Hello, with the permission of the Baber family, we are starting this GoFundMe page.

Our friend Kolby Baber was diagnosed with COVID last week. A few days later, his wife took him to the ER as she noticed his breathing was off. Kolby was admitted as his oxygen levels were very low and he was placed in the COVID-ICU. At this time, Kolby's oxygen levels continue to fluctuate between the 85% to 93% range. He has been on the BI-Pap machine, with 100% oxygen support from that. The doctors continue to report that he is very sick, but he is young, and healthy otherwise. At this time, the current prognosis is that he will remain in the COVID ICU until August 31st. At that point, they will decide if he needs to remain in the hospital or can come home. They are hoping only to use intubation as the very last option. Kolby is fighting as hard as he can against the virus, but he has a very long road ahead of him, and unfortunately with COVID, the illness is handled on a day by day basis.

Kolby's immediate family is very close. He is a loving, funny, and compassionate man who always puts his family first. He works for Corrections as a Corporal, his wife, Kelani, is a Probation Officer. They have one daughter, Kenley who is 6 years old and will be starting 1st Grade this year. This has been very hard on his family, their whole world has been turned upside down. They are constantly doing things as a family, you rarely see them without each other. More so, Kolby is the most amazing father, and it has been incredibly hard on him and his daughter to navigate all of this. Kolby is not able to have visitors, not even his family, so they can communicate via text, phone, and sometimes FaceTime. The earliest he can have visitors is August 31st.

We are very optimistic about his recovery, but there is still a long road ahead filled with struggle, both financial and physical. They may not want to ask for help on their own, but we want them to know that they are surrounded by love and support in this difficult time. The total costs are unknown at this point, but anything that anyone could do to help would be greatly appreciated. Funds raised will go directly to Kolby’s medical costs and related recovery treatment, medication, etc. It will also aid in providing before and after school care for his daughter, as well as additional household expenses with only one income.

As his friends and family, we have watched him grow into an amazing husband, father, and so much more. We, along with many others hope that his healing comes quickly so that he can return home to his beautiful family and his life. Kolby and his family greatly appreciate the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. Please continue to pray for healing and comfort so that he may continue his fight to return home.