Please Help Us Support Natalie – Updated
Update: I’m sad to pass on the news today that little Gavin passed away earlier today. Our thoughts and prayers are with Natalie and we hope you’ll keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
I don’t normally use this blog to post about more personal things but as it relates to one of our much loved members of our writing team whose family is going through a very tough time I thought it would be worth posting in the hope that our community might be able to lend some support – after all, that’s what I started this site to do.
As many of you know, one of our long time writers, Natalie Norton, has an 8 week old son who is battling fiercly with a vicious case of Pertussis (Whooping Cough). On top of that, baby Gavin (pictured right) has developed RSV, pneumonia and most recently a blood infection.
The severity of his case is compounded by the lack of medical research in dealing with this type of disease as it is particularly rare (though it has apparently begun to rear it’s ugly head in recent months). At this point he is definitely in need of a medical miracle. Happily Gavin is in one of the most reputable pediatric intensive care units in the United States, and he is being monitered and treated by a dedicated team of doctors and nurses who are working around the clock to save her little son.
Natalie and her family are full of a remarkable level of faith and hope that their little boy will overcome, but obviously any prayers and positive energy would help! We are simply wanting to put this need out there to our community and would ask you respond in the best way you know how.
If that’s to pray – please pray. If that’s to send a message of support to Natalie – you can do so through Twitter or her blog (details below), if that’s to send some positive healing energy Gavin’s way – please do that. You can see updates on Gavin’s condition through Natalie’s twitter updates (www.twitter.com/natalienorton
Update: I’m sad to pass on the news today that little Gavin passed away earlier today. Our thoughts and prayers are with Natalie and we hope you’ll keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
126 Responses to “Please Help Us Support Natalie – Updated” - Add Yours
January 6th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Oh my gosh Darren. THANK YOU. There are tears streaming down my cheeks. THANK YOU a million times over.
January 6th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
I will be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers Natalie – I hope the little ones get better soon!
January 6th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
man, sorry to hear that, natalie!
… you’re in my thoughts and prayers! hope things work out somehow!!!
January 6th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Hi Natalie, My prayers and thoughts go out to you, your family, and little Gavin. I pray that God will watch over him and bring comfort to you. God bless
January 6th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Hang in there little Gavin. Prayers headed your way.
January 6th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
I’m really sorry to hear this..
Natalie, all my thoughts and prayer will be going to you and your family! <3
January 6th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Dear Natalie,
With two sons of my own, I can’t imagine what you are going through. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa
January 6th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Natalie -
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
~Kerri
January 6th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Dear Natalie,
My thoughts and wishes for some light at what must be a very difficult time for you.
January 6th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Sending you lots of love and support from San Francisco, Natalie!
January 6th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Natelie, I hope your little one recovers quickly. Will remember him in prayer
January 6th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
sending prayers from Grants Pass,OR Natalie
January 6th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Sending you our love and good thoughts for your son. Hope he shows improvement soon!
January 6th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
I just popped over to her blog and left a message of support. If positive energy can do anything, that little boy definitely has a lot of help headed his way. Please keep us updated.
January 6th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Thinking of you, hope all goes well.
January 6th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
A special prayer and many warm, comforting hugs coming your way Natalie!
January 6th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
I certainly hope all goes well for her, and her family.
Furthermore, I can empathize with the process they must have already taken. I got pertussis at one point in middle school, and I realize how incredibly little is known about it, to the point where they can’t even test for it, and there’s no cure. At the same time, it is the ‘100 day cough’, and hopefully for Natalie she can last that long. Best of luck
January 6th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Sending many prayers and thoughts all the way from Budapest, Hungary!
Get well Gavin!!!
January 6th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Wish ur little one recover soon… stay strong & keep up ur good work!
January 6th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Wishing your son all the strength and blessed karma from Cambodia!!!! I will pray for you, your family and your son Natalie! Be strong!
January 6th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
My best prayers for baby Gavin…
January 6th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Keep strong. Best wishes & support from Portugal.
