It is with the heaviest heart, and absolute disbelief that I share sweet Waylon has passed away as of 2pm April 19th. I am keeping this update brief as to respect the Wright Family, please give them space during this unimaginably horrific time. All funds will be shared to the Wright family for whatever they need. I am keeping this page active for the time being, until I hear their wishes. Thank you to everyone who donated, sent positive energy, prayers, and the outpouring of support that was shown for Waylon. He is so loved.

UPDATE APRIL 18th:

Early Saturday Morning Waylon went in for emergency exploratory surgery, where his colon and part of his small intestines were removed. The intention of this surgery is to remove any dead or dying tissue in order to give his body a chance to heal and recover. Waylon is now in an induced coma until Monday/Tuesday while they continue to monitor him. Although this all sounds extremely alarming, this is likely a step in the right direction towards his recovery, please please please keep all the prayers, positive thoughts, healing energy coming Waylons way.

Waylon is a strong, kind, loving, vibrant and hilarious 3-year-old who is currently facing a medical crisis that has turned his family's world upside down. After likely contracting E.Coli during an outdoor Easter egg hunt, Waylon developed a serious complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). He was lifeflighted to Portland's Dornbecher Children's Hospital on Sunday April 12th, where he is now sedated and intubated, undergoing round-the-clock dialysis (as of April 17th, 2026). In addition to this, he has undergone 2 surgeries during his stay to help support his healing. The uncertainty and severity of his condition have left his family in a state of constant worry and fear, as they watch their beloved son try to heal from compounding complications. This is a rare course for this type of infection, and although extremely serious and critical, does have a good recovery rate for young children; what we are all hoping, praying, and sending strength for during this time!

As of today (April 17th), the family is requesting space and privacy as they focus all their energy on Waylon's recovery. Jenny, Waylon’s mom, shares: “At the same time, we are in the middle of every parent’s worst nightmare. Our most precious gift is fighting through something incredibly serious, and to be honest, our world feels like it is crashing down around us right now. We are doing everything we can to stay strong and focused for him. Because of that, we kindly ask to keep texts, calls, and messages to a minimum for now. Even loving communication can become overwhelming when we are trying to process everything and be fully present at the hospital. Please know it is not personal, and it does not mean your support isn’t felt. And truly—we will take all of it right now: prayers, good thoughts, positive energy, rituals, candles, crossed fingers, good juju, whatever you believe in. Send it all for Waylon.”

Waylon's stay in the ICU is currently unknown, with no clear end in sight. He has already been in the hospital for over a week, and his parents are preparing for the possibility of several more weeks by his side. The emotional and financial toll of this situation is immense. The funds raised through this campaign will help ease some of the burdens the Wright family is facing. Your support will go directly toward whatever the Wright family may need during this uncertain time. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in helping this family navigate the most challenging experience of their lives.

Thank you for understanding and for standing with Waylon and his family during this difficult journey.

If you have any questions, or want to send well wishes, you can message me directly (Julianna Gentry) or Jessica Lutz, close family friend and loving daycare provider, and we will make sure to get these messages to the family when they are ready to receive them.