that it has to be painful. I pray that the medicine works.

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  109. I have been praying for you all. Tried posting a few times and it wouldn't go through. Just FYI...I am Anita Malmin's sister.

    I can't imagine all that you are dealing with, but I do know of the fears of the unknown when it comes to your sweet little one. God is ever before you, always beside you. In times like this, I know that truth can be both peace-giving and frustrating at the same time.

    Lord, I have been praying that sweet Anna Joy's veins will open and let that blood flow properly. I trust that You are the great physician...what doctors cannot do, YOU can do. We are trusting you for that right now, Lord.

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  110. I saw this blog posted on Facebook and am praying! Also sharing it with others on Facebook! May God give your family comfort and healing.

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  111. Thank you for sharing this incredible journey with us. God is our healer, provider, loving Father. I pray that He will touch and heal your little daughter, that He will give you His strength, His peach. In Jesus name - Amen!

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  112. Romans 8:28 "All things work together for good for those that love the Lord who are called according to His purpose."

    Saw a post on a friends wall and was crying and praying for baby Anna Joy. I don't know you but we are brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray God will give you the peace that passes understanding.

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  113. I am Nisha and Dusty's MOM.
    I have many people praying for Sweet Anna Joy. She is teaching us all a big lesson in Faith and is bringing many people to know the Lord! She is a little Angel.

    May God's will be done and may your faith and Anna Joy's sweet spirit comfort you and bring you thru this very difficult time.

    Laura

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  114. I love that your family was prayed for all night long. God is good.

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  115. "Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel
    will come to you, O Israel."

    I saw your post linked to on a friend´s Facebook and am praying for your family.
    Robin in Fort Wayne, Indiana

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  116. Praying for you Anna Joy, God is faithful to hear our prayers!

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  117. Praying for you all today! Asking God to just say the word...

    Dellaina Holland
    (friend of Colleen LeRoy)

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  118. Hello - I work with your sister and brother. I have been praying for little Anna Joy. I don't even know baby Anna Joy but feel that I do. I feel your pain and am hurting with you though this. You and Matt are so strong hang in there god is with you and your precious little angel. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and Anna everyday, even more now! God is with her I can see it in the pictures she is at peace. God bless to you and your family. Terrina

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  119. I'm a friend of Sarah Nash who has shared your story on FB. I've been in your shoes and can guarantee one thing- God means what He says. He will never leave you, never forsake you, and be with you always to the close of the age. Whether Anna is miraculously healed or whether you and your family are miraculously carried through her transition to glory, HE IS. For us, it was the latter, but I'm praying as hard as I know how for the former for baby Anna.

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  120. Praying for you all today. Asking Jesus for complete healing.

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  121. Jesus loves children and He is fighting for your lil one right now. He wont let your lil one suffer. Before she was formed, HE saw her. She is precious and priceless. I am praying for her now. I will pass the prayer request to everyone i know. Thanks to someone at City Church who sent me the notes.

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  122. i haven't been in touch with you in ages but my hardest prayers go out to you this morning, i don't even know what to say except there is a huge lump in my throat and my heart is aching for your situation.

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  123. Lord God, be so close to This family today that they can feel your warm embrace and know that you are there with them in everything that happens today. Give them your strength and peace. Move in a mighty way today and touch Anna with your healing hand. Let her little light shine and show your amazing power and love to all who come to know her amazing story. Amen.

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  124. I was reminded of a story from one of the little girls in my ministry. She was born with 5 brain tumors and lived in Seattle’s Children’s Hospital for the first 5-6 years of her life. Just recently her mom was reading her a story from a Children’s Picture Bible. This amazing little girl who didn’t talk very much looked at a picture of Jesus and CLEARLY said, “I know Him!” Her mom remembers saying something like…oh yes, that is a picture of Jesus. To which the sweet girl CLEARLY said, “I know Him! He sits with me in the hospital!”

    True story of a little girl that fights for her life daily… and a great reminder that God doesn’t ever leave His kiddos. When I looked at the pictures of Anna Joy with her eyes open, I couldn’t help but wonder if she was looking at God Himself! (In addition to her sweet parents!)

    Praying continually….

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  125. Praying for you and your family. Asking for everyone we know to pray as well. God bless you all.

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  126. God is so great and faithful, keep trusting in the Lord. He made my life a miracle and I know He can do the same for Anna. Anna's life is in the hand of God. God knows all the days of her life. He formed her inmost being; He knits her in her mother’s womb.
    Let us pray but God already knows about her, she is His child.
    Peace & Wisdom from Christ!

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  127. I first heard about your story through Facebook and then Pastor Dave. Been praying for little Anna and passing it along. We pray, God, that your will would be done in this situation, that you would comfort Alyssa and Matt, and that you would hold baby Anna in your precious hands and bring healing to her little body. I pray that your peace and comfort would surround her and her parents. Amen.

