Story
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share this message and GoFundMe page with our friends and family. On May 27, Griffin experienced what was expected to be one of his normal episodes of wheezing and coughing. He was given his nebulizers, per routine for his life. Afterwards he returned upstairs only to come down soon after and state “Mom, I don’t feel good, I need to go to the hospital” after which he collapsed and experienced a cardiac arrest.
He was provided CPR immediately by his Moms until EMS arrived. They were unable to get a breathing tube placed but used an alternative airway device (called an LMA) but did an amazing job providing high quality CPR. Once Griffin arrived at the hospital, he was intubated and received six rounds of CPR over 40 minutes to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Griffin immediately underwent post-cardiac arrest treatment and required ventilator support for breathing, multiple medications to maintain heart function, blood products for problems clotting, and was placed on EEG.
The EEG showed seizure-like activity, and all his other organs demonstrated some form of damage. That night, Griffin went into a cardiac arrhythmia (V-Tach) then arrested and received another six minute round of CPR. He was found to be continuously seizing after return of ROSC, which lasted four hours. All brain activity stopped after the seizure stopped.
On May 28, a CT-Scan revealed he had suffered an irreversible brain herniation (brain swelling entrapped in a fixed skull, which leads to compression of critical brain structures and vessels).
Our sweet Griffin was pronounced dead on May 29th at 1132.
Anyone who knew Griffin knew what a wonderful, kind, gentle, caring, compassionate soul he had. Without hesitation, Angie and Veronica have honored Griffins wishes to be an organ donor. Griffin will live on in the bodies of some and in the memories of thousands. In honor of Griffins gift of life there will be a “Honor Walk” where he is wheeled down the hallway through crowds of applause.
We are unsure of the exact time but it will be done tomorrow, May 30, Griffins 9th Birthday. The halls will be lined in rainbows, his favorite color, since he surely couldn’t hurt the other colors feelings and pick just one! His gift of life will be collected May 30th or 31st. Further celebrations of life have not been planned yet but will be shared when decided.
As our family and friends absorb this news and reflect on Griffins life, Angie and Veronica strongly desire your sharing of memories of him. Feel free to share your favorite memories on their facebook page or on this page. Know that Angie, Veronica, and Declan want to keep Griffins memory alive by talking about him in memory. Don’t mind the tears that will come, don’t shut down if you see them upset or you get upset, and please be transparent and ask if you are unsure how to communicate or discuss this life changing situation.
We have established this fundraiser to support this very loved family through an unfathomable tragedy. Funds will be used for everything that comes with unexpectedly losing a child.
Organizers :
Co-organized
Josh Patterson and Michelle Chadbourne are organizing this fundraiser.