Here are the previous updates on Drew.

Hi Friends,

Thank you for the outpouring of love and concern for Ed and Roxanne. They deeply appreciate it.

At this point, the best way to communicate with them is to go into the guestbook on the website and express your thoughts, love, and prayers. The telephone calls are tough right now and they need some time just to be quite and not answer any questions.
I know many of you have questions regarding what happened, and I think we are all struggling with that. Basically, Drew's body was just not able to tolerate surgery. God had a different plan, and that was to give Drew a perfect body. Drew will never suffer again and that is very comforting. The day was very up and down, there were some good reports, but basically, his body just wasn't able to recover.

We will update the website and hotline as we get information on the services. Also, I know many of you want to do something for them in a tangible way and we will let you know as the needs arise. Thank you so much for your love and concern. Please continue to pray that God's grace will abound in their hearts and carry them through this time.

Treasured Friends,

God chose to take Drew home tonight. He will face no more surgeries, no more difficult recoveries, no more needles, and no more pain. God answered our prayers for healing by giving Drew a body that will never hurt again.

His body was just not able to tolerate the heart transplant.

There are no words to describe how much Drew will be missed by his mom and dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. We have to remember that our true citizenship lies in heaven. Drew has taken his place in eternity where he is face to face with the glory of God.

Thank you for your steadfast faithfulness in praying for the Nilsens. They need our prayers now as much as ever. Please pray for God's grace to abound as they begin this incredibly difficult journey. Their deepest desire has always been that Drew's life would bring glory to God. Pray that the footprints Drew has left behind will change lives forever to the glory of God.

With love and gratitude,

Hi Everyone,
Ed and Roxanne were finally able to meet with the surgeon, Dr. Plunket. His biggest concern for Drew, right now, is bleeding. He let them know that he has been trying to get the bleeding under control all day long. Initially, the heart looked better than they anticipated, and they were really happy with it for 45 minutes. Then they tried to pull him off the bypass machine and couldn't do so and realized that the heart was begining to not work properly. They know that bleeding is part of the reason that the heart is not functioning well, but he is not sure if there is some rejection as well. But, his biggest concern is the bleeding because they can't take any steps forward until the bleeding is taken care of.
Drew is back in ICU, and they are trying to address the bleeding there. Pray that God would supernaturally stop the bleeding. That the doctors will have wisdom. And that Ed and Roxanne will find some peace today! Thanks for your prayers and please keep praying!

Hello Faithful Praying Friends,
The first report we heard this morning regarding Drew's new heart was that he was in "acute rejection". At about 11:30, they were able to talk to a doctor who had been checking in with the OR staff. This doctor feels that the heart's failure to function properly at this time may be a result of heart being "stunned" or "in shock". She indicated that this problem is usually correctable within 3 days and may be caused by the heart being in a "preserved" state for a little bit too long. We will not truly know what is going on until Ed and Roxanne are able to talk to the actual surgeons who have been working on Drew since last night.
It has been an incredibly long night. Please pray as much as you can for the following:
That Ed and Roxanne would get very clear, definitive answers today.
That Drew's body would accept this heart and thrive on the level of circulation it provides.
That there would be no complications from surgery.
That he would remain free from infection. (The immunosuppressant drugs leave him highly susceptible to infection).
That they would both be able to catch up on sleep and the God would refresh them physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Your prayers are seeing the Nilsens through this excruciating time. There are no words to describe their gratitude for your diligence in prayer and your loving concern and support.
I should have more information very soon once they are able to talk to the surgeons. As of 12:00, he was still in the OR which meant the surgeons had been at it for 16 hours. Pray for them too!

We need urgent prayer right now!! Drew's body is rejecting his heart! They are treating it with extreme amounts immuno supressents. PLEASE just lift this family up to Jesus right now! God is still in control, so please pray for peace and comfort for Ed and Roxanne! I will update as I get more information!

Hi Everyone,
Drew is done with surgery and will be moved to the cardiac ICU in about an hour. We do need to pray because He was put back on the ECMO machine (the heart machine). Ed and Roxanne have not heard the final report from the surgeon, but for one reason or another they are not satisfied with the way the heart is working on its own, and so they still need him to have assistance from the ECMO machine. Please pray that the heart will start to function on its own and that they will be able to monitor that with him in ICU. It is critical that it starts to work on its own! So please pray! Apparently, this is something that can sometimes happen, and we will know more after the surgeon comes out. The bottom line that they are not comfortable with the way his heart is functioning on its own, and so need him to have assistance to feel comfortable. Pray for wisdom for the doctors and strength for Drew and Ed and Roxanne. We still have some hurtles to climb with this transplant so please keep praying!! It is good news that the heart took immediately, and now it's just a matter of his body adapting to it. Please keep praying!!

