CrossBridge

Please join us for our Second Annual Family Fun Day!

2010-08-03T16:10:00.001-07:00

God’s Promise of Peace

2010-08-02T07:36:00.001-07:00

Join us at Bridging the Gaps Reception September 10

2010-07-31T17:57:00.001-07:00

Please help us help families like the Wilsons

2010-07-17T10:29:00.001-07:00

The Wilson Heart from katie newingham on Vimeo.

The Hattaway Family as featured in Rejoice Magazine

2010-07-07T08:22:00.001-07:00

Doug’s cancer is back and he had major surgery yesterday. Please pray this procedure will be used to heal this man and restore him to full health.

Maia Ann Deeb Memorial Fund

2010-05-27T18:28:00.001-07:00

July 25, 2009- May 26, 2010

We will always love you, Maia. Thank you for changing our lives with the light of your eyes and a smile that heals our brokenness.

Alana Noel Bryan Memorial Fund

2010-03-17T10:32:00.001-07:00

Help keep the sweet memory of Baby Alana alive by making a memorial donation to help other children and their families. We .miss you, and you will always be in our hearts. Thank you for changing our lives with your life

In Memory of Alana Bryan Noel- Botany Woods 5-K

2010-02-12T14:37:00.001-08:00

Botany Woods 5-k

Why We’re Running

Alana Noel Bryan

2/4/08 – 9/6/09

Alan and Lea Bryan are residents of Botany Woods in Greenville, SC.

Lea Bryan gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Alana Noel, February 4, 2008. Alana was only 5 months old when she was diagnosed with infant leukemia. She and her family fought hard for 14 months but Alana went home to Heaven September 6, 2009. She was 19 months old. Alana was a sweet baby girl whose love of life and will to live inspired all those she came in contact with. During her short life she impacted the world around her for good. We want to continue that legacy.

Botany Woods will be hosting a certified 5-k through the neighborhood this May 15, 2010 in Alana’s honor. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Alana Noel Fund MUSC Pediatric Oncology. We would also like to help the hungry in our community so Botany Woods will be hosting a food drive at the time of the race to benefit the Harvest Hope Food Bank located on Pelham Road. We are asking each race participant to bring two or more non-perishable food items.

Race Schedule

Date: May 15, 2010

Time: Race begins at 9:00 a.m.

Fun walk will begin 10 minutes later. Walkers will not be timed.

This 5-k course is certified. Certification code is SC09055BS.

Cost: Race - $20 early registration through May 1st (includes t-shirt), $25 late registration (t-shirts not guaranteed).

Fun Walk - $15 early registration through May 1st (includes t-shirt), $20 late registration (t-shirt not guaranteed)

Race day registration and race packet pick-up will be available from 7:00 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. at pool shelter.

Race will start and finish in Botany Woods pool parking lot (308 Botany Rd Greenville, SC 29615). Vehicle parking will be available across Edwards Rd, in the Edwards Rd. Baptist Church parking lot.

Awards will be given for top three overall male and female and top two male and female of each age bracket. Questions? Contact Marcella Franseen 346-7547. This race will be run rain or shine.

To register online visit www.strictlyrunning.com

And a Child Will Lead Them

2010-02-04T12:28:00.001-08:00

View Full Album

These pictures capture the hearts of 3 children whose lives came together, by heart, about 6 months ago. Giovanna is 8 years old and was diagnosed with cancer in spring of 2009.. While undergoing one of her treatments at MUSC, her family stayed in the Gresh (Ansley’s) house while they were on vacation.

Ansley left Giovanna a note & a small gift on her bed to welcome her to her house and invite her to play with her toys. The two have exchanged notes, cards and small gifts, ever since without meeting face to face. Ansley donated her allowance to CrossBridge to help the friend she has prayed for EVERY day since their paths crossed last summer.

Well, Giovanna’s treatments are now complete & we expectantly await the news that she is healed of cancer!. So to celebrate, Giovanna, Ansley & little brother Cade, had a play date yesterday and finally met face to face. The pictures tell the story…so we just give thanks for hearts like this. ”And a child will lead them.” Isaiah 11:6

Josiah Wilson Memorial Fund

2010-01-30T15:49:00.001-08:00

Help us keep Josiah’s memory alive forever. You can make a donation in his sweet memory and help another family facing a medical crisis. We Love You, Sweet Josiah!

