Update:

It is with deep sadness and sincerest condolences that we share this update regarding Christian’s health status.

On Wednesday, January 21st, 2026, Christian was taken off life support and took his final breath on this side of Heaven. His lungs were just at a point where they were not going to be able to recover and it was starting to take a severe toll on the rest of his body.

We ask that you please continue to pray for this sweet Family in the days and weeks to come. This is just an unfathomable situation that no parent should ever have to endure, but through it all, Eric and Michelle have put their trust in Jesus and have complete faith that one day they will be reunited with their sweet Boy.

If you’re able, please consider donating to help with medical costs that have accumulated in the 24 days Christian spent in the ICU at Children’s Hospital and now the expenses that will follow as they lay him to rest.

Most of all, please lift up Eric, Michelle, Geneva, Eli, and the rest of their family in prayer as they face the days ahead.

Thank you so much, on behalf of Eric & Michelle Hackl.

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Meet Christian!

Christian Hackl is 16 years old. He has an older sister, Geneva and a younger brother, Eli. His favorite book/stuffed animal is Pete the Cat. He and his Dad read the book and sing the song together on a regular basis. He also really enjoys watching the live version of the movie, The Lion King. He loves cuddles with his Mom and has a special bond with his Nana, Carrol.

On December 29, 2025, Christian was admitted to St. Louis Children's Hospital in critical condition. He has been diagnosed with acute respiratory failure, as well as testing positive for Influenza A & MRSA Pneumonia.

Upon trying to intubate him on the first evening at Children’s, he went into cardiac arrest. He was without a pulse for about 10 minutes which also led to him suffering from an Ischemic Stroke on the right side of his brain. They won’t know the extent of the damage to his brain until he is able to wake up so they can run the necessary neurological tests.

Christian is also on an ECMO machine to support both his heart and lungs. His lungs have been severely damaged by the infection he is fighting, so he will remain on ECMO until they are stronger and can hold air to breathe on his own. Unfortunately, he has had a few serious complications that have had to be taken care of while we wait for his lungs to heal. God has brought him through these complications and we are so grateful.

Recovery will be a long, slow road for him. Most likely requiring months of hospitalizations. Aside from his lungs, which are still very sick, he will have other surgeries and procedures coming up due to complications from lack of circulation and side effects from his stroke. Just so many unknowns at this time.

Another thing to know about Christian is that he has Autism. Specifically, he is considered ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Level 3. His Medical Teams at Children’s are very concerned about his healing and progression due to his severe Autism. As they begin to wake him up with all the IVs, ECMO connections, chest tubes, and other machines & lines he's on, it will probably cause a lot of anxiety and possible aggression. He will require additional Therapists to help transition him through these sensory and anxiety issues. He will need Therapy to help him walk again and possibly to speak. Your prayers for him to get through these moments after he wakes up are greatly appreciated.

Please continue to pray for Eric, Michelle, Geneva, Eli, and of course sweet Christian as they go through this journey together. If you’re able to financially support the Hackl Family in any way, they would appreciate it so very much. Medical expenses are headed their way in this New Year and as you know, normal everyday expenses won’t stop coming either.

One special need that I would like to add to this, is that their oven has stopped working and cannot be fixed, requiring them to have to purchase another one. I would love for us to rally around this sweet Family and make this happen for them!

Thank you so much, on behalf of Eric & Michelle Hackl.