- K
- J
77 Days.
As some of you already know, our families' lives were changed forever on May 21st of this year. That is the day that my daughter and son-in-law took their 3 yr. old son to his pediatrician, concerned because he had been throwing up at night, for a little over a week. After examining him, his Dr. sent them to Children's Hospital emergency room for IV fluids and blood work. Everything came back 'normal'. They were being discharged when the Dr. said she'd like to run one more test because having nausea as his only symptom wasn't adding up to her. Declan had his 1st MRI that day. It was the day that rocked our very foundation and turned our world upside-down.
Declan had a mass on his brain.
He was admitted to the ICU and had surgery 2 days later, where they were able to remove the whole tumor. Unfortunately, it 'dripped' down to his spine. He would need chemotherapy. He came out of surgery and was doing well. He was alert, and talking, and eating. Within a week, they transferred him to the Mario Lemieux Children's Home to start Physical and Occupational therapy. They were there 6 hours when something went very wrong.
He was having seizures.
He was rushed back to Children's Emergency room where an MRI showed that 5 more tumors had grown. He was re-admitted to the ICU where he remained unconscious and on a ventilator for the next 3 weeks. They had to start radiation right away. (Which wasn't even an option 7 days prior because of the long term developmental delays that it causes in kids under 3). He finished his 30th dose of radiation 3 weeks ago. During that time, he had his 2nd surgery to insert a G-tube to feed him, and a port for him to receive his chemo through.
There was another trip back to the Children's Home. And another trip back to the hospital. And just when we thought that the bad news was over, Kelli and Josh were told that their baby has damage to his brain.
Declan was sent home yesterday. On 27 kinds of medications. He is the strongest guy I know, with the strongest, most loving and dedicated parents I've ever seen. They've both been out of work since May 21st to be with their baby, and haven't left his side once. The emotional toll this has had on them has been crippling, and the financial toll it's taken has been debilitating, which is the reason why I'm sharing this with you.
I started this with the words '77 days'. That is the amount of days that they lived in the hospital. The bills have been piling up, with new ones coming in nearly every day.
If you've taken the time to read this, Thank you! If you are able to donate, it would be very much appreciated. If you're not able to donate, please keep Declan (and his Mom and Dad) in your prayers. They are what's been giving them the strength they truly need to get through this seemingly impossible time. With much love and gratitude for you all, we remain #Declanstrong!
As some of you already know, our families' lives were changed forever on May 21st of this year. That is the day that my daughter and son-in-law took their 3 yr. old son to his pediatrician, concerned because he had been throwing up at night, for a little over a week. After examining him, his Dr. sent them to Children's Hospital emergency room for IV fluids and blood work. Everything came back 'normal'. They were being discharged when the Dr. said she'd like to run one more test because having nausea as his only symptom wasn't adding up to her. Declan had his 1st MRI that day. It was the day that rocked our very foundation and turned our world upside-down.
Declan had a mass on his brain.
He was admitted to the ICU and had surgery 2 days later, where they were able to remove the whole tumor. Unfortunately, it 'dripped' down to his spine. He would need chemotherapy. He came out of surgery and was doing well. He was alert, and talking, and eating. Within a week, they transferred him to the Mario Lemieux Children's Home to start Physical and Occupational therapy. They were there 6 hours when something went very wrong.
He was having seizures.
He was rushed back to Children's Emergency room where an MRI showed that 5 more tumors had grown. He was re-admitted to the ICU where he remained unconscious and on a ventilator for the next 3 weeks. They had to start radiation right away. (Which wasn't even an option 7 days prior because of the long term developmental delays that it causes in kids under 3). He finished his 30th dose of radiation 3 weeks ago. During that time, he had his 2nd surgery to insert a G-tube to feed him, and a port for him to receive his chemo through.
There was another trip back to the Children's Home. And another trip back to the hospital. And just when we thought that the bad news was over, Kelli and Josh were told that their baby has damage to his brain.
Declan was sent home yesterday. On 27 kinds of medications. He is the strongest guy I know, with the strongest, most loving and dedicated parents I've ever seen. They've both been out of work since May 21st to be with their baby, and haven't left his side once. The emotional toll this has had on them has been crippling, and the financial toll it's taken has been debilitating, which is the reason why I'm sharing this with you.
I started this with the words '77 days'. That is the amount of days that they lived in the hospital. The bills have been piling up, with new ones coming in nearly every day.
If you've taken the time to read this, Thank you! If you are able to donate, it would be very much appreciated. If you're not able to donate, please keep Declan (and his Mom and Dad) in your prayers. They are what's been giving them the strength they truly need to get through this seemingly impossible time. With much love and gratitude for you all, we remain #Declanstrong!
Organizer and beneficiary
Joshua Walters
Beneficiary