Dear Josiah…we love you little one

2010-01-29T09:48:00.001-08:00

TheWilsonHeart.com Our family's journey with hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Friday, January 29, 2010

Dear Josiah

Posted by Milo Wilson on 11:26 AM
Labels: 8 months old

Dear Josiah,
The day you were born, your mommy and daddy were so scared. We were scared that we were never going to have the opportunity to see our precious boy none the less hold you. But the moment you were born our fears turned to joy. Mommy got to hear you cry, little did I know that would be the only time I would ever hear your precious voice. Your poor Daddy had to wait in the hall outside the OR because the doctors would not let him in, but he got to see you first, as an entire team of doctors wheeled you by on the way to the PCICU. We waited for hours and hours to hear if your first, of what would be many, invasive heart procedures was effective and we could have you for another day. When the word finally came that the doctors had success and you were stable, mommy and daddy were overjoyed. We remember the feeling so clearly it was a moment of the most real and authentic worship we had ever known. We were just both so aware at that moment that God, your Creator, had granted us another moment with you and we were so grateful. Those first few days were so scary. We were thrust into a world we had never known existed and it was so overwhelming. But the amazing doctors and nurses in the PCICU were incredibly caring and spent so much time with us teaching us about this whole new world. We learned a new language, a new culture, and a whole new way to live, where you make each moment count because you are not guaranteed your next.
When you were 13 days old you underwent your first open heart surgery. The night before, your surgeon told us that we could delay your surgery if we weren’t prepared to lose you. We told him that we would never be prepared. We were once again so scared, we cried and cried over you. We had to step away from you for a moment and take some time to eat. As your daddy and I sat on a bench outside the hospital we prayed and begged God to protect you. God gave us a sign at that point in the most unlikely of ways. In the bottom of our fast food bag was the most perfect, heart shaped jalapeno popper! Mommy and daddy laughed so hard, we were stunned and truly believe that God gave us an incredibly silly sign just so we would laugh and be at ease. It worked! Because of your surgery the next day the staff let us hold you for the very first time that night.
God saw you through that surgery. You did so well and began amazing the doctors with your strength. Those first couple of weeks turned into a month and it was then after several attempts at breathing on your own that we began to realize just how damaged your lungs were and we settled in for the long haul in the PCICU. One month turned into two months which turned into four and on and on. You had some really great days and some really really bad days and the roller coaster ride continued. It continued for 8 wonderful months until this past Sunday when you were so unexpectedly taken from us. Our hearts are breaking because we miss you so much but Daddy and I have said over and over that we were never guaranteed day one with you and yet we got 249 days with you. 249 days worth of love and memories that we will cherish forever.
You have taught us so much in your all too brief life on this earth. The constant theme through all you have taught us is love. You taught us how to love you even though we never got to hear your voice or feed you a bottle . You taught us how to love your sisters more deeply and never take a moment with them for granted. You taught us how to love each other through pain and suffering. You taught us how to love other people exactly where they’re at, if they are broken and hurting or if they are rejoicing because of victory. You taught us to see the beauty in each moment. We will never forget the first time we saw you smile 10 minutes before doctors wheeled you off for your second open heart surgery. It was like you saved it specifically for that moment to let us know you were going to be okay. We will never forget the day you got your trach, when you were 5 months old, and for the first time in your life mommy and daddy got to see your beautiful face, free from tubes. It brought us to our knees as we thanked God for the most precious cheeks that we could now kiss. We will never forget the 3 days we had you at home and we were a complete family of 5. We had begged God for that opportunity and although it was the craziest 3 days your mommy and daddy have ever experienced, we will cherish those moments forever.
We miss you terribly but we are at peace knowing that you are now free from the tubes and the monitors, the medications and the surgeries. You are now whole with Jesus and are experiencing life to the fullest. Your heart is perfect and your lungs are pristine. We rejoice that we will one day see you again and that we will finally hear your voice calling us, Mommy and Daddy.
You are our precious, sweet, angel boy. You are our son and we love you all the way to heaven - and back.
- Mommy and Daddy

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The Gift of an Ordinary Day…enjoy

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2010-01-28T07:20:00.001-08:00

Josiah Nathaniel Wilson May 20, 2009-January 24, 2010

2010-01-24T18:40:00.001-08:00

A Heart That Holds On

www.thewilsonheart.com

Josiah’s heart was made whole forever today. We are asking for prayers for his sweet family as they grieve this devastating loss. We love you, Josiah!

