So here is the basic info on The Red Cross blood drive, it is on October 15th at Goshen College for those in the area, however everyone does not need to give on this day if it does not work for you. Any time you give is helping other people. Also if you cannot give blood, you can donate in other ways, money to buy blood, volunteering at blood drives if you want to help out. If you do donate blood, time or money, thanks and know that you are saving lives.
Austin
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
AUSTIN GIVES BACK PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
Title: Local Student Sponsors Plasma & Blood Drive After Rare Life-threatening Illness
On Monday, July 12 – two day after being a groomsman in his sister’s wedding, Austin Hochstelter, a 22-year-old Goshen College student and Goshen resident, began a journey into a life-threatening illness, which began with flu-like symptoms. By Tuesday, July 13, Austin left his summer job at Lowe’s early due to nausea and by the next day, severe abdominal pain led to a doctor visit and two trips to the emergency room at Goshen Hospital, where he was admitted and placed on IV's for observation.
As Austin’s condition continued to deteriorate and doctors were searching for answers, a colonoscopy and series of blood tests were ordered. On Monday, July 19, Austin was moved to the ICU at Goshen hospital where a team of doctors and specialists came to the same diagnosis - Austin had contracted a rare blood disease HUS (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome) and/or TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) most likely from e coli bacteria that traveled through his digestive system and into his bloodstream. HUS/TTP destroys healthy red blood cells and causes extensive microscopic clotting to form in small blood vessels throughout the body and, if not treated, destroys the kidneys and brain. Austin and his parents were told that the only remedy for this condition is a unique blood treatment called Plasmapheresis (a procedure where a person’s blood is pumped out of their body, cells and plasma are separated, then cells are re-combined with fresh plasma - from donors, and pumped back into the body.)
This procedure is performed at only two locations in the state of Indiana – IU Medical Center in Indianapolis and Saint Joe Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. On the afternoon of July 19, Austin was transferred to Saint Joe by ambulance where he was admitted to the ICU and began receiving daily Plasmapheresis treatments that required 14 to 18 bags of plasma each treatment. Slowly, Austin’s body began responding to the plasma treatments along with additional units of blood and blood products which he received daily during his hospital stay until July 31. Austin continued plasmapheresis on an outpatient basis through August 26 while gradually decreasing from daily treatments to two to three times per week. Currently, Austin’s blood numbers have normalized and he is enrolled as a student in the fall semester at Goshen College, with bi-weekly blood tests to monitor his progress toward a full recovery.
Because of his gratitude, after receiving 8 units of blood and over 300 units of plasma, Austin, along with his family, are dedicating a plasma and blood drive “AUSTIN GIVES BACK” on October 15 at Goshen College with a goal of replenishing all the plasma he was given, as well as to provide an additional 100 units of blood. We encourage everyone interesting in donating blood or plasma to check with your local Red Cross on times and locations if you cannot make it to Goshen College on October 15. Anytime the week of October 10 to 15 would be great, and we would love to know if you gave. You could let us know either by posting to this blog or emailing ritch@leadership3.org. Thanks for your support and for helping us give thanks for all that we received to help Austin recover from this illness. ritch
Title: Local Student Sponsors Plasma & Blood Drive After Rare Life-threatening Illness
On Monday, July 12 – two day after being a groomsman in his sister’s wedding, Austin Hochstelter, a 22-year-old Goshen College student and Goshen resident, began a journey into a life-threatening illness, which began with flu-like symptoms. By Tuesday, July 13, Austin left his summer job at Lowe’s early due to nausea and by the next day, severe abdominal pain led to a doctor visit and two trips to the emergency room at Goshen Hospital, where he was admitted and placed on IV's for observation.
