Support for Blake

On Saturday February 20, 2016, a family was outside enjoying an unseasonably warm evening. They had decided to pick up some twigs and branches that had fallen from some strong winds the day prior. Some of the neighbor kids, which are Blake's best friends, joined them. The family started a bonfire and, unknowingly to Blake's parents, gas was brought onto the property by the children. Tiffany, Blake's mother, stepped inside to use the washroom, while his dad was tending to their three year old daughter. Upon exiting, she noticed an orange glow from the front window. When she opened the door she saw a human "fireball". Immediately springing to action and tackling this person, she began snuffing the fire, receiving burns and singed hair herself, yelling for someone to call 911. In the shock of it all she had yet to realize that this was her youngest son, Blake. Tiffany was screaming for someone to get "his" dad, when Eric informed her it was Blake!! She scooped him up and placed him in the bathtub awaiting EMS. Blake was rushed to Silver Cross Hospital where he was intubated and an IV was started to get him stabilized, to be air lifted to Loyola. He is currently sedated and on life support. Sunday morning the family was informed by the lead surgeon that Blake had a 50/50 chance for survival. He is burned on 75% of his body, 33% of that is classified as 3rd degree critical. His left arm is severely burned and he had to have surgery to save it from amputation. Time will tell to see if surgery was successful.

Tuesday 2/23 will be the first of an unforeseen amount of skin grafts. Because of the surface area that the burns cover, using skin from him is not option. They will use cadaver and pig skin. 

    Blake Tyler Shirey is an all american boy, living in the country, enjoying all sports, four wheeling and paintball. He has a strong bond with his twin older brothers Blaine and Brendon, and the princess in his life, his little sister Brynne. Tiffany is a wonderful mother who will run herself thin spending countless hours at practices, games and matches. Sitting for hours at the family table, being a homework "helper", just so that her kids have it all. Eric is the best provider, and example of a true father. He has "stepped" up in all ways possible. He will work a full forty at work, and still come home to coach football and baseball. He is involved in every aspect of these kids lives. Blake lives, breaths and sleeps sports. 

He is a triple threat; playing football, baseball and wrestling. His dream is to be the first professional pitcher with epilepsy. He is academically strong, as that is a requirement from his parents to participate in sports. Blake is a fighter and strong willed. This is not the first time he has been met with medical adversity. He was born with a double heart defect and at the age of seven, was diagnosed with epilepsy. His favorite NFL team is the Minnesota Vikings, all because they are located close to his doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Even with his medical past he still spends 40+ hours per week training. He has a heart of gold, and a mouth quicker and wittier than most. He will sympathize with the weak while striving to be a better him. 

    Blake will require extensive medical care in the months and years ahead, including countless skin grafts, plastic surgeries, and rehabilitation.  This tragic accident is going to be a financial burden to Blake's family and future. Please donate to help alleviate some of the stress and burden given to this family. Even the smallest amount may help with the medical bills that Tiffany and Eric are inevitably facing. 
Cards, gifts, and room decorations can also be sent to:
Blake Shirey
512 Ridge St
Wilmington, IL 60481

There has also been a fund set up for Blake at Standard Bank in Wilmington, IL.
Donations can be made to The Blake Shirey benefit.