In 2007, Adrian and Melinda welcomed their first son into the world. After several miscarriages and many attempts to get pregnant, they were over the moon with excitement. Myles was born February 9th 2007, he was the most beautiful baby they had ever seen. Shortly after Myles was born, he started having medical issues. Myles was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy before his first birthday. Melinda was unable to go back to work because Myles could not be in a daycare at the time with his needs. It seemed like they always made it work. Not too long after, they welcomed Emma and Jack into the world. They were the perfect family of 5. Unfortunately Myles’ medical bills were piling up faster than they were getting paid. Then Adrian was laid off from his job due to the nations economical challenges. This was a tough time because they were behind on their house payments, medical bills, and the typical monthly bills. However they seemed to still be making it work.

In 2011 Adrian decided to join the Army at 39 years old and determined to change their situation for the better. Joining the army would give them stable insurance for Myles, stable paychecks, and stable housing. It also meant moving away from everyone they knew and doing it on their own. Adrian was gone A LOT when he was in the Army. Melinda handled their home and family on her own including first days of school, sick kids, broken bones, and the constant care Myles needed. Everything was always worth it to them though because of the medical care which they so desperately needed for Myles. In 2016 Adrian got stationed in Colorado where they finally caught a break. In Colorado parents can be caregivers for their children with medical needs AND earn an income. Melinda got her CNA, worked out the details, and started being a part of Myles’ care team. In 2019 after getting out of the Army, Adrian was able to be a part of Myles care team as well. With both of them earning an income while working with Myles, they were able to finally do more things as a family and Adrian didn’t have to deploy anymore. This was a wonderful opportunity for them to be “whole”.

Myles could light up a room with his smile, but he could also break windows with his scream. Having a child with a disability is never easy; however, they didn’t see Myles as a burden. He loved to be the center of attention and he knew how to get it when he wanted it. He laughed when you told him no. He would yell when he wouldn’t get his way. Myles loved Nemo, so on a bad day, that was all it took to turn it around. He loved light up toys, rapper snappers, and anything noisy and bright. He loved when the dogs would come lay with him. His Daddy was his favorite person in the world. Everyday with Myles was a special day. His brother Jack loved to lay in Myles’ room and snuggle up and watch tv. His sister Emma was his protector, she loved him more than anything. The Nygaard house revolved around Myles, and no one complained.

On August 2nd, 2021 Myles started to not feel very well. He had a fever since the day before and Melinda decided to take him to the ER to make sure everything was ok. The next 48 hours turned into a whirlwind. Shortly after arriving at the local hospital, Myles was immediately transported to the children’s hospital. There they deemed it necessary to perform emergency surgery because they believed something had ruptured. It was during his surgery, they realized Myles had suffered from an intestinal twist. The doctors fixed the twist and said they would go back in a few days to check that everything was healing and said recovery would be a long process. The next morning they checked on Myles’ intestines and found that almost all of the tissue had lost blood flow and there was no way to get it back. The doctors had to remove the damaged tissue and leave what little they could save, hoping it would be enough. In the early hours of August 4th, they were unable to keep Myles' stats stable. Adrian had to make the dreaded call to Melinda who was at home with their other children. Myles was trying to fight as best as he could, but he became very weak. Many tough decisions had to be made and they spent what time he had left by their sweet son’s side. Myles unfortunately passed away that morning.

Everything in life was turned upside down so suddenly. One day, they were playing and loving on their son and then he was gone. In a matter of a few days, the Nygaards lost their son, their jobs, their whole world. They went from planning a family Disney vacation in two years, to planning what to do with his ashes. No one plans to lose their child or can even fathom that happening. There is no life insurance policy in place, no funeral fund, no fund for “just in case” something happens. This isn’t supposed to happen, parents are never supposed to bury their children.

Life in the Nygaard house has always revolved around Myles. They drive a big vehicle to fit all of Myles' equipment and supplies. They bought a forever house that was wheelchair accessible on the whole main floor. They had two rooms for Myles, a bedroom, and a working room. Every move, every change, every decision in the past 14 years has come with one thought. “How will this affect Myles?” Now they must ask themselves “What do we do without Myles?”

We are asking that the Nygaard’s family and friends help them through the beginning of this new journey. This is not only going to be mentally and emotionally hard. It’s going to be extremely financially difficult. They just bought a house that was set up for Myles. Their car was based on the needs of Myles. Jack and Emma are just starting school. Then they had to pay for Cremation and an Urn for Myles. Both Adrian and Melinda’s careers were wrapped up in Myles. They will both need to find new jobs. Melinda has been out of the workforce for 14 years. By donating to this go fund me, you are helping get the Nygaard Family to cover current and future expenses as they try to pick up the pieces and start again.