Silas Airhart Memorial Fund

We are profoundly saddened to announce that our beloved son and brother, Silas Luis Airhart, passed away on February 19th, 2024, at 11

years old. Taken from us far too soon, he fought a long and brave battle with a rare condition called HLH (Hemophagocytic

lymphohistiocytosis).

Silas was born on October 4th, 2012 in Montana, and was a thoughtful, fun-loving, caring soul. It is a common cliche to say that a person loves everyone, but in Silas's case, it was very true. He was mature for his years, and stood out for how much he took care of the people around him. He was a gentle, responsible, loving big brother to his little sister. And he was his mother's best friend.

The Airharts moved from Montana to Novato, California, where Silas forged deep, meaningful friendships. Silas found great joy in playing outside, and one of his all-time favorite activities was fishing with his best friend, Shane. He had a love for learning, especially math, and dreamed of becoming a chef, and opening his own restaurant one day.

Silas was a remarkably gifted athlete. He had the muscles of a little bodybuilder from a very young age, and could walk across the room on his hands. His gymnastics coach was so impressed by his skills that she said he could have a real future in the sport, if he chose to pursue it.

From California, the Airharts followed family to Tennessee, where they are so blessed to have found the supportive community of The Well, in their town of Pulaski. As Silas's illness advanced, The Well rallied behind them, for which they are deeply grateful.

Silas is survived by his mother, Nicole Airhart, his younger sister, Gianna Airhart, his grandparents, Michael Airhart and Jean Kalentkowski, and his auntie, Jessica Airhart.

It is awe inspiring what an impact Silas's short life has made on so many people. The hole in our hearts is eternal, and the only silver lining we can comfort ourselves with, is that our dear boy is resting in peace now.

In lieu of flowers, the Airharts request you consider supporting them moving forward, by donating to their GoFundMe.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-silas-fight-

hlh

There will be two celebrations of Silas's precious life, one in Pulaski, Tennessee, and one in Novato, California. Details to follow.

I’m Brittany and I’m fundraising for my sons brother Silas and his mom while they go through this difficult time. Nicole is a single mama and has had to quit working and going to school while she cares for Silas.

Here is their story.

Hi I’m Nicole and I am a single mom full time. My son Silas Silas had been dealing with illnesses since January and always being told it’s just a virus. But as a mother I knew something else was wrong. After seeing specialist after specialist he was still sick and no answers. On June 12th he got a bloody nose that wouldn’t stop and was still suffering from 105 degree fevers. I took him to our local emergency room and found out he was in liver failure and his body was attacking itself. He was quickly life flighted to Monroe Carell Jr Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville where he was admitted to the PICU. While in the PICU they were preparing me for the possibility that he had cancer while we waited on his bone marrow biopsy results. Once he was stable he was admitted to the hematology/oncology floor where he was able to receive his diagnosis of HLH (Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis) and begin treatment. The team of doctors and specialists that helped my son were amazing and continue to be amazing.

After getting his PICC line placed, he was finally discharged on the night of June 29th and we got to come home. But over the next few months he was in and out of the hospital due to fevers and HLH flare ups. He has been going to Nashville for treatments which includes chemo and immunosuppressants therapy twice a week until transplant. Even through all of this his spirits have been good and is beyond resilient. We are in preparation for transplant currently where he will be admitted for a minimum of 2 months at the hospital and then another 2-3 months he and I will have to live in temporary housing near the hospital. My daughter thankfully will be living with my parents during this time. I have had to quit my ultrasound technician program and be his full time caregiver and have no idea when I will be able to go back or gain employment, but the bills are still piling up.

What is HLH?

With HLH, certain white blood cells, (T lymphocytes and macrophages), are not able to be switched off and build up in organs including the skin, spleen, and liver. These cells then destroy other blood cells such as red blood cells, platelets and neutrophils, along with causing damage to affected organs.

Here is a link if you would like more details on it.

https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/h/hlh