Squirt's Smile

13 year old Michael Billups Jr. "Squirt" fell ill and couldn't retain food or liquid late May 2017. On June 1, his parents took him to urgent care where he was diagnosed with a sinus infection, prescribed antibiotics, and released to go home to recover. After several days he did not get better on meds so his parents took him to the ER where he was diagnosed with and treated for dehydration and released again. Three days later, Squirt's condition worsened to the point that he begged his parents to take him back to the hospital. Deeply concerned, instead his parents took him to a different hospital system where the attending pediatrician quickly admitted him for further testing. Squirt was diagnosed with a strain of streptococcus bacteria infection on the brain and a blood clot in his sinus cavity. The doctors medically transferred him to the University of Charleston, SC where he underwent emergency brain surgery to clear massive amounts of bacteria from his skull cavity. Unfortunately, a portion of his skull had to be removed.
His parents, Michael and Cassandra are hard working people and have remained by his side. They've had to take leaves of absences from work and move into donated medical quarters near their son. Squirt was a healthy, playful, joking young man prior to his illness who loves his 2 brothers who now are in the loving care of family members back in his hometown of Sumter, SC.
Your donations will go towards Squirt's medical care and subsequent much needed recovery support. Please keep Squirt in your prayers and his family lifted for encouragement.