The Kiger Family (Samantha Kiger)

Samantha Kiger is a sweet, sassy, and loving 8 year old little girl. Prior to this event, she was a completely healthy child. On Monday October 24th, her mom took her to the doctors where she was diagnosed with Flu (A). With not too many options for treatment they went home, only come back 2 short days later. Amy noticed Sam working hard to breathe and was just not getting any better. Upon arrival to the pediatricians office, Sam’s oxygen levels were very low and her heart rate and fever were extremely high. Showing signs of pneumonia, she was transported to Brenners PICU where she was put on high flow nasal cannula (flow rates are much higher than traditional nasal cannula oxygen). Without any improvement with her oxygen levels, she was then put on CPAP (pressurized air). The doctors then made the decision after not seeing the results they wanted to intubate Sam. During this time Sam was given countless medications, drips, sedatives, and even paralytics to help her little body rest and heal. The medical staff watched Sam every waking moment. They continued to monitor, run test, draw labs, at which time they ultimately decided to place Sam on VA-ECMO. ECMO stands for Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, also known as extracorporeal life support. It is an extracorporeal technique of providing prolonged cardiac and respiratory support when the heart and lungs are unable to provide an adequate amount of gas exchange or perfusion to sustain life. After several disheartening days, sweet Sam was finally stable and showing signs of improvement. The doctors lowered the medicines they were using to sedate Sam to which she reacted appropriately to by pupil dilation to light, blinking her eyes, and even opening her eyes! All of the trauma her little body has endured in such a short time shows just how much of a fighter Sam truly is. Sam is still currently on VA-ECMO, dialysis, and many, many, medications. She is being treated for many issues right now, all of which will not be a fast treatment course.

While showing small bits of improvement, this is something that will take quite a while to fully heal and recover. We have been showed countless times that God is in control of this situation and has Sam, Maddy, Amy, and Gray in his hands. To know the Kiger family is to know love, friendship, and happiness. They are the definition of “giving a person the shirt off their back” kind of family. During this time their family and friends main concern is to support and love them during this hard and challenging time. One of the last things they need to worry about is a financial burden while their sweet Sam is healing. The Kiger’s would be forever grateful.

Above all else, pray. Pray for Samantha. Pray that her little body continues to make strides in the right direction and for healing. Pray for the medical team that has done a phenomenal job taking care of her. Pray for the Kiger family and the road that is ahead of them. Pray for peace of mind and assurance for them.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10