Update July 15:
Boyd successfully underwent his tracheotomy and did very well during surgery. As the evening progressed, however, he became increasingly agitated, and sedation alone was not enough to keep him comfortable. Sadly, Boyd went into cardiac arrest twice. Thanks to the quick actions of his doctors and nurses, he was successfully revived both times.
His medical team has now added a paralytic medication alongside his sedation, allowing him to rest comfortably while the ventilator does the breathing for him. Please continue to keep Boyd, his family, and his medical team in your prayers as he continues to fight.
Update: June 18th
Boyd is scheduled for his tracheostomy on July 15th!
We ran into a roadblock with Gl and scheduling. Due to his severe vomiting, Gl is looking strongly into doing a Nissen Fundolipication (taking his stomach and wrapping it around his esophagus making it harder to vomit). This surgery is super invasive and adds a lot more to just a tracheostomy.
GI needs a lot of blood work and X-Rays to figure out their best route tor Boyd to prevent aspirating with the trach. He will be going for multiple testing next week to finalize Gl's plans. The last thing we want is for him to have multiple surgeries given the severity of his central apnea and anesthesia playing a high risk role in all of this, so this gives Gl the time to seriously look into Boyd's situation and come up with the best plan for him.
Boyd’s Story
Born at just 30 weeks and weighing only 3 lbs. 6 oz., Boyd has already faced more challenges in his young life than most ever will. Through every obstacle, he has continued to fight with incredible strength and determination.
Last week, Boyd traveled to Duke for a long-awaited sleep study, where doctors confirmed that his Central Apnea has progressively worsened. Samantha received a heartbreaking call from Boyd’s pulmonary specialist. Boyd is frequently stopping breathing throughout the night, triggering serious neurological concerns. Doctors now believe the severity of his Central Apnea is impacting his neurological development and contributing to significant developmental delays.
Despite these challenges, Boyd has made tremendous progress through physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. He continues to show everyone around him just how strong and resilient he is.
Right now, Samantha and Boyd are back home working tirelessly to help him adjust to his BiPAP machine while they prepare for the next difficult step in his journey — being re-admitted for a tracheostomy and G-tube placement.
This season ahead will be incredibly challenging for their family emotionally, physically, and financially. Along with Boyd’s growing medical needs, Samantha is also caring for Boyd’s siblings, Brody and Brynn, while navigating countless appointments, hospital stays, and daily expenses.
We are asking for your prayers for Boyd, Samantha, Brody, and Brynn during this difficult time. If you are able, please consider donating to help ease some of the financial burden this family is facing so they can focus fully on Boyd’s care and recovery.
Every prayer, share, and donation means more than words can express. Thank you for loving and supporting this sweet family.
