*UPDATE* 2/11/24

Elliott was in the NICU until, on the 29th of January, he was discharged. We were so overjoyed to bring him home, but at the same time we felt it was a bit too soon, as Elliott was and is still using a feeding tube and struggling to drink a full bottle without it having to be used. Also, our older children had contracted what seemed to be the common cold and we didn't want Elliott getting sick. We really thought nothing of it and cared for them all as if it was a normal cold. Little did we know at that time, it was RSV, Respiratory Syncitial Virus.

Days passed by, and we had high hopes that our little boy would not catch this nasty cold. The older children had been recovering from their sicknesses with little trouble. Sadly, Elliott began to exhibit breathing similar to when he was first born. This was a serious red flag for us and we weren't taking any chances, so as soon as we noticed his labored breathing and reduced respiratory rate, we rushed him back to Helen Devos Children's Hospital to have him admitted once again, on 2/8/24.

Shortly after admittance, we were informed that his breathing difficulties were being caused by RSV, in conjunction with his heart murmur. We were devastated to hear this, and to know that our boy was again fighting for his life. Elliott has been in the worst shape i had seen him in, even since birth. He was becoming hypoxic, exhibiting apnea and bouts of bradycardia, a very low heartbeat. I had also witnessed his respiratory rate drop down and hold at less than 20 breaths a minute. several times and had been informed there were fluid and rasping sounds in his right lung.

To counter this affliction, the doctor began to run more tests to identify potential issues that may present themselves and placed Elliott on oxygen assistance, along with IV antibiotics and fluids, for safe measure. They've been struggling to keep his mask in place, so they ended up placing a tube down his trachea to ensure ample pressurization and oxygen delivery to his lungs.

We are now back to square one, it would seem. It has been a waiting game and Elliott appears to be somewhat stable in his current condition, upon receiving his trachea tube. Savanna and I are praying for him to pull through this and we are so heartbroken for our special boy.

We had thought the seemingly endless trips to the hospital and all other difficulties involved in this tragedy were behind us and were beginning to heal, as a family. We are now once again making frequent trips to the hospital, struggling with fuel costs, to provide basic necessities, like food and OTC medications for the kids, and to pay our bills.

We thank you kind souls that have reached out in support of our family so much for all of the support received, thus far. Unfortunately, we must ask of those who are able, that you please consider donating to our family in crisis, mentally, physically and monetarily. Even the smallest donation makes a huge impact in our fight to be present in our son's care, as much as possible, and ultimately bring Elliott home, again. God bless you all!

Sincerely,

Brian Olmsted and Family

My name is Brian Olmsted. Savanna and i are working hard at raising our boys, Mason(9), Griffin(6), Oliver(5) Emmett (3), and our daughter, Adalynn(1 1/2), and we now have a newborn son, Elliott. My pride tells me to only ask when I absolutely need it. Sometimes even then I still have trouble with this. We need your help friends. We pray for some kind souls to bless our family with an opportunity to get back on our feet; and to prevent further hardships from occurring, in the midst of current difficulties. 

 When our son Elliott was born 12/18/23 at Kelsey Campus Hospital in Big Rapids, preterm, at 36 weeks gestation, we never expected anything could be wrong with him, after having 5 healthy babies with no complications; Even with Elliott being 36 weeks. But right from the beginning, we sensed something was terribly wrong with Elliott's breathing, and they immediately informed us he would be brought here to the Helen Devos Children's Hospital. We have now been living, so to speak, in this hospital for nearly a month. He has been on cpap and oxygen, on and off, fighting to breathe and to stay alive. He knows is very much adored by all those around him and I know they are doing all they can for him. The outcome seems far from certain, but we are holding to all hope and we would love to bring our son home.

 It's become a stark waiting game and the burden this experience has created in the wake has been debilitating to our normal family life. I've been off work since early December, shortly before Elliott was born. We had just begun getting ready for Christmas and to have everything ready for the birthing. We did not have ample time. We scrambled to make all of our arrangements and get the kids to where they had to be and to provide food for them during their stay. All of our funds we had saved are now gone, in all our efforts to do only that which has been absolutely necessary. I will be seeking work to stave this unforeseen financial strain, but this is typically an off season for me. The bills are now stacking up and I've been struggling to even afford groceries and gas to go back and forth to the hospital and to shuttle the kids to and fro.

 This whole experience has been traumatic for us. So I plead with all of you: know that in your hearts what I ask is of good and honorable intentions. Even if there is nothing monetary you can afford to give, we ask that support us with any odd job, quick money, opportunity leads; As well as any kind words or encouragement to our family. All are welcome to post on my wall (Brian Olmsted) We love you friends, please help.

Sincerely,

The Olmsted Family ❤