Fundraising Finale!!!

Our last fund raiser is this Thursday, May 31st! Come work out for a GOOD CAUSE at a Zumbathon held at Rocky Mountain Jr High. We have 5 fabulous ZUMBA Instructors donating their time and talents from 7:00 to 8:30. The cost is $7.00 (cash or check) at the door and all money will go to the Lott family. If you have never done Zumba before this is your chance to be AMAZED!!! Come ready to work out and have fun. Please contact me with any questions abcdsimms@gmail.com.

Amy Simms

Remembering Ryan

I've been putting off writing this post for the past week.  It's been a bit daunting simply because I haven't known exactly what to say.  I'm also a bit sad that this blog may be coming to an end.  Memorial Day has taken on a whole new meaning for our family.  I was glad when we visited the cemetery yesterday that others had also visited Ryan.  Thank you to those who left flowers, etc.  For anyone interested in visiting Ryan, his grave is between the 5th and 6th pine trees (counting from south to north).  We hope to have a headstone in place within the next couple of months.

Words simply can't express the overwhelming gratitude we've felt for everyone that we've met or heard from during this experience.  It was great to see all of Ryan's classmates that came to the gathering and the funeral.  So many people have put a tremendous amount of time and effort into various activities.  I hope during the months to come that we can personally thank everyone that has been involved, no matter how small.  For any that we may miss, please accept a most gracious thank you for all of the support that we've been given.

We used to give Ryan a hard time because he used the word "amazing" quite often when talking about almost everything.  I think that word is appropriate in this situation.  Everyone has been AMAZING!  We love you all.

Mike & Catherine

Hooper Fund Raiser

A BIG thanks to everyone who came and supported our fund raising efforts at both Chick-fil-A and the Syracuse movie night. I think it is a great tribute to Mike, Catherine, and Ryan to see so many people show them such love.

Don't forget the fundraising event tomorrow night from 6 to 8 at the Hooper Park. We have MANY fabulous things to auction off! There will be both a silent and a live auction, so if you can only stay part of the time, or need to come late, don't worry...there will be plenty for you to participate in.

Besides the auction, tickets will be sold. Tickets may be used to purchase cotton candy, Italian ice, rides on the bounce house/slide, snacks and drinks from the Pepsi Trailer, and a few other things still in the works! We will also have a General Store where items can be purchased for the listed price. At the General Store you can use tickets, cash, or check to make purchases.

We are so excited to see you all tomorrow. If you have questions please email me personally at abcdsimms@gmail.com rather than making comments on the blog.

Love you Lotts!!!

Amy Simms

May 17 & 18 - The Lott Family

May 17, 2012 - Michael, Catherine and kids. This was taken the evening of Ryan's gathering.

The past few days have been filled with emotion, tears and reality. There was a tremendous turn-out at Ryan's gathering, and his funeral was even larger. I had to wonder if they let school out for Ryan's funeral, as there were dozens and dozens of his classmates there. Ryan's family is not alone in the grieving process, as many of his friends and schoolmates are hurting too. We met Rock - the author of one of the special comments on this blog. It was great to see all of the wonderful friends that Ryan had. He touched so many lives for good!

Two of Ryan's angels in scrubs came to his funeral. This is Andrea and Liz - two of his nurses from Primary Children's Medical Center. It was special to see these new friends.

The cultural hall at the Stake House was decorated with hundreds of these dots. One of Ryan's friends came up with this idea. They sold dots at the school for $1.00 apiece, and then wrote a sentiment to Ryan on them. It was nice to read these messages from his friends.

The walls on each end of the cultural hall were covered with these dots. One person told me that this was the nicest gathering they had ever attended. They said there was a special, bright feeling there. I would have to agree. Many people helped put together tables with memories of Ryan. And yes, there was a special, sacred feeling at his gathering and funeral.

Ryan's funeral was beautiful. The people closest to him, who knew him best, spoke. Many memories and special experiences were shared. Even though funerals are not much fun to attend, this one was special - as special as the young man we were there to honor and remember.

Love,

Grandma Jeri

Thank You All

A sincere thanks goes out to all who have been able to support the Lott family during the gatherings and funeral services. We've benefited from your love. I've enjoyed seeing so many students from the school, the nurses, neighbors, family and friends. We realize that there were many who were not able to attend and we appreciate your love, concern and prayers. Thank you. Remember the fundraiser tonight (starting soon), and on Monday night.

Fund Raiser Kick Off!