Will YOU Rise Up?

2010-01-20T17:27:00.001-08:00

Download Who Will Rise Up

http://www.churcheshelpingchurches.com

HELP CROSSBRIDGE RISE TO THE CALLING TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF HAITI

DONATE NOW TO SUPPORT OUR RELIEF EFFORTS

When she’s crying, When she’s hurting

When she’s falling & can’t go on

When she’s broken into pieces in her mourning has lost her song

Who will help the church the one that cries to loves

Who will rise up who will rise up? How long will we wait and How much will it take? Who will rise up who will rise up?

When she’s crawling through the ashes and she’s calling out for help

When she’s reaching from her kneeling she needs strength now beyond herself

Who will help the church the one who cries to loves

Who will rise up who will rise up? How long will we wait and How much will it take? Who will rise up who will rise up?

For every brother who has need, every sister on her knees was showed the mercy we’ve received in our lives, and all the world will finally see the love that makes a family if He’s alive in you and me, we will rise!

Who will help the church the one who cries to loves

Who will rise up who will rise up? How long will we wait and How much will it take? Who will rise up who will rise up?

We will rise up! We will respond! We will rise up! We will rise up!

Thank you, Stephanie for serving with us!

2010-01-18T05:46:00.001-08:00

Although, I currently live in Tulsa, OK I am originally from Charleston, SC. So, usually I follow CrossBridge Family Ministries from afar, as many do. I have watched in awe and amazement as God blesses all of us so richly through the lives of the Children and the families touched by the LOVE of God through the selfless work of CrossBridge Family Ministries.
While I was home in Charleston for Christmas, I was able to work with Melissa and Kathryn to serve God's people. I was so blessed. I have a greater understanding of God’s character from my very first opportunity to physically be a part of CrossBridge Family Ministries and serve God’s people while working with these powerful women of God.
As a busy hospital buzzed along, I saw miracles happen before me. That was amazing and so exciting. I wanted to shout “Stop, look, wait, you are missing this miracle!!” But, if you are looking for God’s glory, miracles, signs, and wonders, you need only be still because they are happening right now.
As we visited patients and met the families of CrossBridge, Proverbs 3:5 kept coming to mind. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” As I looked that Scripture up today to quote it correctly in this post, I was AMAZED at what I saw!!
Proverbs 3:5-10 (New King James Version)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the first fruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
In that scripture God speaks loudly to me. It is time for me to make an offering.
Thank you Melissa and Kathryn for this opportunity to be so blessed.

Thank You Note for a Christmas Gift

2010-01-13T06:56:00.001-08:00

To our family at CrossBridge & The Bryans,

Thank-you to for all your gracious gifts,thoughtfulness & prayers. Most of all, your remembrance of us, was the most wonderful gift. We were able to purchase a couple of Christmas gifts & gas. It helped to lighten the load for what has been a rough winter.

The knowledge that you continue to lift us in prayers brings tears to my eyes. Your ministry, and the church (Lighthouse) family as a whole truly depict what Christ would be proud of when He united us as brother and sister in Him.

We left you all and headed to Va, to the ship yards there, placing resumes at 15-20 shipyards. We left there and followed the coast back down to Fl placing job applications in every shipyard and iron workers shop along the way, then came back to Kentucky to stay with Brad’s grandmother for the winter.

Please continue to pray for gainful long term employment , although right now even short term sounds great.

As well as a new and difficult hurdle, Giovanni is about to lose his funding for his healthcare. But, I was able to set up temporary insurance for the next 2 months to cover his medical supplies and formula.On one hand this gives me the opportunity to rest in Gods promises [alot of them] on the other, committing that to Gods rest and peace daily is monumental.

I guess we are the living proof of “here am I, send me”, for at this time we truly will go where ever he opens the door.

God has placed you all in a very special place in our hearts.

Giovanni is in school here. But, has gone through some extremely rebellious periods in the last two months. As you can imagine, his being unable to speak, make these times even tougher.

