Support Fitz's Recovery and Family Time

After 4 long years with a tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube, Fitz is getting his trach removed! He is scheduled for surgery at CHOR on September 13th, during which they will make an incision in his abdomen, remove a small piece of rib, and implant it in his airway to stiffen it up. At the end of surgery, they will remove the trach and close up his stoma.

Recovery from the surgery will involve 3 days at the hospital fully sedated, and then another week inpatient for observation. If you've ever been around a 4 year old, you know they don't do well sitting in bed all day. Kailie and Elliott would like to be able to take the 10 days off to stay with him in the PICU and keep him entertained and celebrate.

Unfortunately, the Smith-Ramonis finances do not allow for both parents to take that much time off. We are requesting financial support so we can stay with Fitz and still pay our bills as well as pay for delivery while we're in the hospital.

If you've followed Fitz's story at all, you know this surgery is a HUGE. DEAL. Once the trach is removed, Fitz will be able to do a lot of things he wasn't previously able to do such as swim in the pool, visit the beach, or play sports without getting winded. He will be able to start eating orally and will eventually no longer be fed formula exclusively via feeding tube. He will be eligible for "regular" preschool because he won't require a nurse to attend with him.

The family is overjoyed at this development and all the things in store for the future, and very much appreciate any support that will allow us to keep our kid happy!