The Todd Morrison Alumni Tournament

 

Where to begin! It has been an amazing week! It still feels like a dream. The Fundraiser was life changing thanks to the Todd Morrison Alumni Basketball Tournament. It proved that there are good, kind, giving people in this world. Even total strangers. There was a silent auction where over 20 companies and individuals donated items or services. As I walked by the long line of tables with items for the auction, I was overcome by feelings of love and gratitude.

During halftime we got to go out on the court and they introduced Ryker and our family. They told Ryker's story and gave us an opportunity to speak. I had an idea of what I wanted to say but thought I'd just say what was in my heart and I did. We are so full of gratitude! And one day we will pay it forward.

The week ended on an even happier note when Ryker ate food from a spoon AND didn't throw it up! You would never guess what he loves. Baby food PEAS!! In my 22 years of being an Aunt and Mom I've never met a baby that liked peas! I of course added butter because that's what the doctor ordered. Seriously. I've tried SO many different foods only to have it throw up on me or have him turn his head and refuse it all together.

We also started this week off with a happy weight check! Ryker is up to 16 pounds 2 ounces!

We've learned that Ryker has his ups and downs but if you don't celebrate the ups, you will never make it through the downs.

Who needs luck? We have blessings!

Today, on St. Patrick's Day, the term "lucky" is often used.  Someone could say that today about what happened yesterday to Ryker's family, but I prefer to use the term blessed!  

Every year, Box Elder High School has a basketball tournament called the Todd Morrison Alumni Tournament.  The tournament is a big affair with many sponsors, and each year they choose one local family in need to donate the proceeds to.  

Well, as you can imagine where this is going, the man in charge of the tournament got in touch with the family yesterday and asked how they'd feel about being the sponsored family this year!  Many smiles, a million plus thoughts of gratitude and maybe even a few jumps in the air were celebrated!  

We believe that God is watching over Ryker and his family at this time!  They have been through so much this last year, and this is such a huge blessing for them.  So a big thank you to the TMAT for choosing them!

If you'd like to find out more about the TMAT and the events they are holding this week, check out their FB page here.  

On a side note, if you are a local, you can take the opportunity to help Ryker's family this week!  Maddox is donating 15% of your bill to the TMAT on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  This applies to dine-in or take-out.  Just be sure to mention the Todd Morrison Alumni Tournament when you order so the funds will go to Ryker!    

 

Thank you to all who have supported Ryker and his family!  And may you be blessed for your love and support as well!

Home Sweet Home!

Ryker in the ER last week

I can't tell you how great it is to be home! We got home last Thursday after spending 4 days in the hospital with a blood infection or septic shock. Whenever there is an infection in our bodies, the first thing it does is attack any foreign objects, in Ryker's case, his PICC line that was right in his blood stream. And the infection just festers.
I kept his line super clean but infection can enter the body in so many ways.

I have a love/hate relationship with Primary Children's Hospital. I'm sooo grateful to have it close and have so many brilliant doctors, Therapists, Nurses, etc. at our fingertips, but I don't like having to go! But no one does.
He did get his PICC line out which I was super excited about. :) I'm grateful he had it to help him gain weight don't get me wrong, but it doesn't come without consequences.

We met with the Geneticist yesterday and he didn't think Ryker has Russell Silver Syndrome, but wants to do some genetic blood tests. He also ordered a skeletal study done of Ryker to rule out Hurler Syndrome, (which I REALLY don't think he has) but it's when you have the inability to break down certain sugars.

We also had a great Doctor visit with Ryker's pediatrician. He said, "even if after the genetic tests are done and we still don't have a name for what Ryker has, you are still giving him the absolute best chance at life." I had never thought of it that way. I feel like I'm always fighting for Ryker and trying to get a diagnosis (which I always will), but  in the meantime, it's okay to not know all the answers. I know that I'm giving it my all, and for now, that's all Ryker needs.

Back in the Hospital--Prayers Needed!

Yesterday afternoon, Ryker's parents took him to Primary Children's because he had a high fever.  He was admitted because there is a small hole in his PICC line.  

They did a blood culture and it came back positive for a fungus infection in his blood.  They are waiting on the other cultures to come back, but have started an anti-fungal med along with vancomycin (the big daddy of antibiotics).  They are also treating him for meningitis as a precaution.

He's broken out in red spots all over his body, though the doctor says it may because of the 104.1 fever last night.  The high fever tells us he is fighting something bad.

Ryker will be in the hospital for a few days, where they will put another PICC line in so he can get antibiotics at home.  

Needless to say, Ryker is in need of prayers at this time.  Any thoughts and prayers for Ryker and his family are greatly appreciated.  Words of comfort to Marc and Jenny will also be appreciated.  They are very grateful for the support that has been shown to them these past 10 months.  Thank you!