Medical fund for James

James with GrandmaJames in the ICU


James Calandro is a 13 year old boy from Joplin, Missouri. He is one of Chris and Theresa’s nine children. On Monday June 15th he had a seizure and while convulsing was unresponsive to his Dad and his brother Daniel yelling his name.

After his life was saved at the ER in Joplin, James was taken by life flight to the Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. After extensive testing, James was diagnosed with a viral infection in his brain. The virus is the Herpes Simplex Virus-Type 1, otherwise known as the oral cold sore virus. James has a rare condition where it actually infected his brain and caused severe swelling, or encephalitis.

James was transferred out of the ICU after several days into a regular hospital room at Children’s Mercy Hospital KC. Currently his symptoms are being treated; however, he still has a serious brain infection that will persist for some time. Due to the nature of the virus, if it is not eliminated it has the potential to come back. James could have memory loss or other problems as a result of this infection; it is still too early to tell.

Please pray for James that his viral infection will be completely eradicated, that he will have no loss of cognitive function, and that he will be entirely healed. James is an incredibly kind, caring, and genuine young man who is always showing others love. He always brings smiles to people, even complete strangers, with whom he is very willing to engage in conversation. We want to see this boy who is always a blessing to others, be blessed by others as we come alongside him in his struggle.

We are some of James' friends and family, who have set up this fund with a goal to raise $10,000 to cover some of the expenses which have already incurred and will continue to stack up. Anything you can donate will help James and his family with medical expenses, time taken off work, travel expenses and anything extra can go towards ensuring the best care and recovery in the coming months. James will be celebrating his14th birthday in the hospital. Let's all chip in and help him have reasons to smile this year.

Thank you for your prayers, donations and for sharing this cause.