Ryker's Story

Ryker came into this world 2 months earlier than expected.  His mother was suffering from toxemia and HELLP syndrome, and to save her life, he needed to come on April 25, 2013.

He was a meager 3 pounds and 8 ounces and 16.5 inches long.  He spent 3 weeks in the NICU where his parents visited him one to two times a day.

He came home on May 16th and was welcomed with loving arms by his two big sisters.  They were so excited to have him home, even though he was smaller than some of their dolls!

Ryker did okay for the first few weeks, but then things turned scary. Ryker stopped eating. He was lethargic and not gaining weight. His belly was extremely distended. At one of his weekly doctor's appointments, his doctor told his mother to take him to Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake. 

 Moments after being admitted, Ryker stopped breathing. They put him on oxygen to encourage him to breathe. They found his belly was so swollen that it had pushed his lungs above his nipples inhibiting his breathing. He was then rushed down to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). A myriad of tests were run to determine what was making Ryker so sick. The doctor told his parents, "your son is very sick. He's going to get worse before he gets better." This was the beginning of the nightmare that would play out over the next 6 weeks in the hospital. He was transferred back and forth between the floor and the PICU.  Doctors were puzzled. 

After week 3, one night his tummy swelled again and he closed his eyes and his heart rate dropped. At 2 am that morning, he was rushed into emergency exploritory surgery. The doctors found that some of his bowel had died so he had part of it removed. Over the following 4 days, Ryker had 2 additional surgeries to check for more dead bowel. 

During his stay, he saw 2 geneticists, 2 endocrinologists, GI docs, multiple surgeons and doctors. There were still things they couldn't figure out about Ryker. One doctor told Ryker's Mom, "I hate to burst your bubble, but there are other things wrong with Ryker, we just don't know what they are."

Ryker finally came home on July 19th. He was home for a few weeks, when he had to go back to get a G tube inserted into his belly.  He was able to come home from that operation in just a few days.

 

After a few months of continuous G tube feeds and PLENTY of food by mouth, he still failed to gain the weight he needed. He was admitted to the hospital again in November after his tummy became distended and was sick and dehydrated.   

The doctors decided to insert a PICC line into his arm where he could be given nourishment (TPN) intravenously.

After many tests with specialists, Ryker has been diagnosed with "Failure to Thrive".  This means that the doctors don't truly know what is wrong with him and why he isn't thriving. 

Ryker has been a blessing to all those who know him.  He has the sweetest spirit and has been quite happy despite all that he's been through in his short life.  His smile is an infectious one--one that can light up a whole room.  Everyone who has met him is touched by his sweet personality. ♥ ♥ ♥

This little guy has proven to be quite an expense.  After 5 hospital admissions, many doctors visits (GI follow-ups, pediatrician bi-weekly weight checks, surgery post-op visits, endocrinolgy visits and geneticist visits), G-tube and g-tube supplies, PICC line and supplies, hypo-allergenic formula, speech therapy, weekly blood draws, food and fuel to the doctors and hospitals, home visits from a nurse to change PICC line dressings, and other supplies, the expenses are quickly piling high!  This has left Ryker's family footing a hefty bill to keep him alive and well!  

We are not sure what the future holds for Ryker, and any help, support and prayers are greatly appreciated!

What can you do?

Please, please, if you have any change to spare, it would be most appreciated and received with grateful hearts!  Every little bit helps!  Also, please share Ryker's story with your family and friends.  Donations can be made on the right or down below through Paypal (a Paypal account is not required).

♥ Thank you for your help! ♥

Ryker and his family

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