My niece Katelyn's sweet 4-year-old son exposed to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) while playing in the Virgin River near La Verkin, Utah on June 11th. This year, extreme heat and drought conditions have created the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to spread. Doctors across the region have seen a spike in E. coli cases.

By June 16th, he developed severe bloody diarrhea. When he stopped urinating, his family rushed him to the hospital. The tests revealed the worst: He had developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that was damaging his kidneys and blood cells. His blood counts kept dropping. He was immediately airlifted by Life Flight from St. George to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City. Specialists began lifesaving treatment right away: blood transfusions, a dialysis catheter placement, ongoing dialysis support, and a feeding tube. The medical team's quick action bought his bodyy critical time to heal. His labs are being monitored closely. His little body is fighting hard against the damage from the Shiga toxin. Recovery will take time, but he has an incredible team in his corner.

His doctors have said that, in the best case scenario, he will likely remain hospitalized for another 3-4 weeks as his kidneys recover, his blood count stabilizes, and his body continues to heal from the effects of the Shiga toxin.

Katelyn is at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City while her husband has been working and driving the kids up from St. George on weekends to visit. This has been an unimaginable experience for their family. Any support through prayers, sharing his story for awareness, or financial help with the unexpected costs of this medical journey, would be the world to this family. Please keep him in your prayers as he continues to fight and heal.