Anthony DeBord

Anthony DeBord is my Nephew (and Godchild) his Mom is my sister Carla DeBord and Brother-in-law Tyler DeBord. This family is going through something that is so devastating, and SO many people have reached out asking how they can help. With my sisters permission I want to share Anthony’s story, and ask for support for this wonderful family.

Anthony has been sick over the past week with what we now know is Para Influenza 1 (a strain of the flu). Friday morning he went to urgent care with some shortness of breath. There, he was treated with a nebulizer, given prescriptions for an inhaler and steroids, and sent home to rest. Anthony has mild asthma, that would flare with exertion or illness, but has always been easily managed, so he was also getting home nebulizer treatments as well.

Shortly after returning home from urgent care, Anthony had an acute and catastrophic asthmatic attack, which we now know was likely flared by this flu virus. This is something that is extremely rare, and unpredictable. He collapsed and Tyler had to immediately start CPR. He was quickly rushed to Henry Ford Macomb and then transferred to Royal Oak PICU.

The asthma attack caused Anthony to go into respiratory arrest, which quickly lead to a cardiac arrest. Anthony was without a heart beat for roughly 20 mins during resuscitation efforts, and the pulmonary edema (fluid) on his lungs that developed during resuscitation, made it so that he was not getting enough oxygen to the brain. As a result of this, Anthony suffered a severe anoxic brain injury, and the swelling on the brain has caused a lack of blood flow to his brain.

Anthony is currently on full life support, and while his body is starting to heal itself, his brain is not. We are hoping and praying for a miracle in the days to come, but we are also preparing ourselves for every possible outcome.

Carla and Tyler are facing some unimaginable and extremely difficult decisions in the days to come. The emotional burden is more than any family should have to bear. Adding the financial stress of medical bills, time off work, and still caring for their twins Gabriel and Taylor, is a burden I’d like to help lift off their shoulders.

My Nephew Anthony, at the young age of 12, is wise and kind beyond his years. He is the absolute sweetest boy, and would ALWAYS go out of his way to do something special for his family. He was so giving to his younger siblings and cousins, he would often bring my boys things of his that he wanted them to have. He is selfless, hardworking, and so so loving. Anthony is so affectionate and loves hugging and doting on his family. He is so helpful and self motivated… he’s just a really great kid, and to know him is to love him.

I’m asking that we rally for Anthony in the way he always rallied for others. Please help support the DeBord family and bring them just a sliver of peace and comfort during this very difficult time. We are all just absolutely devastated. Please send prayers for his healing, and that Anthony gets his miracle. I can’t think of anyone more deserving.