GoFundMe Story – Kaiden

Title: Helping Kaiden Recover After Severe Hypothermia and Frostbite

Story:

Our family’s lives changed suddenly when our grandson, Kaiden, was involved in a traumatic incident while he was in North Dakota.

At just 18 years old, Kaiden had only just begun his adult life. He was starting his career and looking forward to all the things a young man dreams of—independence, opportunity, and building a future. In a matter of hours, everything changed.

Kaiden suffered severe hypothermia along with third- and fourth-degree frostbite to his hands, knees, and feet. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, he was transported by medical jet to a specialized HCA Swedish Hospital in Denver Colorado, known for treating severe frostbite and burn injuries.

He spent five days in the Burn and Frostbite ICU, where he underwent the first of many surgeries. He was then transferred to the Burn and Frostbite Reconstruction Unit, where his care has continued. To date, Kaiden has undergone three surgeries and has now spent 23 days in the hospital.

Frostbite is not a single event—it is an injury that changes daily for weeks, making recovery unpredictable and extremely challenging. As Kaiden heals from skin grafting, he must be splinted and immobilized, sometimes for days to weeks at a time, limiting his movement and independence. The process is physically exhausting and emotionally overwhelming, especially for someone so young.

This situation has been deeply traumatic for Kaiden. In addition to the physical pain and limitations, he is coping with fear, uncertainty, and the sudden disruption of his future plans.

Kaiden’s parents, Shea and Emily Baxter, along with the rest of his family, are struggling as well—watching, hearing about, and living with the reality of his suffering every day. Being unable to take away his pain while trying to remain strong for him has taken a tremendous emotional toll on everyone who loves him.

Adding to this burden, Kaiden does not have medical insurance. The financial impact of emergency transport, prolonged hospitalization, multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, travel, and lost income has quickly become overwhelming.

Funds raised will help cover:

Critical medical and surgical expenses

Ongoing hospitalization and rehabilitation

Travel and accommodation costs related to his care

Basic living expenses while Kaiden and his family focus on recovery

Future care needs as his healing continues

We are asking for help so Kaiden and his parents can focus on what truly matters—his healing—without the constant fear of how these expenses will be managed. Any donation, no matter the amount, and any sharing of this page is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support during this incredibly difficult time.

— Kaiden’s Family

Our grandson Kaiden, just 18 years old, suffered severe hypothermia and third- and fourth-degree frostbite while in North Dakota. He was flown by medical jet to a specialized hospital and has now spent 23 days in the hospital and undergone three surgeries, with more recovery ahead.

Kaiden was just starting his life and career, and this has turned everything upside down. He has no medical insurance, and the financial burden on him and his parents, Shea and Emily, is overwhelming.

If you are able to donate or share, we would be so grateful. Your support will help Kaiden focus on healing instead of worrying about how he will manage through this.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts ❤️

Nan and Poppa