Stetson Strong ❤️
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Hi Everyone! My name is Malia Taxdahl, and I am the sister-in-law of Karli and Colton, as well as one of the very proud aunties of Baby Stetson. We are incredibly proud of this strong little boy for overcoming so much already. However, as many of you may know, this is just the beginning of a long journey ahead for this new family. We have set up this page to share Stetson’s story, gather support, prayers, and keep you all updated as this beautiful little family embarks on their new journey ahead. Your kindness and involvement means the world to us all ❤️
Stetson James Taxdahl
Stetson James Taxdahl was born on July 3rd at 9:46 PM, just in time for the 4th of July!
Stetson is Karli and Colton’s double rainbow baby. His courageous fighting spirit was evident very early on. At 12 weeks, doctors discovered a tumor on Stetson’s head that did not have a favorable prognosis. They were advised to terminate the pregnancy, but knew God was going to do something special with their boy. Within two weeks, the tumor disappeared on its own, revealing the first glimpse of Stetson's strong fighting spirit.
Things looked promising until the anatomy scan at 18 weeks. Doctors at Seattle Children’s discovered that Stetson would be born with a congenital heart defect, Tricuspid Atresia with Pulmonary Atresia. Stetson has a single-ventricle heart with only one pumping chamber instead of two, a condition affecting about 5 in every 100,000 children. Once again, they were given the opportunity to terminate the pregnancy, but they knew this little boy was destined for more.
The next few months were filled with numerous doctor’s appointments and planning for his life after birth. Doctors recommended that Karli and Colton relocate to the Seattle area at 34 weeks pregnant. Stetson decided to arrive a little early at 38 weeks. He came out roaring like a lion and breathing on his own, which was the first miracle they witnessed. He was then immediately transported to Seattle Children’s Hospital in an incubator with Colton. As they made their way to the hospital, Colton was informed that Karli had suffered a seizure post-delivery in the operating room. They really rang in the 4th of July with a bang. Karli made a full recovery and was able to join Colton and Stetson a few days later.
Soon after birth, doctors discovered that Stetson has very abnormal collateral arteries, which are extremely rare, in addition to his heart defect. Stanford Children’s Hospital is the only institution in the United States specializing in the high-risk operation that Stetson will need. He will require multiple surgeries, the first in Seattle, and then they will have to relocate to California for the high-risk operation, followed by a few other surgeries that will be determined later.
God’s glory has been seen through Stetson every step of the way. There have been many small miracles that have left the doctors speechless, and we know there will be many more with his strong fighting spirit. Stetson has the heart of a lion and has already touched so many hearts. He has defied all the odds every step of the way. Despite all the hardships and struggles, Colton and Karli have lived every moment with an attitude of gratitude. They hope that everyone will give their own kiddos an extra hug tonight for Stetson. This life we live is truly a gift.
James 1:2: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Seattle Children’s Hospital has been a tremendous blessing, thanks to the dedicated staff who have devoted their careers and lives to caring for children like Stetson, affectionately known as "everyone’s little Cowboy." As John Wayne once said, “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” Colton had always chosen the name Stetson (after the Cowboy hat) for their first boy. When he looked up the meaning, he discovered it means "Fighter" or "Boxer” very fitting for their little fighter!
#StetsonStrong
All of your prayers, support, and love truly mean the world to Colton, Karli, and Stetson during this time.
Stetson James Taxdahl
Stetson James Taxdahl was born on July 3rd at 9:46 PM, just in time for the 4th of July!
Stetson is Karli and Colton’s double rainbow baby. His courageous fighting spirit was evident very early on. At 12 weeks, doctors discovered a tumor on Stetson’s head that did not have a favorable prognosis. They were advised to terminate the pregnancy, but knew God was going to do something special with their boy. Within two weeks, the tumor disappeared on its own, revealing the first glimpse of Stetson's strong fighting spirit.
Things looked promising until the anatomy scan at 18 weeks. Doctors at Seattle Children’s discovered that Stetson would be born with a congenital heart defect, Tricuspid Atresia with Pulmonary Atresia. Stetson has a single-ventricle heart with only one pumping chamber instead of two, a condition affecting about 5 in every 100,000 children. Once again, they were given the opportunity to terminate the pregnancy, but they knew this little boy was destined for more.
The next few months were filled with numerous doctor’s appointments and planning for his life after birth. Doctors recommended that Karli and Colton relocate to the Seattle area at 34 weeks pregnant. Stetson decided to arrive a little early at 38 weeks. He came out roaring like a lion and breathing on his own, which was the first miracle they witnessed. He was then immediately transported to Seattle Children’s Hospital in an incubator with Colton. As they made their way to the hospital, Colton was informed that Karli had suffered a seizure post-delivery in the operating room. They really rang in the 4th of July with a bang. Karli made a full recovery and was able to join Colton and Stetson a few days later.
Soon after birth, doctors discovered that Stetson has very abnormal collateral arteries, which are extremely rare, in addition to his heart defect. Stanford Children’s Hospital is the only institution in the United States specializing in the high-risk operation that Stetson will need. He will require multiple surgeries, the first in Seattle, and then they will have to relocate to California for the high-risk operation, followed by a few other surgeries that will be determined later.
God’s glory has been seen through Stetson every step of the way. There have been many small miracles that have left the doctors speechless, and we know there will be many more with his strong fighting spirit. Stetson has the heart of a lion and has already touched so many hearts. He has defied all the odds every step of the way. Despite all the hardships and struggles, Colton and Karli have lived every moment with an attitude of gratitude. They hope that everyone will give their own kiddos an extra hug tonight for Stetson. This life we live is truly a gift.
James 1:2: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Seattle Children’s Hospital has been a tremendous blessing, thanks to the dedicated staff who have devoted their careers and lives to caring for children like Stetson, affectionately known as "everyone’s little Cowboy." As John Wayne once said, “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” Colton had always chosen the name Stetson (after the Cowboy hat) for their first boy. When he looked up the meaning, he discovered it means "Fighter" or "Boxer” very fitting for their little fighter!
#StetsonStrong
All of your prayers, support, and love truly mean the world to Colton, Karli, and Stetson during this time.
Organizer
Malia Taxdahl
Organizer
Burlington, WA