Aaron Kirlin and his beloved partner Jen Chadwell have had an incredibly difficult  year.  Their son Colter Lewis Kirlin arrived over one month early. His early arrival was only the beginning of the journey for Jen and Aaron.  

Jen was flown by helicopter to Fort Collins so that Colter would be delivered into the arms of the NICU Team, where he would remain for the next four plus weeks. Colter, Jen, and Aaron spent over one month in Colorado so Colter could have the care that he needed.

When Colter was allowed to come home, he was accompanied by a heart monitor and oxygen support due to the high altitude of Laramie, Wyoming. 

In June, Colter had an appointment at Children’s Primary Hospital in Denver to see why he had reflux and his gastrointestinal tract.   Doctors kept the family in Denver for several days as Colter underwent a surgery on his throat, along with several procedures, biopsies, and tests. He was sent home with hopes that he was on the road to recovery with a new specialized milk formula, but when the tests were evaluated  he had to change formulas yet again.

In August, as Colter was being monitored at home he had an episode where he appeared to not be getting enough oxygen as his lips and mouth turned purple.  It was with great concern that Aaron and Jen were forced to have Colter transported by ambulance to Denver Children’s Hospital. Strong, fearless Colter has been undergoing X rays, an EKG, an abdominal ultrasound, a swallow study, an upper GI Scope, and blood work to diagnose his struggles. He has been diagnosed with a rare syndrome which may help with understanding his condition and hopefully help combat future spells. 

While Aaron and Jen do their very best they are capable of to care for his, hers, and theirs, we ask that you please open your hearts and wallets to help ease the tremendous burden which has been placed upon these two, as they struggle to keep the ever mounting medical bills at bay. 

While all all of these things go on,  Aaron continues to serve as an outstanding example of a Wyoming State Trooper. Day in and day out, Aaron and Jen do everything they can to provide for their family as bills for travel, lodging, and medical expenses mount.  If asked, neither Jen nor Aaron would accept any assistance as they are self sufficient, independent, and very proud. However, as a friends of the family we would like to help in any way we can.