Noora’s surgery went just as planned and once again little Noora worked her way through the recovery period with the grace, tenacity and focus of a seven year old bound and determined to get back to what really matters in life, playing. Noora was discharged on Wednesday and not surprisingly, after only 3 short days in the hospital, had made enough new friends, that it took her 20 minutes just to give her “goodbye hugs”. As anxious as she was to get back to the Ronald McDonald House and play, her tastebuds got the better of her on the ride “home” and she requested a pit stop to pick up a couple of her favorites, kabobs and “cheese chips” (cheetos).

Once back at the Ronald McDonald House, she was feeling well enough by the late afternoon to play a bit in the snow, and later, helped one of the RMH volunteers prepare the evening meal.

Dr Attwood was able to insert all three balloons during this surgery and anticipates that we should be able to begin inflating the balloons within 2-3 weeks, after the incision lines are completely healed. This time he was able to insert balloons that have external ports. Now, instead of going to the Dr.’s office once a week for a large bolus of saline, we will be inflating small amounts, numerous times a day, at “home”. This new procedure is expected to reduce the expansion time significantly, possibly in half. This reduction in time will not only help to get them home sooner, but will also benefit the vulnerable position she is in once again, with a portion of her skull missing.

Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers and know how sincerely grateful we are for your continuous love and support. It is appreciated more than we could ever express.