Hello family and friends! We are excited to start raising funds tonight at the first of three fundraisers for the Lott family. Come to Chick-fil-A anytime from 5:00-8:00 and buy some dinner! 20% of all sales will be donated by Chick-fil-A to the Lott family. We will also have a donation box there if you want to make additional donations. Come eat, mingle with friends, and celebrate the life of a wonderful young man.

Love you Lotts!

Amy Simms

How to help a friend who is grieving

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl2KrueyvIY&feature=email

I just received this in an email from a good friend. I believe it is timely advice - and the video may be helpful to those of us who don't know what to say or do now. My husband (Michael's father) passed away many years ago. Most people were kind and compassionate - and I appreciated that so much. I also remember close friends who ignored me and my children, and pretended everything was still normal. Being ignored hurts more than anything. Watching this video may be helpful for those who don't know what to say or do to let the Lott family know you care. I think the biggest thing is to just do something! Sympathy cards with heartfelt messages will be read over and over. Just be kind, and be there. After a couple of weeks are up, there is a tendency to forget those who are grieving. Their lives will never be the same again. A little compassion and caring will never be forgotten, and will always be appreciated.

My heart is touched by the love and caring I have seen given to Michael and Catherine and their family. They live in a great ward and have wonderful neighbors and friends. You can see by the count on this blog how many people care about them. Saying thank you can never be enough for everyone's concern and help. From this mother and grandmother's heart, please accept my sincere thanks!

Love and hugs,

Grandma Jeri

(My grandchildren call me Grandma Jeri)

Ryan's Obituary

I wanted to post Ryan's obituary on the blog for anyone who may not have access to the papers that it was published in today:

Ryan Stanley Lott, 14, returned to his Heavenly Father on May 12, 2012.  He was born on March 16, 1998 in Logan, UT.  He was the second of five children (4 boys, 1 girl).

Ryan enjoyed the outdoors and loved camping and fishing.  He was looking forward to becoming an avid hunter, even though he hadn’t quite made it there yet.  He had a wonderful personality and always had a smile on his face.  He was our “teddy bear,” had a kind heart and loved little children.  He loved spending time with his family, especially his cousins.  He was an exceptional student and was working diligently on getting his Eagle Scout and Duty to God awards.  He loved the University of Texas Longhorns (we’re not quite sure why, but think it may have been the Horns logo).

He will be greatly missed by his parents, Michael and Catherine Lott of Hooper, Utah; his siblings, Alex (16), Jaime (11), Adam (6) and Ethan (3); grandparents, Jeri Moon Lott of Malad, ID, Stanley J. Lott (deceased) and Bob and Marylyn Regen of Newton, UT; relatives and all those who knew him.

A gathering will be held in remembrance of him from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at the Hooper LDS stake center at 5375 South 5900 West, Hooper, UT.  Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 18, 2012.  There will be a gathering prior to the funeral from 9:30-10:30 a.m.  Interment will be in the Hooper cemetery in Hooper, UT (immediate family members only please at the cemetery). 

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all those who have helped during this difficult time.  These include family, friends, neighbors, classmates and our “angels in scrubs” at Primary Children’s Medical Center.

If interested in following Ryan’s story, visit http://ryanlottupdates.blogspot.com.

We will all miss you Ryan, but know that you have been called back home.

Here are the papers where the obituary was published.

Herald Journal (Logan, UT) http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hjnews/obituary.aspx?n=ryan-stanley-lott&pid=157643873

Standard-Examiner (Ogden, UT) http://www.standard.net/topics/deaths - Only an abbreviated notice appears here with access to the full obituary available only to those who subscribe to the Standard-Examiner ePaper.

The Idaho Enterprise (Malad, ID) No online version available.

Flowers for Ryan

We would like to make a quick note to those who are interested in sending flowers.  Gibby Floral is going to be taking care of the arrangements for Ryan’s funeral.  They are providing very reasonable prices and we encourage you to contact them if you would like to send flowers.

Gibby Floral

1450 W. Riverdale Rd.

Riverdale, UT 84405

(801) 392-8522

Celebration of Ryan's Life

Family & Friends,

Mike and Catherine are in the process of completing the final details of Ryan’s service, but would like to share some information with everyone. There will be a “Gathering to Remember Ryan” at the Hooper Stake Center on Thursday night from 6-8 p.m. The address for the Stake Center is 5375 South 5900 West Hooper, Utah. For those unable to attend on Thursday night there will be another “Gathering” on Friday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. We would ask those planning to come to the Friday morning “Gathering” that you come early as the doors will shut at 10:30 for the family prayer. The funeral will begin at 11 a.m. Thank you again for your love, support and prayers.

