Baby Mariano was born healthy on March 25th, 2026. He was the sweetest boy ever. One night, he just turned super inconsolable, leading his mother to take him to the emergency room. Not long after that, the doctor said mom was right; something was wrong. He had gotten a UTI, and with that UTI, it caused him to get two more infections, E. Coli and bacterial meningitis. The doctor decided to fly him out to Intermountain Health Primary Hospital in Salt Lake City. There, they ran more tests on him: numerous MRIs, ultrasounds, blood work, and IVs. He developed a swollen kidney, he was put on oxygen, and the two infections ended up making it to his head, causing an empyema sac in the back of his head. A little after a week, the doctors decided to do surgery to flush the bacteria out of his head because it wasn’t going down. They successfully did that, and after a couple of blood cultures came out negative, they were able to place a PICC line into his little arm. After almost 3 weeks of being admitted to the hospital, the doctors decided he could be sent home with the PICC line, and mom would proceed to give him his antibiotics for 4 more weeks at home to fight off the rest of the infection that was leftover.

Tuesday, May 5, they have said that he is clear from his infections, but there are still numerous follow-up appointments that he has coming because meningitis can cause some delays. Mariano has been so strong this last month. I mean, you look at him, and he doesn’t act like he ever had to go through all that. It was a very difficult time for him and his family.

His mom is not someone to ask for help, and it takes a lot for her to even accept help, so I have put this together in hopes to help her with all the medical expenses. (She did approve.) So if you are able to donate during this hard time, we appreciate it, and if not, a simple share goes a long way. Thank you.