The Davis Family

On November 3rd, an absolute tragedy happened to the sweet Davis family with their beloved home catching fire and more than half of their home being completely destroyed from the fire. Unfortunately, Newt sustained second to third degree burns on more than 25% of this body, as well as internal injuries from smoke inhalation. Below are the updates provided by his daughter, Anna Payton, via her Facebook. I started this GoFundMe to assist his wife, Melissa and their family with any expenses related to medical care, transportation, food, really anything they could need during this difficult time.

November 9th -

Day 7: Dad is recovering gradually each day. Today he was able to breathe on his own with the vent still on, and then for the night they turned the vent back up so he could rest! Yay! They took some staples out and his BP was up more today. They plan to take the rest of the staples out tomorrow. They’re trying to get him to wake up on his own… which could take a few days. He got a little irritated with the nurses trying to suction today but that’s to be expected.

The other plan is for him to go back into the O.R. Monday, which we will find out more about that this weekend.

My friend has made a go fund me for mom and dad. I’ll post that link later. We have had people ask what they can give, and so this will be a way to help with hospital bills for dad, food for mom, clothes for both of them, and any essentials that are needed.

November 8th -

Day 6:

They are taking Dad back for the other part of his surgery in a few minutes. This will be the front -arms and upper chest. He was originally suppose to go back Friday, but we just got this call.

Please say a prayer for him and the doctors for today!

November 7th -

Day 5:

Dad had a pretty bad fever last night and they are now treating a staph infection (MSSA) in his lungs. He also has a little bit of pneumonia. The fever is down today and the scope looked much better in lung area. They started back fluid resuscitation and put him on some antibiotics. But overrall, he looked good and the nurses said he didn’t give them any trouble today

We know some days we may get not the best news. This journey is going to be like a roller coaster.

We did some things for mom today.. like a new drivers license and we all got to go vote! Whoo! We are thanking God for the little things in life and looking to Him. We know He can see the bigger picture.

Psalm 139:16

Your eyes saw me when I was formless;

all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.

Mom also says as well as all of our other family, thank all of you that have reached out. Through calls, texts, giving, and supplies that mom has a need for right now. She said she’s sorry that she hasn’t gotten back to everyone, but she’s working on it! It’s been pretty overwhelming for her. Newt knows alotttta people

I hope the daily fb posts are helpful. It’s easier to reach everyone this way!

November 6th -

Day 4: First Surgery

This morning, they started out with another scope to go in and wash out the soot and ash in his lungs. During this, they noticed there was a "kink" in the breathing tube. They decided they needed to replace the tube, and they couldn't get the tube in, so they had to open up his airway by making an incision. His oxygen levels went down pretty quickly, but they were able to get the tube back in and everything went back to normal.

The doctor came in to consult us about putting a trach in during surgery today. We said yes, because it will eventually have to happen and will be more beneficial while he's here.

Surgery started around 11 ish. Inserting the trach went well. The second part was the plastic surgeons taking the dead skin and replacing with cadaver's skin to increase the blood supply. They worked on his back, back of the arms and hand area today. We got to go back and see him around 5:00. They will see what happens over the next few days with that and plan to have the front chest and arm area done on Friday. TBD on the face and neck area. Doctor said everything went really well. Now... time for healing and only time will tell.

November 5th -

Day 3:

Things are headed in the right direction. Dads labs are still looking good and he looks better today. Clay and I are about to go see him during visitation hours. Tomorrow is the first surgery. We aren’t sure what time, but it will be in the morning.

Things you can pray for:

-Pray for the surgery to go well

-Pray for the doctors

-Pray for healing and comfort for him

-Pray for our family’s mental health and comfort

I’ve had people ask me about clothing..

Dad wears a XL top and 34x36 pants..

but probably large pants when he will get out of the hospital.. He wears a 11.5 - 12 shoe size. Loose fit clothing for now.

Mom wears a 14 or large pants, XL top and 7.5 shoes. If you are wanting to help out with clothes, just message me.

Thanks everyone for everything. I just wanted to post this photo of all of us not too long ago. ❤️

November 4th -

Day 2: Update on Dad.

We have got some better news. Thank you all who have reached out about mom and dad. I'm trying to get back with everyone. Later this evening, we got to go back and see him and he is still sedated, but woke up with us talking to him! He can nod yes and no to answer questions and even mouthed "I love you" to us. God is so so good.

Yesterday they had to begin a 24 hour fluid resuscitation on dad. Everything is looking good and all of his labs are coming back good. They went in yesterday and today doing a bronchoscopy to get the burn residue/soot out of his lungs and throat. The doctors will continue each day to go in and try to wash it out. They said that today things looked better than they did yesterday. They also told us that he was alert this morning and remembered what happened yesterday while asking questions.

We have told him about all the people checking on him, rooting and praying for him. The next thing will be possibly surgery on Monday with the first step of skin grafting. Please keep those prayers coming!

We have gotten some things gathered for mom. I took her to target today to get some essentials.

Again, thanking everyone who has reached out. We have been feeling the love and support from y'all. From the surprise visits, to all the texts and calls.. even people we don't know that stop us to give a hug or pray over us. We are praising God for the little things and believe He will continue to work!

November 3rd -

This morning around 5:00 AM, my parents house caught fire. My dad has second degree burn and he was airlifted to the Med. Mom is ok and we are at the med now waiting to see him from his surgery. He has 25% burns and 18 grade down his esophagus. With his age, things are going to be much more difficult with healing and recovery. We are asking for prayers for healing and recovery for my dad and to pray for the doctors that will be working with him.

More than half of the house is completely gone. My parents bedroom is damaged with smoke.

We truly cannot wrap our heads around anything right now and are pretty overwhelmed. So if reaching out to my mom, brother or myself, please be patient as we are trying to figure things out right now. We will try to keep everyone updated as best as we can.

But please pray for them and especially my dad. We are trusting God has this in His hands and that He is the true Healer.