In Memory of Ryan

To begin, let us take a moment to thank those of you who have shown support and love for Mike and Catherine’s family. The outpouring of love has been a great tribute to a wonderful family who has suffered a great loss. Many friends and family have expressed an interest in paying tribute to Ryan during the funeral. After considering how best to show our love and thanks to Ryan for touching our lives the decision has been made to attend his services by wearing University of Texas orange (we’re not sure why he liked them but we’re pretty sure it was horns). The men and boys of the family will be wearing orange ties, the women will wear orange scarves, and the girls will have orange leis. Anyone wishing to join our tribute to Ryan we encourage you to wear something similar. This is a simple expression of our continuing love and support of the Lott family and of course to our beloved Ryan.

Til We Meet Again

Our sweet Ryan peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father this morning at 9:09 AM.  We know that he has been called home.  Thank you for all of the prayers and support.  Information for the viewing and funeral will be posted on the blog when it becomes available.

Our Angel Ryan

Catherine and I have heavy hearts today.  This is a post that I never even wanted to think about putting on the blog.  Ryan suffered a significant amount of brain injury during this trauma.  We have struggled the past couple of days as we have learned the extent of these injuries. 

We expect that he will return to his Heavenly Father within the next day or two.  The Lord has blessed us with peace to know that Ryan has completed his work on this earth.  Now he is needed on the other side of the veil.

Words cannot express the appreciation that we have felt for all of those who have helped us through this difficult time.  Thank you to everyone who has assisted, offered assistance or just offered words of support.  Also a huge thank you to all of Ryan's angels in hospital scrubs who have taken care of him and bonded with him during this difficult time.  They have also buoyed our spirits and we have come to love and appreciate them.

Count Your Blessings

I don't have any updates on Ryan's condition, but I do have a few words I'd like to share with anyone reading the blog.  Tonight, if you don't mind, I'd like to offer a few thoughts I had as we visited with Ryan's family and caretakers at Primary Children's.

This week at the hospital, they're celebrating Nurses week.  I imagine the Nursing job description allows them to provide comfort to those who stand in need of comfort and to be angels among us.  Today, I got the opportunity to stand for a time amongst the angels who are watching over Ryan.  His caregivers at the hospital along with his family and friends are outstanding in caring for Ryan and providing the support and comfort he and his family need at this critical time.

When I arrived home tonight, and held our two month old son in my arms, I wondered what trials he might have to face and my heart reaches out to the Lott family.  I hope we can count the many blessings we have been given in our lives and then act to help the lives of others who may need a little help.

If you haven't read the posting about the fundraisers below, please take a look and if you feel so inclined, please donate.  We should have something online soon as well, especially for those who will not be able to attend.

Thanks again,
Luke

LOVE you Lotts!

So many of you like me check this blog every day and wonder...
WHAT CAN I DO!?!

Several of Mike and Catherine's friends have decided that the only thing more helpful than PRAYING for the Lott family in a time like this, is raising money to help them! Many of you know Mike is self employed and has been unable to work these past two weeks. Also, everyone knows that no matter how much medical insurance you have, 10+ days at Primary Children's Hospital will be pricey...SO let's open our check books and help out this wonderful family!

If you live too far away, or if these dates don't work for you...we are hoping to set up a link where you can make donations online, so please check back!

Mark these dates on your calendars!

May 16th Wednesday, from 5:00-8:00pm Chick-fil-a in the Newgate Mall will donate 20% of all sales to Mike and Catherine. So, take your family out to dinner and buy extra waffle fries!

May 18th Friday, at the Syracuse Craig Lane Park we will be showing a movie outside on the grass. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs starting at 8:00 pm and get ready for the movie to start sometime close to 8:45. There will be Italian ice, popcorn, and soda to purchase, as well as a table to make a donation of ANY AMOUNT to the Lott's. Parking is available at the church located just next to the park at 2339 West 1900 South. Please do not park on Craig Lane.

May 21st Monday, 6:00-8:00 at the Hooper Park (6100 W 5500 S). Pack a picnic and come for a night of family fun! We will have cotton candy and Italian ice for sale and will auction off lots of FANTASTIC things! There will be lawn games available for the kids to play as well. In case of inclement weather we will meet at Hooper Elementary (5500 S 5900 W). If you or your business would like to donate something for the auction, please email Kim at kimkankut@aol.com or Amy at abcdsimms@gmail.com

SPREAD THE WORD and let's help out this amazing family.

Primary Children's Medical Center

I won't be commenting on Ryan's condition - as I'm going to leave that up to Michael from now on. He puts things into words so much better than I can.

