The Corbitt Family

In late August, Brandon and Aria found themselves in a parent’s worst nightmare when their youngest, one-year-old Paxton Elijah, was life-flighted to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Florida. Paxton was experiencing a high fever that continued to climb. He had become unresponsive, his heart rate was off the charts, and he was having trouble breathing. All week, Aria and Brandon had been advised that Pax didn’t need to go to the ER. By the time they finally took him regardless, he was in septic shock. He would later be diagnosed with viral meningitis and encephalitis caused by an underlying virus that rarely creates systemic infection. This diagnosis was the culmination of many months of trying to access the correct care for their little guy as they watched his condition continue to worsen, and they knew that something just wasn’t right.

They brought Pax home after this initial stay with the hope that he would remain healthy as they awaited further follow up with specialists. However, that was not the case. Within days of leaving the hospital, he showed signs of illness and was put on oral antibiotics again. Despite the antibiotics and an oral antiviral, exactly one month after his life-flight and hospitalization— they once again found themselves fighting to get help for Pax as he began to show all the signs of severe infection. Since then, it has been a constant battle to keep Pax free from infection, with mom and dad searching for answers as to why his body is not fighting like it should.

The current “loose” diagnosis is hypogammaglobulinemia, a congenital primary immunodeficiency. The doctors “suspect” a form of CVID and a disease of T-cell dysfunction. However, they haven’t been able to see an immunologist specialized enough to confirm what his Infectious Disease doctors “highly suspect” based on his many labs. Apparently, pediatric immunologists (who do not practice Infectious Disease or Allergy primarily) are very difficult to get in with and have very long waits. In layman’s terms, Pax’s little body appears to have no functioning immune system. They were also informed that their daughter, Lennox, may also carry this same disease, though her condition is not quite as severe as Paxton’s. Lennox is actively battling illnesses as well.

On October 4th, the hospital treating Pax chose to discharge him against Brandon and Aria’s wishes, stating that they had no further treatment plan that could help Pax. The hospitals in Georgia and North Florida are filled to capacity with RSV right now and essentially, they needed the bed space and could not keep him unless they could identify the infection and/or unless he was not showing improvement on the IV antibiotics. They also could not transfer him because they had been unable to identify the source of infection.

We are all so relieved that he has responded to the IV treatments and is feeling better from the mystery infection— but we are also in a constant state of worry knowing that he’ll inevitably be back in the hospital as he doesn’t appear to respond to oral antibiotics or antivirals at this point.

The search has begun to find a hospital that can provide prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment for Paxton. We don’t know for sure where that might be, but it appears the two most likely options they have are an extended inpatient stay at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta or Mayo Clinic’s pediatric unit in Rochester. We just aren’t sure yet. And how do Brandon and Aria keep Pax healthy until then?

Paxton and Lennox have been so sick most of their lives that Aria hasn’t been able to work consistently. Last summer, she accepted a position in the hopes that the worst of the illness was over now that both children were over a year old and because it was absolutely necessary with mounting medical bills from health issues both she and the kids had suffered over the last two years.

Unfortunately, Pax’s health has taken a steep decline since then. Aria and Brandon have no choice but to keep Pax and Lenni out of daycare until they have answers and treatment for Paxton— meaning Brandon has had to take leave from work as Aria is not yet eligible.. and the hospital statements continue to pour in.

Prayer and the Corbitt’s faith have carried them this far. But the battle ahead is daunting. The antibody treatments alone are incredibly expensive even with the best insurance. Please know that yes, while we may be asking for funds here, we covet your prayers the most. Share Pax’s story with anyone you know who will commit to praying with the Corbitt family. We’re holding out hope for the miracle that his body adapts and learns to create these antibodies on its own with help from antibody (IVIg) infusions.

If you would like to invest in helping us take care of the Corbitt family during their search for answers and the right care, you can do it here. Your donations will help with medical bills, travel, lodging, and the possibility of monthly antibody IV infusions for Paxton.

Please know in advance that Brandon, Aria, and their extended families appreciate all the love and prayers that have been poured out on them. There is a battle ahead, but with continued support from you and others, we hope to share the miracle of Paxton’s recovery and good health with you in the years to come.