Kaitlyn Gilbo, known to many as Kadin, is a single mom to three children, including her five-year-old son Jacob Walton, who has faced an incredibly challenging medical journey. Jacob was admitted to the hospital on May 26th after a sudden onset of severe stomach pain and blood loss. What began as a tummy ache quickly escalated to a diagnosis of Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli (STEC), likely contracted from a petting zoo, which then developed into Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) and led to end-stage kidney failure. Jacob’s condition required a complete colectomy and the placement of an ileostomy, and he spent over 45 days in the hospital, much of it in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Children’s Mercy Adele Hall Campus in Kansas City, Missouri.

Jacob’s hospitalization was marked by a series of critical events: multiple days of intubation, continuous dialysis, blood transfusions, and several surgeries. He endured fevers, pain, delusions, and complications with his ileostomy, as well as periods of no urine output and the development of an abscess. Despite these setbacks, Jacob has shown remarkable resilience. Now, Jacob is finally back home and even trying to return to school, but he still requires dialysis three times a week, along with strict diet and fluid restrictions.

Throughout this ordeal, Kaitlyn has been by Jacob’s side every step of the way, all while caring for her other two children. She’s had to put her work on hold to care for Jacob, resulting in a significant loss of income. The financial strain has only increased as she now drives two hours to Kansas City two times a week for Jacob’s ongoing medical care and follow-up appointments, while Jacob’s dad takes him on Saturdays. Recently, Kaitlyn was able to secure her own place after months of living with family, but keeping up with bills and travel expenses has become overwhelming. Support from this fundraiser will help cover travel costs, medical care for Jacob’s ileostomy, and essential living expenses, allowing Kaitlyn to focus on Jacob’s recovery and their hope for a future kidney transplant.