"Gavin went into cardiac arrest and is being choppered to DuPont. It's very grave. Please pray."
I was devastated to read Kate's Facebook update yesterday.
I have never met Kate in person. And yet, I know her. Mom to Gavin and Brian, she blogs at Chasing Rainbows; we've exchanged comments and emails for years. She is the one who let me know Duke University was doing stem cell infusions, where Max got his. Gavin's diagnosed with cerebral palsy, but Kate's never been totally convinced that's what he has. She's done everything within her powers to help him, from making special nutrition-packed purees to setting up a hyperbaric oxygen tent in her basement. Gavin, who's 5, recently started walking independently.
I know Kate. You do, too. Because she is any one of us, loving up her child, continuously finding new ways to help him and spreading the word about his greatness. And she does it with particular spirit and humor.
You know Gavin as well. He is one of ours, a child with a beautiful smile and fierce determination who doesn't know the meaning of "can't."
Yesterday, he stopped breathing and Kate rushed him to the ER. She shared an update a few hours later:
"Gavin is still very critical. He just crashed again and there are currently 8 people in the room. They may have to shock him soon if he doesn't come out of it. Please, please continue to pray. We have no idea if Gavin has brain function—that is the least of their concerns at the moment. Knowing you are all with us means so much to us. Please also pray for his little brother Brian."
And then, in the middle of the night, she posted about what was going on, Praying for a Miracle. Gavin went into cardiac arrest a second time, then a third. Doctors are not sure why a child would be having the abnormal heart rhythms that he is. They'll be running more tests.
As a community, we continuously draw courage and power from each other. Kate needs that strength right now, and the comfort of knowing we are thinking of her. Prayers have been pouring in through Facebook—which at times like these becomes Faithbook. Please, keep beaming prayers, thoughts and be-OK vibes at Gavin, along with ones for Kate and Brian.
We are with you, Kate, right here and in our hearts.
