Showing love for Cruz

Our poor little Cruz is going through something no 8 year old child should ever endure, a fight for his life. His ordeal began the morning of January 13th, Cruz was found unresponsive after a few days of sickness. He spent 2 days in NL EMMC pediatric intensive care, completely unresponsive, receiving constant monitoring and treatment. With no improvement after 48 hours, and Cruz still remaining unresponsive, the decision was made for him to be LifeFlighted to Mass General in Boston. Cruz has been in the PICU at Mass general since Monday January 15th. He has undergone surgery, numerous tests & procedures, received round-the-clock IV medications, spinal taps, continuous EEG monitoring, tons and tons of needle pokes, and it was finally determined that he is suffering from acute viral encephalitis, a severe infection of the brain.

His family is thrilled to report that, with his incredible care and treatment in Boston, he has begun to regain consciousness and is making small gains every day!!

Cruz's entire family have been in survival mode throughout this rollercoaster of a week. The love and support they have shown this sweet little boy has been awe-inspiring. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends have dropped everything to be by his side. His parents, Kelsey and Josh have spent every minute by Cruz's bedside, watching their precious baby fight for his life. As a parent, I cannot imagine what they are going through. And of course we can't forget about Cruz's twin siblings, Carson & Caroline, and how confused and scared they must be.

Let's band together, as a community, and show Cruz and his family a little love during this awful time. It still remains unclear how long he will be hospitalized, nor what long-term effects this little fighter may endure. Doctors predict he could be in the hospital for another several weeks. Let's take a little stress off this beautiful family. Thank you everyone!