Riley Carter

On Saturday July 6th, our sweet Riley was taken to the ER due to signs of a stroke. She was life flighted from Logan to primary children’s that night. Once they got to the ER they prepped her for surgery to remove the clots that caused the stroke. But it was unsuccessful.

Later that night her brain began to swell and to prevent any more damage they removed a large part of her skull. The clots stemmed from a clotted bacterial infection on her weakened mitral valve. (she was due to have open heart surgery July 11th to replace the valve. The stroke happened days before her planned surgery)

Since then:

-a drain was placed in her head to reduce the swelling

-doctors found other blood clots throughout her body

-she was put in an induced coma to help her brain fully rest and recover

-she was given blood thinners to help get rid of prevent blood clots

After being on a small dose of blood thinners, Riley had a brain bleed in the right frontal lobe. They stopped the blood thinners and continued to monitor her closely. After a few days she was taken off the coma medicine.

As she’s woken up and become more alert we’ve been able to see the effects the stroke and brain bleed have had on her. Right now she cannot move the right side of her body. She has been working with therapy to sit up, eat, and speak.

Riley still has a long road ahead of her. She is still in need of open heart surgery as well as putting her skull back.

Her parents and family have been overwhelmed with all of the love, support, prayers, and generosity. It means more than you know. Riley is so loved by so many. It’s been so good to see her spicy personality come through as well as her sweet smiles. She is so brave and strong and we’re forever grateful for all the love and support given for our girl.