Matthew’s Unexpected Emergency!

Hi. My name is Taylor and I am fundraising for help with hospital and travel expenses; as well as lost income caused by an unexpected emergency involving my son. Matthew is 7 years old, diagnosed with Translocation Down Syndrome.

On Monday, November 21st, Matthew woke up with a high fever and a barking cough. I noticed he was also retracting. It was 7:30am, I rushed him to the ER; he was fevered and his oxygen was low. They swabbed for flu, Covid, and RSV. They also administered breathing treatments. They placed him on supplemental oxygen to help with his oxygen levels…but soon he took a turn for the worse. Even while receiving the highest level of supplemental oxygen (5L), his oxygen levels plummeted.

Meanwhile, the doctor came in and said Matthew tested positive for Type A Flu but was declining, and had officially lost his capability to breathe on his own. After the failed attempts to intubate, Matthew was finally intubated and loaded onto Angel One (Arkansas Children’s Hospital Helicopter).

Matthew has spent the last few days in PICU and has greatly improved since. He has now been moved out of PICU and is breathing on his own. With the trauma that has occurred from the three failed attempts, Matthew is still unable to eat or drink. His little body needs time to heal and gain strength, which means we are looking at still being here for at least another week. I, Taylor, his mom, have been out of work for a week now. We live over an hour away, another reason I’m unable to work, as commuting isn’t financially feasible.

I’m starting this fundraiser in an effort to stay on track to support Matthew. And also, to help him have a great birthday, since his birthday is December 18.

If you feel led to donate, many thanks. If you are unable to donate, please share this fundraiser. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Much love ❤️