Grant Umbaugh is 9 years old and a 4th grader at Pine Island Elementary School. He was born with an extremely rare genetic disease called 3p minus which means he is missing a part of that chromosome. Because of this he is much smaller for his age, non-verbal with many cognitive and physical delays. Despite all of his limitations he has blossomed into a happy, loving little boy with his very own personality.

This brings us to Monday, September 4, 2023. Grant had spent the long weekend at the Wisconsin Dells with his parents and brother and sister. (He LOVES water parks) Arriving at home that night, his mom and dad (Jenna and Greg) noticed he wasn't using his right arm and was having uncontrollable crying fits. They took him immediately to the emergency room and he was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital, in Rochester, MN.

After multiple days of testing, most of which he needed to be sedated for, Jenna released the following update to friends and family:

We found out a few days ago that the reason why Grant can't move his right arm (and later noticed was slow with his right leg) is because he had an Ischemic stroke. This occurred in the left side of the brain, caused by the narrowing of blood vessels. He has been through a ton of tests and had 2 MRIs in 2 days. Every specialist they met with ordered tests to determine why a 9 year old suffered a stroke. We are no closer to answers on WHY his vessels are narrowing.

Thankfully, we have been able to see glimpses of OUR Grant shine through. He has smiled and giggled. He has also been fighting through obstacles such as sitting himself up without the use of his right side. We have seen the upset, confused, crying, screaming times because he doesn't know what is happening. On September 14 a G-Tube was placed into his stomach for feeding as he has been refusing any liquid intake and will only take a few bites of applesauce.

The doctors remain with no concrete answer why Grant suffered a stroke. Once he is discharged from the hospital he will need many other appointments, daily physical/occupational therapy, further testings and meetings with neurologists and neurosurgeons.

Jenna and Greg have been with Grant the last two weeks in the hospital and will continue to meet with doctors to rehabilitate and further diagnose his condition(s). With all of the hospital stays, Jenna and Greg have been with Grant therefore are unable to work. Donations will go to help pay for monthly bills and take care of the family. This will also help ease the stress on the family so they can be more present for Grant and his siblings during this time.

It has been a lot to process the last few weeks and any donations, thoughts & prayers are greatly appreciated.