As close friends of Afton (Shields) and Garin Diedrich since childhood, Paige (Grell) Tickel and I felt compelled to reach out to those who may feel led to help this sweet family during this time. 

Garin and Afton of Blackwell, OK gave birth to their 4th child, Piper Reese Diedrich, on December 10th, 2019 at 4:11 P.M. weighing 6 lbs 15.5 ounces in Stillwater, OK. Piper was delivered by emergency c-section as Momma and baby were both in distress. Piper immediately began having breathing issues/rapid respirations that she could not control. The doctors detected a possible pneumothorax in Stillwater but were unable to stabilize her, so they air lifted her to OU Children's in Oklahoma City where she was placed in the NICU. Doctors there confirmed the pneumothorax and sweet Piper was immediately intubated, placed on IV antibiotics, pain meds, and sedated her trying to get her breathing under control.  Since her admittance to OU Children's, complications and emergencies have been a roller coaster ride. She has a collapsed right lung which has required the insertion of two chest tubes. Doctors have had to work to find the ventilator that Piper tolerates best. They are monitoring her for the possibility of pulmonary hypertension due to the collapsed lung. She continues to have many tests, x-rays, blood transfusions, etc. to monitor and care for her. Piper is currently stable, intubated, on IV antibiotics, pain meds, being fed through a feeding tube, and still has a chest tube on her right side. 

Piper has three older siblings, Paisley 6, Krue 3, and Kailor age 1. Garin will be going back to work Monday, December 16th, since recently starting a new job, he has no vacation time accrued. Afton will remain with Piper while grandparents are caring for the other children. 

With the Christmas season being upon us, our hearts go out to this family. The funds raised will be used to off-set medical expenses and will also assist with the costs associated with being away from home so that her parents are able to stay by Piper's side as much as possible. When Paige and I asked for Garin and Afton's blessing to create this Go Fund Me account, while they agreed, Afton's response was, "Most of all, we want everyone's prayers."