Mighty Milo

Trysten and Caroline’s new baby boy was born on April 29th, four weeks early. Caroline went to the hospital for a regular check up, her blood pressure was high and they decided to induce that day due to preeclampsia. Milo was sent to the NICU a few hours after birth due to low blood sugar. Our family was SO worried about him at that point, but we had no idea what would come in the next few days. After 5 days of IV fluids for Milo, it was finally time to go home. Trysten and Caroline were SO excited to bring him home and complete their family of four.  The night before he was supposed to be discharged, a nurse detected a murmur in Milo’s heart. His oxygen levels began to drop, and an echo was ordered. The cardiologist stepped out immediately after to arrange for Milo to be transferred by ambulance to Children’s Mercy Hospital, and he returned with very scary news for Trysten and Caroline - Milo was diagnosed with Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR), a rare congenital defect in which one vein in the heart does not connect normally to the left atrium. After a few more weeks in and out of the hospital, Milo had open heart surgery. He is post op day 6 and doing well, but he has a lower heart rate than expected and his rhythm is doing something that the doctors don’t like. This means that he could need another open heart surgery in the coming weeks to months to place a permanent pacemaker in his heart.

Thankfully, Trysten works for a fire department that offers 6 weeks of paid paternity leave. Caroline is a stay at home mom who cares full time for their almost two year old daughter, Paisley, and now Milo as well. Despite Trysten’s great career, and saving money to supplement his income for the 6 weeks, there are way more hospital bills than they had planned on; and his 6 weeks are almost up. Trysten and Caroline are making several daily trips to and from the hospital to care for both of their children. 

Trysten and Caroline are two of the best people and parents you will ever meet. If you know them, you know they would give their last dollar to help anyone in need and hate having to ask for help. If anyone is deserving of a break, it’sthis little family. Even if you can only spare $5, this is enough for a meal at the hospital for one of them to be at the hospital with Milo.  Any little thing helps. 

Thank you so much for the never ending prayers and support. Our family greatly appreciates it.