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  128. My kiddos and I are praying for Anna Joy! We hope all is well!

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  129. My heart & prayers go out to you & your family. May our father bring healing & the joy of a long happy life to you & your baby girl. Prayers

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  130. Praying for your sweet baby. May the Peace of the Lord be with you.

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  131. Still praying and hoping. Sang Anna's song last night in tearful prayer.

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  132. Bri and I have been praying for a miracle for little Anna Joy. Please know that you guys are in our thoughts and hearts constantly

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  133. Telling your story and praying for you and your precious baby girl!

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  134. I just realized that I've been almost worshiping Anna's healing, rather than worshiping God. So Lord, forgive me. I want to worship you alone.

    We all continue to lift up Anna's heart, her precious little self, and PLEAD for Your healing touch on her physical heart. Thank you that Your great goodness envelops Anna and Alissa and Matt and Isaac.

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  135. My family is praying for your beautiful little angel! May the Lord lay his healing hands on her and grant you the best Christmas gift ever. I believe in miracles and the power of prayer! Don't give up hope because anything is possible through Christ.

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  136. Dear Matt & Alissa... I tried to post this last night about 5:30ish, but it doesn't show up on the blog. Please forgive me if this is a repeat.

    Anyway... when we got your urgent message to pray regarding Anna Joy's veins and immediately began to sing "I've Got A River of Life" (flowing out of me)by L. Casebolt.

    I've got a river of life flowing out of me!
    Makes the lame to walk, and the blind to see.
    Opens prison doors, and makes her veins flow free!
    I've got a river of life flowing out of me!

    Spring up, O well, within my soul!
    Spring up, O well, and make me whole!
    Spring up, O well, and give to me
    That life abundantly.

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  137. Although I do not know Anna or your family personally, I am also passing this along on Facebook. The more people praying for your little girl the better! :)

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  138. I am loving you and holding you all up to God. Lord, please be with this family. My heart is with you.

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  139. How amazing is this! The Lord has woven all these people into sweet Anna's life, she has brought them to the Lord! What an amazing little girl! Praying for her, and your family! ~ Shannon

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  140. You don't know me, but I saw your prayer request on a friend's facebook page, and came to your blog, where I read many of your posts. I have been thinking of you all throughout the day. My 5 year old daughter and I prayed for you all today. Our family lives and works in Israel, so know that prayers are going up for you even across the world in Jerusalem. Be blessed.

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  141. Just said a prayer for you and little Anna. Believe in the power of prayer and trust in Him with all your heart. God bless you and your family.

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  142. I am praying for you via mutual friends on Facebook's petition for your little girl's healing. One of my friends has a little 2 year old daughter that was only born with one heart chamber and spent 6 months in NICU in Seattle, and had a heart transplant at 3 months... she is a living breathing miracle, and we will pray that the Lord grants his mercy on Anna Joy and that your family will be sustained through this time of immense emotional trial. God bless you...

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  143. I don't know you, but am local in Seattle, and have several other friends who have posted your prayer requests on FB. Just wanted you to know one more person is praying for you all. I can't imagine having to go through this, and am happy to do anything I can if you need anything while at Children's. God Bless You all--thank you for your strength, and for not giving up on your sweet little Anna.

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  144. Just wanted to let you know that I'm praying for your little girl. God healed my daughter, Lily Joy, of her heart problem while in utero and I pray that He does the same for your daughter.

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  145. My family and I are hoping, wishing, and praying for the safekeeping of your precious daughter Anna. Seattle Children's is the best and know that she is in capable hands. We have spend days there with our 5 month old. While I can't even comprehend what you are going through, it's heart wrenching all the same.

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  146. A friend of a friend of a friend passed your blog along and asked me to pray for your sweet girl. My daughter was born in March with a birth defect called diaphragmatic hernia. Her heart was okay, but she spent 22 days on ECMO fighting for her life. We've been where you are... exhausted, emotionally spent, begging for God's mercy, angry, confused, hopeful, faithful.... all of it. Know that EVERY SINGLE FEELING you are having is okay. You can believe in a miracle and still feel hopeless all at once. It's hard for people who haven't been there to understand. You don't know me and it sounds like you've got incredible support. But if there's anything at all I can do for you, or if you need to talk to someone who has been down a similar path, I'm here. chrissyhardy (at) gmail (dot) com. Many many many prayers for Sweet Anna Joy and for her precious parents, too.

    www.thehardylife.blogspot.com

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  147. May God give you a knowing that He is with you and that He is with your precious one. Lifting you all up in prayers. May He work His miracles!

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  148. Saw your blog on a friend's FB page. My family lives in Puyallup and we are praying for your family and sweet baby girl.