January 6th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
We are with You!!!
I’m waiting for the birth of my first child – Natasha.
Every day I am afraid and I hope that she will be healthy.
January 6th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Natalie, You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your little boy is well very soon. God Bless, Peter
January 6th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Natalie, I pray a quick recovery for your little one.
January 6th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
Natalie, we also have a little one on the way any day now and I cannot imagine the challenges you are facing. Our thoughts and prayers are with little Gavin and the rest of your family.
January 6th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
I can just say that there is nothing to worry, i will try my level best to help out and hope is treating well to Natalie’s family. I will also pray to god to help you and give whatever you want, God will definitely help you. Will also ask few of my friends who can really help defeating against it.
January 6th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Natalie, having nearly lost my own son to RSV at 3 weeks old, I have some understanding of the helplessness you feel. Please be strong, and have faith that your darling boy will come through this. He needs the strength of the people around him to get him through this tough time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sarah
January 6th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Prayers made. Children are one of God’s most precious gifts. Hope all goes well for you and baby Gavin.
January 6th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
Wishing your son all the strength and blessed karma. I will pray for you, your family and your son Natalie! Be strong!
January 6th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
My thoughts and best wishes are with you and your family, i hope he gets well soon so he can get his grubby mitts on your camera
January 6th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Our thoughts are with you and your family ?
January 6th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
Sending best of thoughts and wishes your way! Hope Gavin gets well soon!
January 6th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
special blessings! God chooses special parents for special children. You know he is with you through all of this… A mothers love can accoplish anything and bring on great miracles
January 7th, 2010 at 12:14 am
God bless you little Gavin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ritchie and Natalie.
Doug Ford
January 7th, 2010 at 12:27 am
Nat, our hearts and prayers go out to you.. I was teary reading this, I can’t imagine how tough it must be. I looked at my little man of seven weeks this morning and tried to image how I’d feel in the same position… You’re an absolute treasure and a complete powerhouse, and I know you will get through… keeping an eye on your blog for the good news.
Sime, Shell and Seb xo
January 7th, 2010 at 12:28 am
I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers. Be Strong.
January 7th, 2010 at 12:28 am
Thanks for this Darren, I read Natalie’s post with tears streaming and then posted it on my facebook page. Hopefully the prayers and heafing, hopeful thoughts will continue to pour in for this family.
January 7th, 2010 at 12:32 am
Gavin would get better soon. Miracles do happen in daily life. Hard times are the test of faith we have. Don’t loose faith and hope. My prayers and good wishes are with you and little Gavin. May he enjoy 100 years of good health.
January 7th, 2010 at 12:59 am
Love and prayers from Springfield, MO. Get well, Gavin!
January 7th, 2010 at 1:00 am
Sending all my good thoughts…
January 7th, 2010 at 1:18 am
Hang in there Gavin and Natalie!!!!
January 7th, 2010 at 1:21 am
I’ll be sure to say a little prayer for Natalie and her family. Baby Gavin, i’m rooting for your recovery.
January 7th, 2010 at 1:37 am
prayers and wishes from me to your and you baby boy’s well being….dont worry, it will work out:)
January 7th, 2010 at 1:46 am
Natalie I am so sorry your little guy is so sick – I will keep him in my prayers daily! Send you and your family hugs.
January 7th, 2010 at 1:52 am
Best to you and your family during this difficult time.
January 7th, 2010 at 1:52 am
Love and prayers from Bloomington, IL. Please get better soon Gavin!!
January 7th, 2010 at 2:02 am
God bless you with your son, and he will protect him for sure, my bless to you and to the Doctors that treat little Gavin.
January 7th, 2010 at 2:41 am
You are in our thoughts and prayers from Logan, Utah. God bless and strengthen you all during this time of stress. may He bring you comfort and peace.
January 7th, 2010 at 2:41 am
I am so sorry for you and your family.
I will pray for you and your family.
I Hope that he gets better soon.
