#PaxtonStrong

Paxton is a fighter, she has a feisty personality with an angels heart and she NEVER gives up.

HOW WE GOT HERE-
On 4/29 we brought Paxton to the ER after she had become sick. She was moved to the pediatric ICU and by 6:00am on 4/30 she had been intubated and was being rushed to surgery for a distended abdomen. Once finished, we learned the extent of it. An infection had attacked her colon causing it to swell and put pressure on her small intestines compromising the blood flow to them and other organs. The doctors performed an ileostomy (routed her small intestine out her abdomen) and her abdominal incision remained open because the doctors knew at some point she would need a bowel resection. She continued to go back to the operating room several times over the next few days and finally the decision was made resect 90cm of her small intestines that were damaged. After a few more trips to the operating room the doctors determined they would have to remove almost her entire colon and more small intestines. On 5/9 she had most of her colon and 10cm more of her small intestines removed, she also had an ileostomy revision. They were not able to close the incision due to swelling. The last few days have been spent praying that her little body will start healing itself.

UPCOMING-
She will need future dressing changes requiring sedation and surgeries.

THE LONG ROAD AHEAD-
We are facing major healthcare bills, copays, medications, therapy & homecare for Paxton, and continuing to care for and trying to maintain sense of normalcy for our son, Bryan, and other daughter, Abigail.

•Paxton will continue to be in the hospital for 3-4 more weeks.
•She will need physical therapy.
•There will be a need for education related to a new ileostomy and use of an external bag.
•She will be weak and at risk for infection so she will need to have home care.
•She will need to have multiple specialty doctor appointments and continued surgeries.
•Her diet will have to be adjusted and closely monitored to ensure she is receiving the correct amounts of all the needed nutrients.

We will need to return to work soon and she will require more care than a sitter/daycare can provide. Please help us to provide for the continuing care that Paxton will need while still in the hospital and once she comes home. We simply can't do this without help. Your financial support would be very much appreciated as she continues to be strong and heal. No matter how large or small your gift may be, it is deeply valued by us.