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  149. I came across your blog because of a friend on facebook. I reposted for all my friends and some of them also reposted and of course several people have said they were praying. I have been thinking of your little one all last night and all day so far today. I have been praying for your family and I know that there are so many people praying. My niece had to have open heart surgery when she was 3.... I only have a small fraction of understanding about where you and your family are and I am praying for you all. Especially sweet baby Anna!

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  150. Praying for beautiful Anna Joy!!

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  151. Many prayers from our family to yours.

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  152. I was sent to your blog from Andrea Baldwin...we're a heart family of Seattle Children's as well. Though our little girl is 3 1/2 now and we're on the other side of all of this as she finished her final surgery in May, our hearts are with you. We're praying for you, your sweet Anna Joy and for God to sustain you in these hard times. I have posted about Anna Joy in a private "heart mamas" facebook group...so prayers are being sent from many heart families who completely understand what you are going through.

    If you haven't heard Matt Hammitt's (lead singer of Sanctus Real and father of Bowen, HLHS) latest release "Every Fallen Tear", I encourage you to listen to it on i-Tunes. It may help comfort you in this time and worships our Father in every lyric. Very spiritual and calming to the soul.

    May you feel His light shine upon you today...

    Love,
    Katie Allred (mom to Maddie, HRHS, Royal City WA)

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  153. Have been following your story through a friend's facebook page...I am praying for your sweet baby girl! I pray for God's healing & for Him to do a miracle in Anna's body as well as peace, comfort, and strength from God to help you two get through this.

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  154. This mama is praying your prayer requests in Seattle as I fall asleep, when I awake, and through the day for your beloved baby Anna Joy and for you, her loving parents. May you feel carried in the love and light being sent your way, through God, through countless prayers.

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  155. On our knees praying for Anna, for healing, for strength and courage.
    Love,
    Heather

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  156. We went to NNU around the same time as Matt and have many mutual friends that having been posting prayer requests on facebook....please know that our family is praying for precious Anna and you guys as well. Your journey is an amazing and a powerful reminder that God is in control of every detail of our lives....we just have to trust and put our hope in Him. May God fill you with continued peace, strength, and comfort and above all bring healing to sweet Anna's body. Blessings, Andy & Heather (Tompkins) McKean

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  157. My sister in-law sent me your blog. I am a heart Mom and our son was treated at Seattle Children's. Our son is now 3 1/2 and he has gone through all three of his open heart surgeries (His last surgery was about 6 weeks ago). My family is praying for your little girl and the doctors who are treating her.

    We stand in faith with your family through this difficult time.

    Much Love,
    Kelsey (Mom to Mason; HLHS, Snohomish WA)

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  158. Matt and Alissa,

    My heart cries with you as I pray... I hold on to the fact that God is good. No matter what this life holds for us, I will not waiver on that fact. God is good. I pray He shows you His peace that surpasses understanding!

    (This is Andrea (Baldwin) Welvaert. Alissa, I attended Richland Naz many moons ago with you, and your mom and dad sang in my parent's wedding. I am also friend of Katie who posted above who has a better understanding of the incredible journey you are on.)

    Anyway, I found a video of one of the songs off of Matt Hammitt's new album. I pray it brings even just a smidge of comfort in the midst of turmoil.

    May comfort, peace, and love abide with you. With Jesus, there is always hope.

    "Lord, please speak the word of life to Anna Joy..."

    Andrea

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oycQAghbFLw&feature=related

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  159. I'm continuing to pray for Anna Joy and all of you and have asked everybody I know to be doing the same.

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  160. On my face in prayer, crying tears out to God on behalf of your beautiful little Anna Joy. We trust in the Power of Jesus' name.

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  161. We haven't met but like many hear, say info on facebook on a friends status. We are praying for you all!

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  162. Prayers and tears for your family.

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  163. Praying for your little girl! What a great testimony to the people around you and everyone who has gotten sucked into your story! Praying that the nurses and doctors around your little girl would see God through you all!

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  164. I saw your story on a friend's fb page(from Oregon) and it broke my heart. I am praying on Anna's behalf and will ask others to do the same. May our Healer be with you, may He be by your side and may those that don't know Him come to see how loving and faithful He truly is. I'm praying for Anna's life and that her story brings people to know the name of God as one who is FOR us, not against us. What God is this? Who calls His people to love and fight for one another? Surely He is for us!!

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  165. Still praying for all of you....throughout the day whenever I had a "moment" I sent up more prayers, and will continue to do so. Know that all of your brothers and sisters in the Lord are praying with and for you...and by this point in time, it has got to be in the thousands. ;) THANK YOU JESUS for hearing and answering all of our prayers according to your will....Amen.

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  166. Kimmer's family in Tillamook... On our knees...

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  167. I saw this on a friends FB and my husband and I have been praying for you since. Our first born was a NICU baby for her first month of life. God can do all things and we are praying and believing with you for complete healing! (San Antonio)

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