I thank God for my time spent with you all and pray that in this new year you will begin to understand how high, how wide, how deep, and how long Gods love is for each of You

Janice, Brad & Giovanni

Blessings from 2009- We love you, little ones

2010-01-02T12:13:00.001-08:00

Hold the Gandy Family close to your hearts

2009-12-26T15:29:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow Nate & Billie will have a Memorial Service for their precious Baby Dean who passed away earlier this week. We Hope & Pray they will feel comfort, peace and strength that surpasses all understanding. We Love you guys!!!

CrossBridge Annual Update

2009-12-25T15:59:00.001-08:00

Dear Faithful Supporters:

Merry Christmas to you all! I hope all is well with you and your families. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support of our ministry this year.

Because of God’s healing mercy, Giovanna and babies Kinley, Brooklyn and Alex are now home with their families. Your commitment to our ministry has allowed us to temporarily house and feed over thirty families while they underwent care at MUSC. Along with these tangible resources our team has provided prayer and counseling for these families at their most critical time!

CrossBridge At A Glance:

A house was donated where families call home while their children undergo long-term treatment.
A group of families got together and decided that while they are on vacation they would donate their residences for short-term care needs.
250 MUSC meal tickets were given out and another 75 meals were prepared and delivered to families.
Two restaurants agreed to provide food at wholesale prices to the ministry.
A food closet was created to store food in bulk.
CrossBridge partnered with a licensed Christian counselor to provide support groups twice monthly for families of critically ill children.

Contributions this year: $54,128

Expenses this year: $44,628

To strengthen us, we are developing alliances with Alcoholics Anonymous, The United Way, local churches, Christian schools, and physicians to help us bridge the gaps of this broken health care delivery system.

It is my hope and prayer that you will continue to support us in any way God calls you to help. I want to thank you again for all you do to make this ministry work and for what you are going to do to help it meet its potential.

In His Service,

Melissa Altman, RN, BS, FCN

Founder/President

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you also did for me”. Matthew 25:40

Help Josiah Come Home for the Holidays

2009-11-20T18:56:00.000-08:00

Help Josiah Come Home for the Holidays from katie newingham on Vimeo.

CrossBridge Family Ministries in the News

2009-08-18T10:03:00.001-07:00

Check out this link to the early morning show, "Lowcountry Livin" featuring our ministry. The video is about half way down the page. Click "play" to see the interview.

http://www.wlcntv.com/videovmixmediaid5540883.html/

How you can help us...

2009-07-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

Help us stand in the gap for those in crisis or in need.

We need volunteers and funding for:

Meals
Sitters
Accommodations
Transportation
Educational Materials
Basic Necessities

If you need our help...

2009-07-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

You are no longer alone. We are inspired by a calling to:

Provide resources necessary for effective crisis management
Help individuals connect with others who care and those who will walk beside you during your difficult time
Advocate for you and your family to help you receive all resources available for you.
Offer educational resources to help you through transitions in life such as divorce or becoming a caregiver for a loved one.

If you would like to keep in touch with the activities of our ministry, please let us know by sending an email to the link below.

Contact us:
1177 Gregorie Ferry Road
Mount Pleasant S.C. 29466
Phone: (843) 478-4660
Fax: (843) 971-8726
altmanm@crossbridgeministriesinc.org

Who We Are

2009-07-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome to CrossBridge Family Ministries, Inc. Our purpose is to meet the needs of families with critically or chronically ill family members and to help families in times of crisis. Our Christian faith based team works together to nurture families with resources for basic needs, prayer, pastoral care, and educational programs. Family illnesses can be devastating. But, you don't have to face them alone.

Online Donations

2009-07-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

CrossBridge Family Ministries is pleased to offer 2 convenient giving methods. Consider taking advantage of one of these easy donation options as you pray and join in what God is doing for those critically or chronically ill families in their time of crisis in the Charleston area. Thank you in advance for your support!

Online Donations
This safe and flexible option is one of the easiest ways to give to CrossBridge Family Ministries! This method allows you to give online conveniently from home using your debit or credit card (that you pay off each month!) PayPal is the authorized payment processor for CrossBridge. It is safe and secure and you don't need a PayPal account to make a donation. To give online click the Donation link below.

USPS Mail Donations
Perhaps you are not used to making donations over the internet. Please feel free to send a check payable to

CrossBridge Family Ministries
1177 Gregorie Ferry Road
Mount Pleasant S.C. 29466

We will be certain to process your donation with great care and in a timely manner.