Despite the tireless efforts of his medical team and the unwavering love of his family, Ollie’s illness progressed rapidly and tragically. This fundraiser, which was originally created to support Ollie during his fight, will now help his family with the overwhelming hospital bills and funeral expenses they are facing during this heartbreaking time.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, support, and generosity they have received. Every donation, share, and kind message has meant more than words can express.
Below is a message from Vanessa and John:
“Two weeks ago today we embarked on our first camping trip since having Ollie. He woke up that day with a slight fever, but we were determined to have a good time and we did. Ollie played with all the rocks and dirt a little kid could dream of.
By Sunday, he was miserably sick and didn’t want to be put down. We took him to the doctor and other than a fever, could see nothing wrong with him and were sent home. On Wednesday, we took him back to the pediatrician and were sent to the ER because he had an abscess on his butt that had shown up that day. We were sent home with antibiotics and told to return on Saturday if he hadn’t improved.
By Friday night he was unresponsive and rushed to the ER. We were admitted and soon discovered that not only had the abscess gotten into his blood, but it had also gotten into his spinal fluid, and he had bacterial meningitis. He had a rare, especially aggressive form.
One week later, after everything and some Hail Mary procedures on the doctors’ parts, we’re saying goodbye to the love of our lives. He has had strokes throughout his entire brain, and there is nothing left of our adorable (I know I’m biased, but he’s the cutest baby ever) ray of sunshine.
We are beyond devastated and honestly have no idea how we come out the other side of this, but we’re grateful for all the love and support we’ve received in the process.
Hug your kids a little tighter today, wear your shoes around the house (the kid LOVED shoes), read some silly books, let your kid watch some Ms. Rachel, and eat some veggie sticks.
This has been the most devastating time of our lives, but we’d do it all again to have Ollie for the time we did.”
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A little over one year ago, Ollie brought immeasurable joy into the lives of everyone who knows and loves him. Full of curiosity, laughter, and endless smiles, he has already touched so many hearts in his short life. He loves Ms. Rachel, making animal noises, and wearing shoes.
Today, he is facing the fight of his life.
He has been diagnosed with Proteus meningitis, an extremely rare and devastating infection. He is currently in the hospital in a coma. Right now, they are waiting and praying for him to wake up so they can begin to understand the long-term effects of this illness. Because this form of meningitis is so rare, there are many unknowns, and his medical team anticipates that he will require a lengthy hospitalization and extensive medical care.
As John and Vanessa remain faithfully by his bedside every day, their entire focus is on their precious little boy and hoping for his recovery. During this incredibly difficult time, they are also facing the many unexpected expenses that come with a prolonged hospital stay.
Please consider making a donation to help ease some of the financial burden so this family can focus on what matters most—being there for Ollie.
Most importantly, we ask for your prayers. Please pray for healing, strength, and wisdom for his medical team; peace for his family; and hope through every step of this journey.
The family has asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time. We kindly ask that you please respect their wishes and refrain from contacting them directly.
No donation is too small, and every prayer means more than words can express. If you are unable to give financially, you can still make a tremendous difference by sharing this fundraiser and keeping this precious little boy and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and unwavering support.
