Support Jayden's Critical Recovery Journey

Hello,

I am writing to you on behalf of my daughter's best friend, Jayden and family. After several days of not feeling well, including moderate knee pain and body aches, Jayden went to see his family doctor where they misdiagnosed him with H. influenzae infection and was given antibiotics. Later that evening his health rapidly began to change for the worse and he began to experience pain throughout his body and was not able to walk. Along with that, a new rash had developed on his knee. After a trip to the ER, he was quicky admitted to the hospital where a series of tests were run. It was discovered that there was a bacteria causing an infection and it was not the H bacteria but Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria causing the infection. As this was being investigated by the doctors his health continued to rapidly decline in a way that was concerning everyone. Along with immense pain everywhere, he was barely able to move or talk. They discovered that the bacteria had moved to all of his joints and the left side of his heart. The doctors were planning to perform emergency surgery to remove the bacteria from the knees to start with, while also treating with antibiotics. Before they could even move forward with these plans his heart rate sky rocketed to 185 and they rushed him for a CT on the heart. It was discovered that the bacteria had invaded his heart and was now also on the right side, and his situation was more serious than they could treat here in the Springs Children's Hospital. He was taken by life flight helicopter to Denver Children's Hospital ICU Heart Specialty Care. Things were looking very scary as other organs such as his liver and kidneys also began to fail, and one of his lungs was partially collapsed as well. His life was very much on the line and family and friends continually cried out to God to intervene quickly, which as you will see in the rest of the story, He did and is continuing to do so.

It was determined that Jayden would most likely need to undergo open heart surgery to clear out the bacteria and save his life. The risk was very high because of how poorly his other organs were doing and the very weak state his body was in. The doctors were waiting to see if the antibiotics would help and he would stabilize some. At this point 72 hours had gone by since it all started, and as he continued to decline, the doctors reached a point where the risk of the heart surgery outweighed the risk of not performing it. There was also concern how his body would do handling the anesthesia as well; so many risk factors involved at that time. I witnessed Jaden's mom Jody and sister Samantha, standing in faith that God would bring Jaden through this surgery. We gathered and prayed, anointing him with oil, entrusting his life to the one who created him. I was truly inspired by their unwavering trust in Christ Jesus.

Over many long hours, with success updates along each step of the way, Jayden successfully made it through open heart surgery. It was discovered that all four ventricles of his heart were infected and they had to replace them with mechanical ones. This means he will have to be on blood thinners the rest of his life, and cannot engage in sports or high level activity. However, our merciful and gracious Lord brought him through each step and he has a future for Jayden that will go beyond what any of us can imagine. That is the kind of God He is.

After the surgery Jayden had to stay on the breathing tube and sedated so there would not be any additional stress on his heart, as well as a chance for his other organs to function properly. Each day has held positive steps of progress and we look forward to the day Jayden walks out of the hospital. This is just the beginning of the long healing journey ahead for Jayden and his family. He will be at the hospital a minimum of six weeks, and upon returning home, receive in house nursing care. The doctors are looking at what underlying causes could possibly have attributed to this rapid decline from the infection. Although he is improving some each day, there are still many unknowns regarding his health.

In the mean time, Jayden's mom Jody and Sister Samantha have been with him around the clock. This crisis impacts their financial situation, as neither are able to work and there are many extra expenses being added along the way. They will have to make some new purchases to set up and arrange his room for in house care as well. Many people have asked how they can help, so I wanted to set this up for those wanting to contribute financially, as that is one of the ways they need help. It will also be a place for people to receive updates on Jayden's progress. God is working a miracle on his behalf and has already answered prayers and shown up in so many ways, including bringing His supernatural peace to his family during a time where it would be easy for fear and anxiety to reign.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and if anything at all, please continue to pray for Jayden and his family as they travel down this very hard road.

In Christ,

Connie (Family Friend)

Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow on the Almighty. I will say of the Lord " He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.