Good Morning!
Drew is off the bypass machine!!! (The bypass machine is the machine that was doing the work of the heart while they were putting his new heart in.) So, that means that Drew's heart is now pumping on it's own!! The doctors are still watching and assessing it to make sure that it keeps working, but so far so good! And Drew has been stable throughout the whole surgery! God has blessed us with a huge, huge milestone!! Please pray that Drew will continue to be stable! Pray also that his organs will be able to tolerate this new pump and that his body will accept this wonderful gift! Pray for Drew's whole body, that his whole body would be restored and healed! Also, that the doctors will continue to have wisdom as they finish up with Drew. They do not expect to finish for another couple of hours, so I will keep you posted! Thank you Lord!!

Hi Everyone!
Shawn just called, Drew is stable and his new heart is in! Praise the Lord! They will be sowing and stitching for about another three hours, but they did call down to say that he is stable and doing well!! If you are awake, please pray continue to pray that He would remain stable and that the doctors will stay awake alert as it is early in the morning. Pray that God will continue using their hands to perfect Drew's new heart!
Thank you all for praying!! I will update in aprox. 3 hours!!

Hi Everyone!
Shawn just called again!! The the heart is good!! They have opened Drew up and are getting him completely ready to recieve his new heart!! The heart will arrive by helicopter around 12:15!! Praise the Lord!!
Some possible complications to pray for:
Bleeding - Because Drew is on the heparin, there is more concern about keeping the bleeding under control.
Systems and Organs - Drew's organs are not use to having a strong healthy heart, so please pray that his body will be able to tolerate it.
Thank you once again for all your prayers!!!
Most of all, thank you Jesus for the new heart You have provided for Drew!!

Hi Everyone!
I just got off the phone with Shawn. The the heart is a match!! They are taking Drew down to the OR and getting him ready for this heart! The only other thing that we are waiting to hear on is whether or not the heart is functioning well enough to transplant. I will update the minute I hear more! Please pray that the doctors will find the heart functioning perfectly and that Drew will have a new heart tonight! Thank you for praying! God is hearing and answering our prayers!

Hi Friends!
I just got a call from Roxanne and they have found a heart for Drew!! What will happen is a transplant team will go out to where the donor is and take Drew's blood with them to make sure it is match, in terms of antibodies. We need to pray right now that when they do that test Drew's blood will be compatible with the donor. And finally we need to pray that the heart will continue to function well and that it is a strong healthy heart and that they will bring it back for Drew! Thank you for all your prayers! Please keep praying! I will keep you posted as I get new information! Please pray!

Hi Friends,
The doctors have discovered what the lung infection was and the antibiotics that they started yesterday, was the exact antibiotic he needed! Earlier today his white cell count was down which means that the antibiotic is working. That is a direct answer to prayer! Thank you so much for praying! They also said that as soon as a heart comes in, Drew is ready! There is no reason why he wouldn't be ready to go in for a transplant!
Please continue to pray that a heart will come in soon and that he will stay stable enough to recieve it! Thanks so much!

Dear Friends,
Drew was in stable condition through out the night. He continues to NOT have a fever, which is good, but they are still extremely concerned about his lung infection. The doctors will be doing testing on it today. Please pray that the antibiotics he was given yesterday will eliminate the infection. The doctors expect him to respond in 24 hours after it was given (Thursday afternoon). Also pray for the doctors' wisdom in testing the infection to determine what it is and how to treat it.

Please also keep praying for a new heart - this would solve many of these new issues that he keeps experiencing and help the condition his organs.

The Nilsens are so appreciative of the prayer support you are providing. They are so touch that you want to know as all the issues that arise and be in tune with Drew. Thank you for your willingness to keep up with them by calling in and checking e-mail and the website! You are each a huge blessing to them - more than you will ever know!

Dear Friends,

Drew has now developed a lung infection. This causes great deal of concern. Please pray that the doctors are able to get this under control quickly. He has been given a powerful antibiotic that is expected to take affect within 24-48 hours. Please pray diligently for this infection to cease along with the continued extreme urgency for a heart. It is not yet known how this lung infection will effect future surgery. It is being treated aggressively by the doctors.

Brandon is doing well. Today, he asked for the Nilsen's and told them he is praying for Drew. His surgery was very successful.

Continue to praise God for being in control - nothing is escaping His attention and nothing is happening at that hospital that He is not in control of!

