Help Heidi and Cartier Through This Medical Crisis

Help Heidi and Her Family During This Difficult Time

My dear friend, Heidi, is an incredible mother raising six amazing children—four lovely girls and two sweet boys. Right now, she and her family need our love, prayers, and support.

Her 12-year-old son, Cartier was rushed to the ICU on February 25th after experiencing complications from pneumonia. This isn’t the first time Cartier has battled a serious illness—last year, he spent an entire month in the ICU before finally coming home from a conference. Now, Heidi and her family are facing another difficult and uncertain journey for Cartier’s recovery.

Cartier’s Journey

Cartier’s story is one of resilience. Heidi became his foster mom when he was just one year old after he suffered a traumatic brain injury due to abuse. She officially adopted him three years ago and has been his full-time advocate and caretaker ever since. Due to his medical needs, Cartier requires 24-hour nursing care. Heidi is one of his nurses, along with three other home care nurses who assist in their home.

What Happened?

While Heidi was briefly away, Cartier became sick with what was believed to be a typical cyclic vomiting episode. However, this time was different—he aspirated, and his oxygen levels began to drop. By the time Heidi returned, his condition had worsened, and on the morning of February 25th, his numbers kept falling. She had no choice but to call an ambulance.

Once in the emergency department, Cartier went into cardiac arrest three times. Heidi and her 20-year-old daughter, Faith, had to witness these terrifying moments as the medical team performed CPR to bring him back. By God’s grace, they were able to stabilize him, but he was placed on a ventilator and admitted to the ICU.

Updates from the ICU

Day 3 – Cartier was given multiple access lines, started on strong antibiotics, and required a blood transfusion due to low hemoglobin levels. His lungs were highly inflamed, and doctors confirmed his condition was most likely due to aspiration rather than a viral infection.

Day 5 – Cartier woke up for the first time! He was alert, shaking his favorite toy, and responding to music and voices. X-rays showed some improvement, and his oxygen support was reduced slightly. However, his fluid overload and blood pressure remained concerns, requiring intensive monitoring.

Day 8 – After two days of showing more of his personality, doctors attempted to remove the ventilator. Unfortunately, Cartier did not tolerate being off the vent, and his little lungs still need the extra support. His oxygen needs increased from 40% to 60%.

Day 9 – Cartier remains stable but is still dependent on the ventilator. While we are hopeful for continued progress, we know that anything can change in an instant, as we learned last year.

Why We Need Your Help

Heidi is unable to work while Cartier is in the ICU, and the financial burden of travel costs, lost wages, and everyday expenses is overwhelming. She drives nearly an hour each way to be by Cartier’s side, and the cost of gas and parking adds up quickly.

We are asking for donations to help Heidi with:

Please Join Us in Supporting Heidi and Cartier

Every donation, prayer, and share make a difference. If you are able to contribute, no matter the amount, it will help ease the financial stress and allow Heidi to focus entirely on being by Cartier’s side.

Please continue to pray for Cartier’s healing, Heidi’s strength, and for the doctors and nurses caring for him.

We know miracles happen—God showed us that last year. We are believing in another miracle for Cartier.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support. Let’s rally around Heidi and remind her she is not alone in this fight.

#HelpCartierHeal #PrayersForCartier #SupportHeidiAndHerFamily #Snglemomneedshelp