As Austin’s condition continued to deteriorate and doctors were searching for answers, a colonoscopy and series of blood tests were ordered. On Monday, July 19, Austin was moved to the ICU at Goshen hospital where a team of doctors and specialists came to the same diagnosis - Austin had contracted a rare blood disease HUS (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome) and/or TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) most likely from e coli bacteria that traveled through his digestive system and into his bloodstream. HUS/TTP destroys healthy red blood cells and causes extensive microscopic clotting to form in small blood vessels throughout the body and, if not treated, destroys the kidneys and brain. Austin and his parents were told that the only remedy for this condition is a unique blood treatment called Plasmapheresis (a procedure where a person’s blood is pumped out of their body, cells and plasma are separated, then cells are re-combined with fresh plasma - from donors, and pumped back into the body.)
This procedure is performed at only two locations in the state of Indiana – IU Medical Center in Indianapolis and Saint Joe Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. On the afternoon of July 19, Austin was transferred to Saint Joe by ambulance where he was admitted to the ICU and began receiving daily Plasmapheresis treatments that required 14 to 18 bags of plasma each treatment. Slowly, Austin’s body began responding to the plasma treatments along with additional units of blood and blood products which he received daily during his hospital stay until July 31. Austin continued plasmapheresis on an outpatient basis through August 26 while gradually decreasing from daily treatments to two to three times per week. Currently, Austin’s blood numbers have normalized and he is enrolled as a student in the fall semester at Goshen College, with bi-weekly blood tests to monitor his progress toward a full recovery.
Because of his gratitude, after receiving 8 units of blood and over 300 units of plasma, Austin, along with his family, are dedicating a plasma and blood drive “AUSTIN GIVES BACK” on October 15 at Goshen College with a goal of replenishing all the plasma he was given, as well as to provide an additional 100 units of blood. We encourage everyone interesting in donating blood or plasma to check with your local Red Cross on times and locations if you cannot make it to Goshen College on October 15. Anytime the week of October 10 to 15 would be great, and we would love to know if you gave. You could let us know either by posting to this blog or emailing ritch@leadership3.org. Thanks for your support and for helping us give thanks for all that we received to help Austin recover from this illness. ritch
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
September 29th, 2010
Hello Everyone, I apologize for the delayed update on how I am doing. My recovery is continuing to go well. I have been to the cancer center in Goshen two times to get labs drawn and both times my blood tests were positive. This week when I got my labs drawn my levels were mostly all improved. My white blood cells level is at 2.9 which is the highest it has been in a while, I also had an increase in granulocytes, which are immature white blood cells so that is very good as well. My hemoglobin was at 12.1, that is an increase as well. My platelets went down a little bit but are still in the normal range. Things are still not where they are supposed to be but they are moving in the right direction which is encouraging. It is rather crazy thinking that a little over a month from today is when I got my catheter out, it seems like it has been a lot longer than that and I am continually grateful to be where I am today and as healthy as I am today.
Thanks for your continued support
Austin
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Thanks for your continued support
Austin
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Saturday, September 4, 2010
September 4, 2010
I was thinking today how fortunate I am to be where I am now in my recovery process, it has not even been two months since I started to get sick and I have came a long way. I am very thankful for the way my recovery has went, I know it could have went a lot differently. I have just begun another year of college with a new outlook on life, one that embraces each day of life I am given with a lot more awareness of what a blessing my health is.
Thanks to everyone for your continued support
Like my dad said, the blood and plasma drive details will be up on the blog soon
Austin
Thanks to everyone for your continued support
Like my dad said, the blood and plasma drive details will be up on the blog soon
Austin
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
September 1 Post
Bone marrow test results were normal...cause for celebration! The plan for now is by-weekly blood tests to monitor levels. We continue to ask for prayer for Austin's full recovery as he deals with some lingering digestive issues as well as low energy level. At the end of the day, we will never know the cause of this whole ordeal, but we have been reminded that all of life is gift and how important it is to live each day to the fullest.
Austin is currently enrolled full-time in the fall semester at Goshen College with classes starting this week. Char and I are working with friends on details and setting a date for "Austin Gives Back" plasma and blood drive sometime in October. We will try to get this nailed down in the next week and will post the details on the blog. Ritch
Austin is currently enrolled full-time in the fall semester at Goshen College with classes starting this week. Char and I are working with friends on details and setting a date for "Austin Gives Back" plasma and blood drive sometime in October. We will try to get this nailed down in the next week and will post the details on the blog. Ritch
Friday, August 27, 2010
August 27 Post
Halleluiah! The catheter is out!
