As you some of you may know, The Babskis youngest son Asher underwent surgery back in January for a brain stem tumor removal. They were able to do a partial resection and he will need to continue his care with oncology to continue monitoring the tumor. They were released and two days later was rushed to the ER. He was immediately taken to the ICU and placed on oxygen. After a night at Madigan he started to get worse and was shortly after placed on a ventilator to help him breathe. There he was diagnosed with ARDS. After becoming stable enough for transport he was moved back to Mary Bridge children’s hospital where he was sedated and stayed on life support for a whole month while his lungs had time to heal. It has been a long and difficult journey for him and the family. Due to the ARDS, due to complications from being intubated due to the ARDS, Asher has had to undergo surgery to have a tracheotomy tube put in. He is still currently needing oxygen as well as frequent suctioning to remove the buildup inside his lungs. He is also on an NG tube, which is what is providing his current nutrition. The family had a meeting this past week with all doctors and therapists along with care managers to see what it is going to be like to get discharged along with care at home. We still have a long road ahead of us. We don’t know yet if they are going to get transferred to Seattle children’s hospital for an inpatient rehab facility.

The family found out that they may have to move due to Asher not being able to currently tolerate stairs as well as having enough space for all of the equipment, he will go home with.

The insurance company will not cover a generator, which is one of the items the family will need to have on hand before being discharged. Because Asher will still need oxygen he will be sent home with a concentrator, which will need to be powered 24/7 to provide the oxygen that he needs. Which is why the family will need to have a generator on hand at all times in case of loss of power.

Another challenge the family is facing is finding an at home nurse for Asher, which is another requirement that the hospital is asking for them to have before being discharged. Currently Tricare does not cover at home nursing so while the family is trying to apply for other programs that may help them pay for that service. It is not a guarantee.

The Babskis are so thankful for the support and prayers for Asher.

They are stepping outside their comfort zone and asking for help.