Hello Friends,

Drew's condition has remained stable today. He is in a much better position to receive a heart than he was on Monday. We can be sure that God is in control of every detail. In praying for His will, it is such a privilege to be able to also lay the desires of our hearts at His feet. Please continue to pray that God would bring Drew the perfect heart at the perfect time.
Brandon has been moved to the Cardiac ICU just two beds away from Drew's. We are presuming that his surgery was successful, although Roxanne had not received official word as of 7:00 tonight. She was able to sit with his mom for a little while this morning during Brandon's surgery. Please continue to keep him in prayer as these next hours are critical to the success of his transplant.

"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:13)

Your prayer support is truly a lifeline to the Nilsen family.

Hello Friends,

Drew's condition has remained stable all day. He was awake and responding today and his oxygen numbers have improved. Of course, he is still in desperate need of a heart.

God has answered so many prayers. Last night, Ed said, "we need two hearts." He was referring to a heart for Drew and also for Brandon (Drew's former roommate who is also 0+). We have been praying for Brandon as well. Tonight, God will answer another one of our prayers as a heart has come in for Brandon. Although Drew was ahead of Brandon on the list due to his critical condition, tonight Brandon is ahead of Drew because Drew had surgery last night. There is a law which prohibits transplants to occur within 24 hours of surgery. Please lift up this precious boy who, in spite of beginning his wait one month prior to Drew, told the doctors that Drew should get the heart first because he needed it more.

As we wait and ask God for one more heart, please be in prayer for Brandon and his family.

Hi Everyone,
Drew's condition is unchanged, actually, it is a little bit better than last night. He had a relatively good night last night. The bleeding is significantly better which is a direct answer to prayer. His nurses were exceptional and Ed and Roxanne were able to get some rest. They are still concerned about the function of his organs, and he is still heavily sedated so that he doesn't use up too much energy. The urgency for a heart is very great!
Please continue to pray for the obvious--that a heart would come soon and that Drew's body would be strong enough to receive it. Please pray for the nursing staff today--that they would have wisdom and compassion in dealing with Drew and with Ed and Roxanne. Your gifts of prayer to the Nilsens are sustaining them.
He hears!!

Dear Friends,
The procedure went very well tonight! Once again, the doctors are scratching their heads. They are now attributing the excess bleeding solely to the heparin (which was increased when they prepared Drew for surgery last Friday). They are comfortable with the function of his organs which means he is still on the transplant list. Ed and Roxanne are feeling much better, although weary from the ups and downs of this day. Prayer requests are constant: Drew needs a new heart as soon as possible. Pray that his vital organs would remain stable so he is healthy enough to receive a new heart.
Both Ed and Roxanne pray that Drew's life would serve to bring glory to God. Even in the midst of their pain, they are faithful to their purpose as servants of Christ. One of the doctors passed along some information to Roxanne that demonstrates that patients who pray or are prayed for have better outcomes. There are so many people at the hospital (doctors, nurses, techs, other patients and their family members, etc.) who are watching their faith in action. Tonight is another example of God's mercy in hearing our prayers. To Him be the glory.
I know I have said it before, but it bears repeating. Each prayer you offer on Drew's behalf is heard in heaven. Roxanne and Ed are deeply grateful for your support.

Dear Friends,
Drew has been taken down to the Operating Room where they will attempt to do a laparoscopic procedure to try to stop the bleeding. Any procedure like this is risky for Drew. If the problem is small and they are able to repair it, they will. If it is a larger issue, his candidacy for a transplant may be reevaluated. Please pray urgently for God's will to be done. Pray for peace and comfort for Ed and Roxanne as they await the results of this surgery.

Hello Friends,
The doctors completed the procedures on Drew this morning. They are still unsure as to the source of the bleeding and will be doing further testing. The results will determine their further course of action. Ed, Roxanne, and Drew are in desperate need of God's amazing grace.
Though the pain is unbearable, we must continue to say to God, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation." (Psalm 13:5)
Thank God that our true citizenship lies in heaven.

Dear Friends,
Drew's condition continues to be serious. He is still bleeding and the doctors are not sure why. At 10:00 this morning, they will be doing a procedure to determine whether or not there is something they can do to stop the bleeding. Ed and Roxanne would deeply appreciate your prayers for safety and wisdom for the doctors. Please also continue to ask God to lift them up.

Dear Friends,
Drew has been kept very heavily sedated today. He is continuing to bleed and the doctors have not yet been able to determine the source. They expect some bleeding secondary to the medicine, but this has become a fairly serious issue for Drew.
Please pray that God would stop the bleeding.
Please pray that God would bring a heart tonight.
Please pray for God to bring comfort to Ed and Roxanne's burdened hearts.
We can be sure of only one thing and that is that God has Drew in the palm of His hand. We lay the desire of our hearts at His feet and then submit to His perfect plan. Thank you for your continued and faithful intercession. It makes such a difference to Ed and Roxanne.