With deepest sympathy,
Benjamin H
January 7th, 2010 at 3:15 am
Sending loads of prayers and healing energy for all the family. Get well Gavin and be strong Natalie! Blessings to all of you from Bedford, England.
January 7th, 2010 at 3:59 am
Love, Thoughts and Wishes from San Jose, CA! Keep Strong!
January 7th, 2010 at 4:15 am
God gave you a very special baby with a very special purpose for your life and his own. I pray God gives you the peace and strength you need to endure this struggle. Love in Christ from Atlanta.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:23 am
Love, prayers and crossed fingers from Slovene DPS community!
January 7th, 2010 at 4:31 am
We will be praying for Gavin’s fast recovery. May God bless Gavin with good health!
From Du Quoin, IL
January 7th, 2010 at 4:33 am
Hi Natalie, You, your family and your child are all in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.
January 7th, 2010 at 5:08 am
The way this community is gathering to support Natalie just blows my mind! So much love and prayers in the air that I have a feeling the hand of God is resting on her son’s shoulder, giving him the strength to defeat this. That being said, I’ll be sending a few more prayers and thoughts up there to help with an even speedier recovery!
January 7th, 2010 at 6:15 am
We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you, Natalie, and to baby Gavin. Hang in there, little one, and fight, fight, fight.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:05 am
Natalie, I am praying for your precious son and will continue to pray for his supernatural healing which only He can do and also praying that God will give you and your family strength during this difficult time.
January 7th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Thanks for posting Darren – this is near and dear to my heart. My son (now a very healthy 7 yo!) was born 8 weeks premature and we lived in literal fear of RSV for years. Thinking of Natalie and Gavin.
January 7th, 2010 at 10:29 am
A member of our digital scrapbooking forum thread posted a link for Gavin today. This prayer chain of moms and grandmothers literally circles the globe and has an amazing “track record” of miracles, especially when little ones are involved. We can hardly wait to add Gavin to our list of miracle babies.
January 7th, 2010 at 10:58 am
Little Gavin will be lifted up at church tonight…Isaiah 53:5……by His stripes we are healed……
January 7th, 2010 at 11:27 am
sending many prayers to your family.
January 7th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Prayers from Manila, Philippines
Be stong Natalie… hoping all will be well for your baby…
January 7th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Thank you for sharing this here. I certainly will be praying for Gavin, Natalie and the entire family.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
My thoughts are with you all at this trying time. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. Be strong – your baby will be feeding off your energy. Bless you all.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
I am praying for your baby and you. God will heal him.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Natalie, I hope all the love and prayers coming help keep you and your family strong. There is nothing more difficult than watching your child have health problems and the helpless feeling it brings. We will all be praying for his recovery ?
January 8th, 2010 at 1:09 am
Natalie – my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
January 8th, 2010 at 1:44 am
pray to GOD for the good health of Gavin and he will definetly come out of this all pain , and u as a family we all r with u . pls b calm and trust god finaly Gavin will b happy and merry with u
January 8th, 2010 at 2:02 am
We’ll remember you and your son in prayer, Natalie. Have always loved your articles !
January 8th, 2010 at 2:39 am
If there is such thing as strength in numbers, Natalie, the DPS community is right there with you. We are praying for you and your family.
January 8th, 2010 at 4:45 am
My thoughts are with you and your son, Natalie.
January 8th, 2010 at 4:56 am
Just heard the tragic news via twitter.. Stay strong Natalie, and rest assured that one day, God will grant you two to be in eachother’s presence once again. More prayers are headed your way.
January 8th, 2010 at 4:59 am
You are an incredible woman of faith and God is welcoming your baby in his arms today. I am sorry for your loss and my heart is breaking for you and your family, but I know God will help you through this too. Keep the faith and love strong…
January 8th, 2010 at 5:59 am
from California
sending warm hugs and prayers to your baby and family
January 8th, 2010 at 6:11 am
I’ve asked Jesus for healing for the kids, and peace and strength for you Natalie.
