Over the past two years, the Torgerson family has been walking through more than they ever could have imagined. Knox has bravely endured seven surgeries and three hospital stays, showing strength far beyond his years. And now, their youngest, Kaelix, is facing a battle of his own.

In just the past three months, Kaelix has been hospitalized four separate times. At only 9½ months old, he has already gone through craniofacial reconstructive surgery and spent eight days in the hospital fighting RSV, which led to pulmonary hypertension and fluid in his lungs. It’s been a constant cycle of worry, hospital rooms, and hoping for good news.

Following one of his hospital stays, doctors wanted to keep a close eye on his heart and lungs, requesting a chest X-ray and echocardiogram within a month. At that follow-up appointment, despite finally eating better than ever, Kaelix was still losing weight and had become noticeably weaker—something no parent should have to witness.

What should have been a routine check quickly turned into something much more serious.

His cardiologist discovered that one side of his heart had become significantly enlarged, and the ventricular septal defect (VSD)—a hole in his heart—had grown much larger than before. That same day, Kaelix was admitted back into the hospital for further testing and monitoring.

A heart catheterization brought a mix of relief and concern: while the pulmonary hypertension had resolved, the hole in his heart was far more severe than originally believed.

After a few days back at home, Kaelix continued to lose weight. With heavy hearts, his doctors made the urgent call—he now needs open-heart surgery within the week. To keep him stable and strong enough for surgery, he must remain in the hospital until the procedure and at least a week after for recovery.

No parent is ever prepared for moments like this. The emotional toll is overwhelming, and the financial strain continues to grow with every hospital stay, procedure, and time away from work.

We’re asking for your support—whether through a donation, a prayer, or simply sharing their story. Every bit helps ease the burden on this family so they can focus on what matters most: being there for Knox and Kaelix as they fight through these incredibly difficult challenges.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, love, and support during this time.