Hello Friends and Family!

My nephew Silas Zimmerman, born July 29th 2013 at 1 lb. 10 oz. 12 in, has been living proof Miracles happen! As a family, we strongly believe that God has and continues to have a strong hand on Silas and all of our lives.

Overcoming many odds, Silas has fought many battles in his lifetime. Being told "your child likely will never walk, talk, or be able to enjoy many things in life" - Silas overcame. If you know Silas, you know he can walk, he can most definitely talk (your ear off), he is curious to learn, LOVES music and can even carry a beat better than most. He probably has told you that "you are Beautiful" or "Handsome", in a time where you felt less than either of these things. Although Silas may do things differently than you or I, he lives a JOY filled life and continues to evolve.

With being born in Silas's condition, there has been numerous medical expenses and surgeries. Unfortunately, it was discovered on 1/27/25 that Silas's Shunt in his head was not working properly. On Tuesday February 25th 2025, Silas was scheduled to have his Shunt replaced. We believed surgery had gone well until symptoms started to appear differently. Fevers, feeling very lethargic, pain, heart rates reaching 210, it was clear something was wrong. Doctors thought maybe his bowels were perforated and air was trapped. Through X-rays and monitoring care, on Thursday February 27th 2025, the Doctors preformed another surgery through Silas's abdominal area. They found Silas did have a perforated bowel, in a result of his surgery 2 days prior. They were able to repair the hole, but had to remove the shunt in his neck they had just replaced on Tuesday the 25th.

Doctors are continuing to care for Silas and checking blood cultures/blood work to make sure that he doesn't have or get an infection in his blood stream. At this time Doctors are estimating that Silas will need a few weeks in Hospital care. Once he is cleared, they will preform a third surgery to replace the Shunt that was placed 2/25/25, and then removed from complications on 2/27/25.

Through this heart aching time, Silas's Father Brent, has unexpectedly been laid off from work. Brent carries the weight of his households financial needs, and he is actively searching for new employment.

We are asking if you would please lift Silas, the Medical Team and the entire Zimmerman Family up in prayer. If you feel lead to give in this trying time, I know the Zimmerman's will appreciate this from the bottoms of their heart. Thank you!

<3

***Update on Silas 3/2/25***

Silas is having a really good day and we are seeing improvements. Nutrients are being infused and finally the NG tubing has been removed. Both of these things definitely made him happier! He is more talkative, better spirits and his overall appearance looks great! Still on the road to recovery until the third surgery will take place to reinsert the Shunt that was replaced and then removed from complications. We appreciate all the prayers, messages, phone calls and support throughout this difficult time. One step closer to complete recovery. ❤️‍❤️

***Update on Silas 3/3/25: Another really good day and more improvements!! He finally was cleared to eat food and we are seeing more of his personality shine through! He was asking his visitors to tell him jokes (not very funny in his opinion ), he was showing all the nurses his Webkinz and was excited to learn they knew what they were. He sat up in bed, is moving and using both of his arms and turning his neck. We are hoping he will be ready to stand out of bed tomorrow. Doctors are thinking we will be able to move on for surgery as soon as Wednesday!! Seeing and hearing him act more like the Silas we know and love, is filing us with Joy! Again we are so THANKFUL for all the prayers, messages, phone calls and support throughout this difficult time. Another step closer to complete recovery. ❤️‍❤️

**Update 3/4/25**

The doctors have a hole in their schedule and they are doing surgery on Silas later this afternoon/evening.

** Update 3/4/25 from

Nicole Zimmerman (Silas’s Mom)**

His bottom lip was quivering. I knew the tears were coming, so I tried to catch a quick picture of Silas before we walked down to the OR with him. But I wasn't fast enough as this was what I captured. He broke down and cried saying, "I don't want to have surgery again!" This is his 3rd one since last Tuesday. His tears and little voice broke my heart. I kept my composure and told him, "I understand. You are so strong and brave! It will be alright!" The tears kept rolling down his cheeks. I let him know, "This surgery is going to be a quick one and an easy one! You won't have to have any tubes sticking out of you after this!" He has one in his clavicle right now because of the 2nd surgery from last Thursday. He took a sniff and breath and said, "Alright."

He was ready. We left his PICU room and walked behind him as the staff pushed him in his bed through the hallways, in the elevator, and out to the big double brown doors where the OR was. They said, "This is where we give hugs and kisses." Silas broke down in tears and crying again. He said, "I don't want to be separated from you!" As I wiped his tears, I told him, "We won't be separated! You're just going to be on that side of the door, and we'll be on this side! That's all! We aren't leaving! You can just close your eyes a take a quick nap! Then they'll bring you back to us!" Silas is no dummy. He's been through this before. He asked, "Are they going to give me something to make me sleep?" Trying to figure out what he wanted, I asked him, "Do you want them to give you something to help you relax and fall asleep?" Still crying, he says, "Yeah." I told him, "OK! They will do that for you, OK?" He took a breath and sniffed again. I gave him one more kiss on his forehead and told him, "I love you and I'll see you soon! You better go now and take your nap so you can get back to us sooner!" And they took him through the big double brown doors. ❤️

When I started this message, I was coming to give an update and ask for continued prayers for Silas, as he was going into surgery at that time. However, I'm really slow at sharing my thoughts, unless verbally. Lol. So, good news! I was told Silas is out of surgery and it went well! They will be bringing him back to his room in the PICU at anytime now.

I will try to give more updates when I can. Thank you everyone for your prayers, words of comfort, and support! It all means so much to us!! ❤️

**Update 3/5/25**

Silas is doing so well! Seeing his personality shine through more and more! When eating some lunch today he said “where are the fries?” Brent said they didn't have any, I tried. Silas says “what a rip off. “ He also said “ I am embarrassed I can't eat on my own. “ … however, he is now eating on his own and doing much better!!

**Update 3/6/25 from

Nicole Zimmerman (Silas’s Mom)**

Yesterday was another good day for Silas! I was too tired to post last night, but I wanted to share a quick current update with you all...

Today, Silas is home! ❤️

He's doing great and I'll try to share more info later. I'm just really tired right now and need a nap. Silas, is currently sleeping!