January 8th, 2010 at 8:18 am
To Gavin
By His stripes you are healed. We claim this healing over your life. Father your word says” For I know the plans I have for your life, plans of good and not of evil. Plans of prosperity” Lord, I pray for baby Gavin to prosper in health. Reach down and touch him Lord.
In Jesus’ mighty name
Amen
Love from South Africa
January 8th, 2010 at 8:23 am
My prayers are with you. I recently survived being shot in the face (it almost killed me), and fought off pneumonia while hooked up with a trachea and oxygen.
Look into Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide.
January 8th, 2010 at 9:21 am
We are all thinking of you. Stay strong! x
January 8th, 2010 at 10:01 am
Thoughts and prayers your way.
January 8th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Natalie, I cannot imagine what you’re going through. I’ll pray to God so He gives you the strength in this difficult time. I’m with you, and with your family, and you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all and baby Gavin, he is already with Him.
Prayers from Monterrey, Mexico
January 8th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
God bless you and your family. Prayers of strength are with you.
January 8th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Natalie, I think our collective hearts just broke. And it’s so little to give you and your family when your hearts have just shattered. But it’s what we have to give you. And I hope in some way it helps the healing. We wont stop praying for you. Much love and blessings, Susan
January 8th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
You and your family are in my thoughts.
January 8th, 2010 at 4:59 pm
Just want to echo what Susan said. I know my heart is breaking for you and your family. I can’t know what you, your husband, your family are all feeling, but being a mother myself, I can only just begin to imagine how painful it must be. I don’t think words could describe it. I have been following your blog and while it is very little consolation, I want you to know what an inspiration you have been, of faith, strength, determination and unwavering love. Know that people all over the world have you in their thoughts and prayers, and I wish for you peace and healing.
January 8th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Natalie, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I can’t say I can share your pain, because I can’t imagine what must be like to lose a child. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and I ask God to give you the peace and comfort you need at this time.
No one knows why this kind of thing happens, but everything happens for a reason, and I pray for that reason to be revealed to you. Perhaps some aspect of little Gavin’s case will help in research and treatment of other cases like his. I don’t mean this in any way to sound uncaring.
Shortly after my wife of 24 years passed away, I learned that the corneas she donated helped a young woman to see again. I just felt I needed to share this with you.
Please accept my most heartfelt thoughts and prayers.
January 8th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Natalie, as a mommy with a sickly 3 year old in and out of hospital, you have all my heart in your loss! May God Himself comfort you and your family in this time! Praying for you!
January 8th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
praying for you natalie and your family most especially baby gavin
GOB Bless
January 8th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
Natalie,
I was heartborken to see the update this morning. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Be strong.
Sonya
January 9th, 2010 at 7:18 am
My heart breaks for you and your family. I know there are no words to describe the loss you are feeling and no words that anyone can express to make you feel better, just know you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless Beautiful Baby Gavin!
January 9th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Oh Natalie, my heart is just broken for you right now. I pray that God will comfort and sustain you as only He can.
January 9th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
My prayers are with you.
January 10th, 2010 at 10:32 am
My heart and prayers goes out to you and your family, i’m terribly sorry for your loss.
January 10th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with u. Stay strong
January 10th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with u. Stay strong God will be there
January 11th, 2010 at 5:19 am
I am saddened by your loss, and my heart weeps with yours. May you and your family feel God’s strength all around you. I will continue to hold you in prayer.
January 11th, 2010 at 9:32 am
Natalie, I don’t know you, however we have a connection. This is very close to my heart losing my son Rogan on December 24th of last year just 15 min. after his birth. We were devastated but it was the support of some people I didn’t even know that pulled me through. God bless and take care of yourself and your family. From this day forward the world will be a different place and it will give you a strange new perspective.
I am so sorry for your lose, it is difficult for me to write this because it brings back some of those memories but in a way I thank you for making me think of him…. Dean
January 11th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time. It is great to know that you are able to lean on Jesus during this gut wrenching time. I don’t see how anybody could go through this without HIM.
love and prayers… Bess
January 12th, 2010 at 8:28 am
My prayers are with Natalie and her family for I know that God is the only one that can help them through this trying time. I send lots of love and support their way!