Dear Friends,
Today was a tough day. Drew continues to be in desperate need of a heart. While the Nilsens do not doubt God's presence, the wait is painful.
There are a couple of new prayer needs today:
Because of the blood thinning medication that Drew is on, he has been bleeding a bit more than usual today. This is somewhat expected as a result of the medication, but they do need to get it under control. The best solution is for Drew to get a new heart. As long as he has his own heart, he must remain on the medication due to his mechanical valve.
Please also pray that God would provide the most experienced, loving nurses to Drew. His care is extremely complex and difficult for any nurse who has not plenty of experience in cardiac ICU.
Finally, please pray that God would bring hope and encouragement to Ed and Roxanne in the midst of this storm. We know God has a perfect plan, but the waiting is so hard.
You are all praying without ceasing--Ed and Roxanne feel your support. Please know that every single prayer you offer on their behalf counts!

Hello Friends,
God has not stopped being faithful to us. While it is INCREDIBLY disappointing that Drew will not receive his new heart tonight, we know that God is in control. Although Drew is back to waiting for a heart all over again, a small step of progress was made tonight. Dr. Laks (the Chief Cardiologist at UCLA) was able to thoroughly review Drew's file in preparation for tonight's surgery. All of the surgeons were in place and Drew was prepped for surgery. In asking God for wisdom for the doctors, I trust that this delay was evidence of God's providence. While the Nilsens are able to trust that God is in control, the ups and downs of this journey are agonizing. Please focus your continued and faithful prayers on the following:
For a perfectly matching and perfectly functioning heart to become Drew's own this weekend (why not ask?).
That God would bring peace and strength in the midst of an agonizing wait for Drew, Ed, and Roxanne.
That Drew's condition (although critical) would remain stable as he awaits his heart.
That Brandon (Drew's former next-bed neighbor) who is also O+ would sense God's presence and peace as he also awaits a new heart. He is the gracious 16 year old who told the doctors that Drew should get a heart first because he needs it more. Although Brandon's condition is not as critical as Drew's (he is not on life support), this family could certainly use our prayers at this time. Thank you.

I just received a call from Shawn. THE HEART IS NOT A GOOD ONE. The doctors don't like the way it is beating - it will not be used (Not even for the other boy who is also 0+). Drew was under anesthesia, but nothing else had been done to him. He will return to ICU to await a new heart. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE - EXALTED!
Our prayers have been heard and answered - keep praying faithful servants!

DREW HAS A HEART!!!
He went into surgery around 10:30 p.m. It is an extremely risky surgery. We just need to pray for safety and wisdom for the doctors and that God's will be done! God has answered every prayer we have sent up so far. PLEASE be in prayer for the next 12 hours. They don't expect Drew to be out of surgery until the morning. So PLEASE just PRAY!! I will update as soon as we have more information!

This is some clarification on Drew's placement on the transplant list. He will have access to hearts that match appropriately across the nation. The best way to describe it is to say that he is in the "front row." He will not necessarily be the first to get a heart, it will go to the person in the front row who is the best match. How the doctors and transplant people make that decision is a little vague to us, but please pray a heart will come soon. Today, one of the doctors that worked on Drew when he went into cardiac arrest yesterday told Ed that what happened was absolutely miraculous! That is again a testimony to the power of prayer! Drew is stable, but still in extremely critical condition. Please keep praying! It is unbelievable how powerful prayer is!!

Shawn's update on the hotline as of today, Friday 4:00 p.m., says that Drew is now officially on the list for heart transplant. He is #1 on the list for an O+ heart. Please be praying for the donor's family and the unique & sovereign plan of our faithful Lord and Savior. Also pray for Drew to continue to stabilize and become strong. He is awake and alert now, and according to Shawn, "ordering people around", which is a great sign! Praise the Lord for the miracles He has already performed on behalf of the Nilsen family!

Drew had a very good night last night. He woke up several times and continues to follow commands. This morning he opened his eyes and held out his hand for his mom!
Your love, concern, and most importantly, your prayers are deeply appreciated by the Nilsens. It was Roxanne who realized that 7:00 last night was the "exact" (her words) time when Drew opened his eyes and looked at her. You are all reaching out and touching the Nilsen family in prayer. Its power and significance cannot be understated. What greater gift could you give them than calling upon the power of God on behalf of their son?
As I have mentioned before, there are so many mountains to climb before Drew is made well.
Please see the prayer list for the specific prayer requests.

