Colby Schafer

Colby Thomas was born 9/11/2017 weighing 8 lbs, 7 oz and 20" long. When Colby went in for his weight check on 9/16/17 everything checked out fine. Colby wasn't wanting to wake up & eat during the night on Monday - Tuesday, 9/18-9/19 and Cassie was very concerned. Wet diapers had also decreased. She took Colby's temperature and it was low and called & left a message with Colby's pediatrician. They returned her call & he wanted to see him immediately. After many tests Colby & Cassie were flown to Children's Mercy Hospital in KC, MO, on Tuesday, 9/19.


Colby has contracted enterovirus & his little body was in septic shock. He went into cardiac arrest on Tuesday evening and had to be placed on an Ecmo machine. This machine is working his heart from the outside of his body & he would not be alive without it. This machine is also breathing for him.


On Wednesday, 9/20, it was necessary for the doctors to do a heart catheter because his heart wasn't getting rid of the fluid like it should & causing the left side of his heart to enlarge. This procedure was dangerous due to the risk of bleeding. The blood has to be thinned for the Ecmo machine, that's why there is a higher risk of bleeding for Colby. The procedure was successful & the echocardiogram completed this morning shows the fluid is still coming off as it should.


His white count (infection in his body) was 14 upon arrival Tuesday and today, 9/22, it is a little above 7.


Colby is stable but still very very sick. Our prayer at this time is there isn't permanent damage to his brain, heart or kidneys.


Cassie and Shad are able to stay in one of the Ronald McDonald Houses very close to the hospital. Big brother Jace is with "Jamma" Darcy here in KC staying with Shad's Aunt. He enjoys meeting Mom & Dad at the park here at the hospital.


This is "Jamma" Kim (Cassie's Mom) journaling. Please feel free to share our prayer request with your family and friends. We have already seen God's power at work and we appreciate your prayers.