We showed up for blood work this morning at Saint Joe Med Center and as we were waiting Austin contemplated the possibility that his numbers had lapsed and that he would need another treatment, or at least would be sporting the pheresis catheter over another weekend.
The doctor met with us by 9:30am with the opening question, "Are you ready to get that thing out?" Austin's labs indicated sustainability with a few increases, which means "goodbye plasmapheresis!" I think Austin was in shock because all he could say is "really?"
The process for removal wan't nearly as invasive as when it was put in. We were sent to the nephrology center near the hospital and were on our way by 11:00am. Austin needs to be careful over the next three days as the opening heals that the catheter inhabited for over a month. His first possibility for a shower is Sunday morning. Kind of gives a ring to Tony Campolo's message "It's Friday - but Sunday's Comin'!"
We have a followup appointment in Goshen to review results of bone marrow biopsy (which we heard looked fine) and most probably set up a schedule for blood work to ensure the healing process stays on track.
As I shared in the last post, stay tuned for information about a blood/plasma drive, and thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone - doctors, nurses, family, and friends for your expertise, help, prayers and support over the last month! ritch
We showed up for blood work this morning at Saint Joe Med Center and as we were waiting Austin contemplated the possibility that his numbers had lapsed and that he would need another treatment, or at least would be sporting the pheresis catheter over another weekend.
The doctor met with us by 9:30am with the opening question, "Are you ready to get that thing out?" Austin's labs indicated sustainability with a few increases, which means "goodbye plasmapheresis!" I think Austin was in shock because all he could say is "really?"
The process for removal wan't nearly as invasive as when it was put in. We were sent to the nephrology center near the hospital and were on our way by 11:00am. Austin needs to be careful over the next three days as the opening heals that the catheter inhabited for over a month. His first possibility for a shower is Sunday morning. Kind of gives a ring to Tony Campolo's message "It's Friday - but Sunday's Comin'!"
We have a followup appointment in Goshen to review results of bone marrow biopsy (which we heard looked fine) and most probably set up a schedule for blood work to ensure the healing process stays on track.
As I shared in the last post, stay tuned for information about a blood/plasma drive, and thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone - doctors, nurses, family, and friends for your expertise, help, prayers and support over the last month! ritch
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
August 24 Post
Great news! We showed up at Saint Joe Hospital this morning and learned that several key blood count numbers not only sustained but improved! As the doctor started sharing the numbers I found myself doing fist pumps and saying "YES!" after every one. Even white blood cell count improved which is so great because Austin has been considered at high risk for infection. After labs we were sent home with the news that we won't need to return until Friday - with the possibility of removing Austin's pheresis catheter.
Char and I are rejoicing with the news - for this moment and day, while, as you can imagine, it's difficult for Austin to be optimistic since he has had to deal with so much bad news - and he is currently experiencing discomfort from yesterday's bone marrow biopsy. We thank God for answered prayer and continued strength for the journey, even as we anxiously await the results of the biopsy.
We continue express our thanks to everyone who has supported us on this mysterious and difficult journey. We also want to let you know that we are checking into the possibility of a plasma/blood drive "Austin Gives Back" to encourage everyone who would like to be a part of replenishing their local blood banks as a "THANK YOU!" for all that he has received that has truly been life-giving. We'll let you know what develops. ritch
Char and I are rejoicing with the news - for this moment and day, while, as you can imagine, it's difficult for Austin to be optimistic since he has had to deal with so much bad news - and he is currently experiencing discomfort from yesterday's bone marrow biopsy. We thank God for answered prayer and continued strength for the journey, even as we anxiously await the results of the biopsy.
We continue express our thanks to everyone who has supported us on this mysterious and difficult journey. We also want to let you know that we are checking into the possibility of a plasma/blood drive "Austin Gives Back" to encourage everyone who would like to be a part of replenishing their local blood banks as a "THANK YOU!" for all that he has received that has truly been life-giving. We'll let you know what develops. ritch
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