Beckett Overcoming Obstacles

Family and Friends,

Thank you so much for taking the time to read Beckett’s story! As many of you know, the Golls have been handed an unimaginably terrifying hand of cards, and are currently living in Denver getting ready to depart on the next leg of this journey. Below, I have included a summary of Beckett’s story that Brittany wrote.

“Beckett's condition is twofold.  First, a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).  Its cause is unknown and it occurs in 1/2500 babies, with approximately 50% surviving beyond the first year of life.  The condition is the result of the diaphragm not fully forming during the first trimester, leaving a hole for abdominal organs to travel in to the chest, diminishing lung development.  MRI and ultrasound results show Beckett's liver, spleen, intestines, and stomach all in his chest.  He will have surgery two days after birth to move his organs to their correct locations and close the hole in his diaphragm.  Because of the size of the hole, his reversed latissimus dorsi muscle flap will be used to patch the spot.  The biggest concern is how much his lung development has been effected by the defect.  Additionally, his CDH has pushed his heart dramatically to the right side of his chest, "squishing" it and making imaging of it difficult.  Cardiologists at Children’s Hospital in Denver believe from what they have seen that he is experiencing an AV canal defect, requiring open heart surgery for repair.  The CDH will be the immediate problem to overcome before his heart problems can be addressed.  And both problems will work against each other and his recovery as usually the lungs and heart work together and both of his are in need of repair.

Beckett is scheduled to be delivered in Children's Hospital in Denver via cesarean on July 20th.  He will be 37 weeks and 1 day.  He will be immediately intubated as attempts are made to stabilize him and prepare him for surgery.  If he cannot be stabilized through less invasive means, he will be put on ECMO, a heart and lung bypass machine. ECMO works as life support and can buy time for surgery and some recovery before trying to get the lungs and heart working more efficiently, but it is very risky.  It requires the use of blood thinners and thus increases the risks of brain bleeds, blood clots, and bleeding out during surgery.”

With Beckett scheduled to make his arrival in just a few days, the family has relocated to the Ronald McDonald house near Children’s Hospital. Beckett’s team of doctors at the Colorado Maternal Fetal Health Center have given him a 6-9 month recovery prognosis, and Beckett’s surgeon is quoted as having said "(Beckett) will be the sickest baby in the hospital."  

Right now, the number 1 priority is to stay by Beckett’s side! Brittany has left her job, leaving the family with 1 income, a 70 mile commute 1 way for Tyler, and additional living expenses.  Estimated cost for the stay in Denver, just for gas to get Tyler back and forth to work, and the cost to stay at Ronald McDonald house is $5,000 for six months. This does not include standard living expenses, food, medical bills, and any other unknowns that may arise.

Please, if you can, come together to support this incredible family, who has been there to support all of us when needed. I have known Brittany for over half of my life, and she is the most generous and kind hearted person I have ever met. Brittany and Tyler are amazing parents to Moira and Beckett, and staying by Beckett’s side during this recovery period is so incredibly important. A donation in any amount will help immensely toward the goal of keeping the family together during this trying time.