Drew is on life support and heavily sedated at this time. He has responded by opening his eyes and following simple commands. Neurological assessment (EEG) will take place tomorrow.
Please continue to pray as often as you possibly can. The doctors have cautioned that Drew's body may continue to react to the trauma he suffered Thursday morning. Friday will be a very important day as far as determining Drew's prognosis and candidacy for transplant.
I can tell you that Drew is surprising the doctors. They are blown away by his progress (two of them to the point of tears), yet continue to be very guarded. God is working in mighty ways. Only He knows what will happen with Drew, but we know that He is hearing us. At 7:00, when Stoneybrooke was meeting for prayer, Drew opened his eyes and squeezed his mom's hand. He used "eye language" to tell her to get the tube out of his mouth which is very typical of Drew.

There will be an informal Time of Prayer for Drew this evening at 7 p.m. at Stoneybrooke in the chapel for any one who wishes to come and pray.Please join us if you are able - if not, please keep praying on your own - this is a very critical situation.

Please pray for Drew. He is not doing well. I don't have much information right now as I am leaving for the hospital. What I do know is that they are working to stabilize him. PLEASE PRAY NOW.

Hi Friends,
Drew had his cath procedure today and everything went well. The doctors did not find any surprises, nor did they find anything that would prevent Drew from having a transplant. Drew is uncomfortable now and will be for a few days as he heals from the punctures that were made to insert both the catheter and a new pic line (so he doesn't have to get poked everytime they need to draw blood or administer IV meds). Please pray that his pain will subside.
They are waiting for the results of one more blood test of the antibodies in Drew's blood. One blood result that is already in is that Drew does not have a virus (can't remember the name of it) that 70% of the population carries. He has received transfusions over the years from about 20 different people. Statistically speaking, 14 of those people should have transmitted the virus to Drew. Because he does not have it, that means that 0/20 people that contributed to Drew have this virus. I came across a verse today (Jer 32:17) that proclaims the power of God: "Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR YOU."
By the way, if you are one of those people who do not have this virus, the Red Cross would love your blood because it can be transfused to babies.
With one more milestone to go before the doctors approve Drew for a heart transplant please continue to pray just as much as you have already. They are now looking at heart only--they feel his lungs will be able to support a new heart. The transplant process will be a long and winding road and the Nilsen's will need our prayers every step of the way.
With a heart filled with gratitude for all your prayers and for a God who never sleeps

Friends,
Drew will be having the cath procedure tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 as planned. Please pray that there would be no complications. There are always risks associated with any procedure like this, so please pray that the doctors hands would be guided by God Himself.
Please ask God to cover the Nilsens with His amazing grace. This is such an uncertain and scary time and they are so appreciative of your prayers. They are incredibly faithful people and in need of the Father's touch. We need to pray now more than ever. BIG decisions will be made in the next couple of days. He is still unable to have visitors but I will keep you posted as that changes.

My friends,
I wanted to give you an update regarding Drew. I spoke to his dad Ed at the hospital last night. His condition is extremely serious. They believe they’ve ruled out blood clots. But they are not certain. As of last night, the doctor believed it may be just heart failure. They are going to try some medication to improve the heart function and should that be successful, he will be able to come home after Thanksgiving. If indeed it is heart failure, he will need a transplant. This is certainly a time for Stoneybrooke to pray for Drew, Roxanne and Ed. They are in the Pediatric Intensive Care at UCLA.

Minor, I spoke with Ed last night. They beleive they can rule out a blood clot, but it may be even more serious...just plain heart failure. They are continuing with tests and will start some medication to improve the heart's function. If it is the "worst", they will proceed with a heart transplant. Because of his age, it is more difficult to get a heart than if he were an adult.
We need to pray.

Hello Faithful Friends,
Drew is having trouble with an artery which has caused low blood pressure. They are working on scheduling another MRI at UCLA to confirm the diagnosis, but the Dr. feels that Drew will most likely need an outpatient procedure to repair the artery. The procedure is done with a catheter which is a blessing because it is not so invasive. Please pray that the Dr. is right and that there are no further complications. In the meantime, the Dr. has put Drew on rest--no school, no stairs, no activity.

Also, please continue to remember Roxanne in your prayers. She goes in for another procedure on Friday. She is having some success with these procedures which is good (thank you Lord), but is finding that the slightest activity can set her back. It is truly amazing how sensitive our bodies can be when they are injured. Please pray for a successful procedure and that she would be able to find the rest she needs to fully recuperate.

While you're on your knees, you might also mention Ed (Hubby/Dad). He has his hands full and needs every bit of energy he can get!

Thanks -- the Nilsen's so appreciate your prayers!