-----Original Message-----From: Stephanie MacLean
Sent: August 5, 2002 8:16 PM

Hello,
I spoke with Mike today and he said it looks like Meagan could be staying in the hospital for several more weeks. (possibly into September.) She is doing well but will need a few more weeks of antibiotics as well as lots of rest and recovery time. There is a pass system at the hospital where they can sign her out for a day or two, and then bring her back. That could happen in about 2 weeks. Pauline has decided to temporarily move into CHEO so she can be near Meagan and be able to nurse her. They have given her a small room with a couch off the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Until recently, they were told that Meagan would need a shunt to alleviate the hydrocephalus (water on the brain), and that this would be permanent. Well now it looks like there is about a 20% chance that she won't need it at all! That would be great news and a miracle in itself, as there is the potential for infection, and it could present long term problems. So let's pray specifically that the shunt will not be necessary. They'll know the results in a couple of weeks.

They are taking it all in stride but I can't imagine what they are going through. It's amazing that the Lord gives us what we need, as we need it. I'm sure that there's never been a such sweet girl who has been SO loved and SO prayed for!!!

To date there are 45 people on this e-mail list (some of whom don't even know the McGraths) and of those 45, many are forwarding these messages on to their friends, family and prayer groups, e-mail lists, etc. So I believe there are hundreds praying for this family daily. That's powerful stuff!

Stephanie

p.s. feel free to ask if you would like clarification of anything in these messages. Also, I know a lot of you would like to contact them, but are holding back. If so, write to me and I'll pass your messages along. Pauline and Mike know you are reading these messages and praying for them, and they appreciate it very much.