On 11/13/15 our son Xander started having flu like symptoms. After a day and a half very bad bloody diarrhea. We took him to the ER on Sunday and he tested positive for e-coli. He was admitted to the hospital at that point. They tried four times to put an IV in before they were successful. Xander was in the hospital for almost a week. It seemed that he was slowly getting better.
But he then started to get worse he was bloated and his lungs started collecting fluid. He was then diagnosed with HUS or hemolytic uremic syndrome. HUS is a condition that results from the abnormal premature destruction of red blood cells. Once this process begins, the damaged red blood cells start to clog the filtering system in the kidneys, which may eventually cause the life-threatening kidney failure associated with HUS.

After additional attempts to replace bad IV sights failed, he then had a central line put in. The central line is installed at the base of his neck and goes to the top of the heart. He had a catheter installed for urine. Xander was then flown to Children's Mercy hospital in Kansas City. We have been here for two days with multiple things done. Xander had sveral blood transfusions and platelets. Another catheter was installed in his carotid artery on the other side of his neck. This one was installed for kidney dialysis. So far he has had one session of the dialysis.

Xander has had a very long week and a half. His condition keeps going up and down. The Dr's have said that at this point there are no life threatening issues. He is working very hard at all the things he is asked to do. Xander is a very strong kid he's our rhino.

We are starting this campaign to help pay for medical costs. Other costs we are facing are our everyday living expenses while I'm off of work. I have used all of my paid vacation time. I'm now on FMLA which is unpaid leave. The savings accounts have been drained. At this point we have no idea how much the medical bills will be. We don't know how long we will be here. We were told that xander could be here for 1 to 3 weeks. But that is not set in stone. I'm an OTR truck driver so I'm gone for most of the week. His condition can change so fast I can't be away from the hospital. If something were to turn for the worse I probably wouldn't make it back in time.

Since the amount we are needing is unknown the goal was just an estimate. I made it a goal that is realistically obtainable. We are fortunate enough to have awesome family and freinds. We have our other kids with our family for the time being. There are multiple other family and friends offering to watch them. Another blessing is the Ronald McDonald house. We have been given a room at one of the houses. This room is in a since free they just ask for a small donation for each night. Food is provided at the house and the Ronald McDonald family room. If we didnt have this I can't even imagine how much money we would have to spend. This hospital is spectacular and makes Xander and us feel more at ease.

In saying all of the above any of the money not used for medical bills or living expenses will be donated. We will donate to the Ronald McDonald House. We will also donate to Children's Mercy and the pediatric department at Stormont  Vail in Topeka. The staff at Stormont Vail and Children's Mercy are very professional. They treat my son with great respect and concern. I didn't think my body could produce any more tears. I can't even image if these people weren't around. If we are able to raise enough to donate, we will post an update with the amounts going to each one.

Thanks for reading the long post. I will update as often as possible on his status. Keep us in your prayers.