January 12th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Natalie and Family
I’m so sorry for your loss..{{{hugs}}} and prayers..
January 12th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Natalie, I am so very sorry for your loss. Continuing to pray for you and family.
January 12th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Natalie, I am a Mom of two and I could not imagine what you’re feeling right now. You’re in my prayers.
Stay strong.
My deepest sympathy.
From Texas,
Cathy
January 12th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
My thoughts and prayers Natalie. All the love to you and your family.
From Paraguay
Daigo
January 12th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
May God be with you and your family.
January 12th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Natalie, I cannot put into words how shocked and sad I am on your loss of Gavin. Please know all of your friends here are thinking of you and praying for you and your family. God bless, Peter Camyre Wilbraham, Massachusetts
January 13th, 2010 at 12:12 am
Natalie, my prayers and thoughts are with you and baby Gavin. Stay strong.
January 13th, 2010 at 12:23 am
I am really sorry to hear this news. Its a great loss. No parents should bury their young ones, May god give you strength and courage to cope up with this adversity. Be Strong
January 13th, 2010 at 12:59 am
I am really sorry to hear such sad news… you have my deepest sympathy. Those sad moments should never happen.
January 13th, 2010 at 11:58 am
oh gosh, this really hurts my heart so bad. my prayers to natalie and her family.
January 14th, 2010 at 12:14 am
So sad and angry. As a father of two my heart breaks to learn about your loss.
January 14th, 2010 at 3:06 am
my cousin has a child who’s also on the brinks, please keep Miles in your prayers.
January 14th, 2010 at 5:18 am
I’m very sorry, Natalie.
January 14th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Natalie,
I gasp when I read Darren’s update. I had prayed so hard for your little son that, momentarily, I felt betrayed by a higher power in his passing. Somehow, this was the outcome that was meant to be. I can not imagine the pain you have endured. Gavin’s spirit will be with you now and in brighter days ahead.
January 15th, 2010 at 12:24 am
Natalie:
If it’s possible that so many strangers can collectively hold you up, we will. We will offer you strength, peace and comfort. My heart goes out to you and I will ask God to help you make it through each day.
January 15th, 2010 at 6:31 am
I haven’t been on this site in a couple of weeks, and when I read the post and the update, it took my breath away momentarily…
I will be praying for you and your family.
January 15th, 2010 at 9:36 am
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during your time of grieving may Christ be with you and give you peace.
January 15th, 2010 at 10:00 am
I am so very, very sorry.
January 15th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Natalie,
I am so very very sorry to hear about Gavin. I can’t imagine how deep your heartache must go. Many many prayers for you and your family.
Maria (Buffalo, NY)
January 15th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
I really feel very sorry on your loss, but keep faith in god. May god be with you every second of your life. Be strong. deepest sympathy to you and Family.
January 15th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Natalie
Feel terribly sorry for you loss.
Lots prayers and love from Jakarta, Indonesia for you and you family.
Faith strong our dear Natalie, Gavin and all of us are so proud of you
Love & prayers from Indonesia,
Mercy
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30822603&op=1&o=global&view=global&subj=698679607&id=1465313032
January 15th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
You are in my thoughts ~ x
January 17th, 2010 at 1:00 am
I offer my prayers up for Natalie and her family.
God bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you.
January 17th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Prayers to you and your family Natalie… my heart goes out to you…
January 19th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Natalie, I so enjoy reading your tutorials on this site. My heart goes out to you and your family.
April 17th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Dear Natalie,
I’ve just stumbled upon your piece about “Moving toward manual settings” and found myself smiling as I was reading. Then I come across this post and my hear is breaking for you. I hope that you can find some comfort (if there is such a thing at this terrible time) that the people here (myself included) would love to put our arms around you and give you a comforting hug. We are all praying for you and your family.
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