Support Andrew, Kendall, Walker & family

**I am currently resending the link out for this page to show the Kooy family support while Walker has been admitted to Sick Kids for blocked bowels on January 19, 2023. Andrew and Kendall have especially been taking overnight turns supporting him. They are currently staying in a hotel so any funds raised at this time would a blessing to help cover those unexpected costs this month. Longer update is available in the "Updated" section.**

On October 19, 2021, Walker was born at 32 weeks via emergency c-section in Newmarket and transferred to Sick Kids in Toronto later that day. He was 3 lbs 15 oz at birth. Throughout Kendall's pregnancy, they learned that Walker had some health complications, most concerningly with his heart. And, now that he's arrived, his team of doctors is still in the process of determining his most urgent needs and deciding on a care plan suited to his precious, little body.

In his (nearly) 5 months of life, Walker has already had multiple surgeries. They were aware of his heart condition which has been pretty stable so they will continue to wait until he grows in size and strength before that surgery. But, after his birth a disconnect between his esophagus and stomach became a primary concern. The first surgery attempt was unsuccessful because of the small size of his esophagus, so the doctors waited a few months before attempting again. The second surgery was successful in attaching this system, but since then Walker has had recurring and painful reflux that has not allowed him to tolerate feeds by mouth yet. He is tube fed directly into his stomach/intestines. Andrew and Kendall had been hopeful that Walker may be able to go home between his esophagus and heart surgeries. But, they learned this week that Walker will still be in the hospital for at least a couple months (at minimum) because they can only increase the size of Walker's feeding tubes incrementally every couple weeks. So, he will not be able to go home even with a feeding tube until he's tolerated the size increases.

This has been difficult news as they desire so much to be together as a family and have Walker's siblings get to know him better as well. But, God has been faithful to them in the midst of this continued trial, of waiting and trusting in his promises and plan for their family. They continue to pray and ask you to join them in prayer for Walker's body to recover, heal, and grow, for endurance and energy as they wait with weary hearts, and for wisdom for his care team as they make daily decisions about his health and future. Kendall recently shared that we can also pray that God uses their story and Walker's story to show His power through their weakness!

There are also many things to praise God for in this time. Walker is quite an easy going baby for how much he has endured. He also is very smiley and a blessing to those who see him as they care for him. And, he was just moved on March 9 after 141 days from the NICU to the surgical floor so he will have more people to get to know in that area of the hospital now. While this move does not change his status as he is still under constant observation by a nurse, they are still so proud of how far he has come!

For more details on his story and more regular updates from his family, here is the link for their blog.

https://kendallkooy.wixsite.com/babykooy/post/walker-james-kooy

They are so grateful for people's thoughts, prayers, and messages of support and thank you for them.

It is my (Emily's) hope and prayer that as we uphold them in thought and prayer through the uncertainty they face ahead. And I hope they will be continually reminded of the community walking along side them. May each member of their family feel the nearness of God's presence and his deep, tender love.

So, I decided to increase the amount on this Go Fund Me. This road for this family is far from over, and I do hope this fundraiser continues to be a simple way that people who wish to support them financially can do so. Please don't feel obligated as your thoughts and prayers are most especially coveted by Walker and his family! But, if you are able - this is just another opportunity to show our love, care, and support for them by helping to ease the financial burden of an extended hospital stay, continued travel back and forth to Toronto, and the unknown road ahead.