Evan

For some time now I’ve been writing about our musical career and our experiences while on the road. Today I’m gonna take a detour and write about Evan. Evan is my grandson who now resides in heaven. When someone dies it is very common for the survivors to say ” we lost them”. I never say we lost Evan because we didn’t, we know exactly where he is, he isn’t “lost” he resides in heaven with the lord our god. How can I be so sure you might ask,later in my story I will tell you.

Evan was born February 21 1997 in Charlotte North Carolina. His parents Cameron, my son,and Stacy his wife. They lived in Carolina at the time because Cameron was stationed there while serving in the Marine Corp. within hours of Evans birth it was discovered he had a heart problem. A severe problem that he could not survive without immediate attention. He was kept alive with medicine and technology until decisions could be made. We, Barbara and I and Stacy’s mother flew to Charlotte to provide support to these young parents as they worked through this difficult time. The problem as it was explained to me was that Evans heart had not completely formed. I’m certain I will not get this correct but I believe it was called Hypoplastic left heart syndrome. When we arrived it was arranged that we the family would meet with surgeons to discuss what could be done. The following day the meeting took place. We were told the only remedy available to Evan was a series of surgery’s called the Norwood procedure that would leave Evan with one half of a heart. They were not real optimistic about him even surviving the surgery. After much questioning it was revealed that this particular surgical group had only done one of these procedures and that patient didn’t survive. Needless to say we decided to investigate further. While visiting these surgeons it was really ironic that they kept telling us one of the best pediatric heart surgeons was in our home town of OKC. We mulled all this over and over for all that day and into the next. Meantime my daughter Shannon who was living in OKC and Barbara’s Brother Mike who is a Doctor in Edmond was doing all they could to find out about this Surgeon in OKC. Turns out his name is Dr. Ron Elkins and yes he is known around the world as an expert in the field. We also found out Stacy’s lifelong friend who was born with a severe heart problem was his patient. She had become very close with him over the years and had relationship that allowed her to pick up the phone and call him. She called him and explained our situation. Meanwhile we were walking the halls of the Carolina medical center trying to make a decision. I was with Cameron in the waiting room. He left to go back and see Evan and left me his cell phone to Answer if anyone called. Imagine my surprise when I answered his phone and a voice asked if I was Mr Crawford. I replied yes but probably not the one you are calling. I’ll get him do you mind if I tell him who is calling? He replied ” this is Dr Ron Elkins in Oklahoma CityOklahoma”. When Cameron got on the phone they had a lengthy conversation. Cameron explained everything we had been told and the options we had been offered. Dr Elkins said he could not be sure without examining Evan but from what Cameron told him he thought there were other options. He ended the call by assuring Cameron if we decided to move Evan to OKC he would do all he could for Evan. After gathering everyone together we quickly decided we wanted to move Evan to OKC. We were told it would require a mediflight with a full staff including A Doctor and RN. we were also told that insurance would not pay for it. The estimated cost was around $9700.00 . In these kinds of situations, money is irrelevant. Suddenly there was a flurry of activity. The plane for Evan was ordered out of the Duke university medical center. Stacy would fly with Evan but arrangements had to be made for Cameron, Stacy’s mom,Barbara and me. Barbara and I had a return flight bought and paid for but for a different day with American Airlines. I called them and explained my problem but they were no help. I think it was $400 per ticket they wanted to charge to change the date. Meanwhile Betty, Stacy’s mom called Delta Airlines with the same request and they said no problem. We had decided one way or the other we were going but after talking to the social workers at the hospital they got involved and the airlines waived the upcharge. When we landed In OKC that night we learned Evan had made the trip just fine and had been welcomed at children’s hospital by Shannon and all the other family members that were in Oklahoma.

The next morning Barbara and I rushed to the hospital expecting Evan to go into surgery for the Norwood procedure. We were surprised when Dr Elkins came out and told us he was not going to do that procedure. He needed to do further testing because the records from Carolina were incomplete. After further examination he told us his idea was to go In And do some work on the aortic valve and give Evan some time to grow a little and then at about 18 months reevaluate and go from there. I said wait we asked them In Carolina if they could operate on The aortic valve and their answer was “that would be like working on wet tissue paper.” He smiled and said” we do it everyday “. Man I loved this guy. Shortly after that Evan at the age of 6 days underwent his first open heart surgery. He came through the surgery and for a time was a pretty normal baby boy. Knowing another surgery was coming up we had to find a way of keeping this family in OKC. With some help from the Marine Corp Cameron was allowed to transfer to the local Marine Corp reserve center to serve.

This is getting lengthy. For a number of reasons, most of them have to do with my age I can’t write for very long. So I will pick up from here later on.