To live a normal life

Kohen Michael Blades was born March 2 2018 at 8:39 AM at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA. He is the only child of Kelsie & Hunter Blades of Central, Louisiana. On August 13th his life, as of many lives in South Louisiana, was affected by the “Historic Flood” in this area. He was carried through floodwater for approximately two miles before being rescued by boat and was relocated to a local area shelter. Due to the steadily rising water, he was then forced to evacuate again to yet another shelter. Our home as well as all of our personal belongings including clothes, furniture and automobiles were damaged or destroyed. We are currently living with my grandmother. However, through all this, he was a perfectly healthy six week old beautiful baby boy.

On August 25th at 2:00 AM we were awakened by a “different” Kohen Michael. His constant screaming and elevated temperature lead us to believe he may have more than normal newborn issues. We contacted a local doctor who instructed us to bring him to the Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Upon our arrival, doctors instantly suspected he had contracted a strain of Meningitis and immediately started him on antibiotics. A spinal tap confirmed the Doctor’s diagnosis and our worst fears, Group B Strep Bacterial Meningitis. Further results also showed the presence of CMV (Cytomegalovirus) in his spinal fluid. He was immediately admitted to the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). Soon afterward he started having seizures, an elevated temperature, swelling on the brain, lowered blood pressure, and increased heart rate. Doctors urgently combated all symptoms with numerous drugs; Morphine, Gentamicin, Phenobarbital, Keppra, Ampicillin, Zantac, Versed, Decadron, Heparin, Aquamephyton, Rocephin, Norcuron & Fentanyl. They eventually decided to sedate and intubate (use a breathing machine) because of his seizures.

Donations to help us with Kohen's treatment are Greatly appreciated!!