This is my first experience with PCMC, and I'm so impressed with the quality of care that Ryan is the recipient of.  The people who work there are amazing. Ryan has had several different nurses and doctors, and each one has been top notch. Not only are they proficient, but they are caring and compassionate. They make you feel like you are more than just a number - you matter to them! They have all treated Ryan with such tender care and respect. There are too many more people to mention that have participated in Ryan's care. All of them have been equally awesome. We are grateful to these people, and to this fine facility, for such a high level of care.

Hugs,

Grandma Jeri

Thanks for Visiting

We set this blog up last week so that you would have a resource to turn to for an update on Ryan's status.  I don't have anything to report on his status this morning, but I have watched the blog as the hit count went from a few, to several hundred, and more recently, to nearly a thousand hits per day from across the globe.  People have logged visits from Alaska, Indonesia, Norway, England, Russia and Germany in addition to the great multitude in Utah who are faithfully praying for Ryan's improvement.  Please keep the prayers flowing in Ryan's behalf.  Thank you all.

Monday, 5/7/12, Day 7

I thought I'd make an appearance on this blog.  Catherine and I would like to personally thank all those who have helped this past week.  The response has been overwhelming.  We've had so many people offer help that there simply isn't enough for everyone to do.  Thank you to everyone who have even offered.

Ryan had an MRI on Friday.  We know that a lot of folks have been interested in the results of that test.  By the way, so are we!!!  In a nutshell, the MRI wasn't very reliable.  If anyone is familiar with an MRI, it requires that there be no metal in the chamber.  Well, Ryan's braces really did a number on the images that came from the test.  It was decided that the images weren't going to be very helpful and Ryan's actual performance would be much more reliable.  The frustrating part is it means more waiting!!

The past couple of days have definitely been a roller coaster ride.  We've been trying to deal with the up's and down's of being here this week.  As was mentioned previously, Ryan took part in a study known as THAPCA (Therapeutic Hypothermia After Pediatric Cardiac Arrest).  He was very sedated for the test and we're now in the process of waiting for his system to flush out the remaining drugs.  We should be able to tell his neurological state within the next couple of days.  Right now it's too early to make any predictions how he will respond.

Today has been kind of a busy day for Ryan.  They moved him to a new room.  Our last room was what they refer to here as "the Cave."  Catherine had a little bit of anxiety about leaving our "home."  The couch in the new room was the kicker for her and she said she wouldn't have moved without it.  I'm glad she agreed because the staff said we would've been the first people to ask to stay in the "cave."  The new room is a bit larger and has a window.  Even though the sun doesn't directly shine through the window, it is nice to have some natural light.

Thanks again everyone for your prayers and support.  Keep the prayers coming.  Not that the entire period isn't important, but Ryan is in an especially important time while he comes out of the sedation and shows us what he can do.

Love,
Mike & Catherine

Sunday, May 6, 2012

There isn't much to tell tonight - as Ryan's status is pretty much the same. Mike and Catherine's children, plus other family members, went to Sacrament meeting in their ward today. The ward had a fast for Ryan this weekend. After Sacrament meeting was over, they had a special ward prayer for Ryan. From what I have been told, it was a spiritual time for all involved. How wonderful it is to see so many people coming together to show support and love for Ryan and his family. So many people are helping in so many ways. Thank you again!

Love,

Grandma Jeri

Brotherly Love

This is the poster that Ryan's brothers made for him. It is hanging on the door in Ry's room now - and I think it is precious!

Saturday - May 5 - Continued

So here is the latest update on Ryan. He is completely off of the paralytic drug, as of this morning. He was weaned off of the sedatives this afternoon. He is running a fever, and started fevering without being sedated. He is not on a continuous sedative now, instead they are sedating him with a dose that lasts 1-2 hours to control his shivering. He is still laying on the cooling/warming blanket that was used in the hypothermia study he was part of. He is also covered with one of these blankets. His body temperatue is regulated by the blankets - to the specific temperature they program in.

They received the culture back from his lungs and have identified the bacteria. They have started giving him a specific antibiotic that will treat the bacteria he has.

It is interesting to watch the doctors do "rounds". There are 10-11 people who gather at Ryan's doorway each morning, and they discuss his progress and plan of action for the day. For any of you who have watched the t.v. show, "Scrubs", this is exactly how it is. Today Ryan's doctor said he is still in critical condition.

As ever, thank you for your faith and prayers in Ryan's behalf.

Love and hugs,

Grandma Jeri

Saturday, May 5

Ryan hasn't had much change overnight. They have discontinued the paralytic drug they were giving him. He is still sedated. The MRI has not been read yet. With this being a Saturday, we aren't sure when we will have the results. Ryan has a bit of a fever today. He is still dealing with pneumonia. His blood pressure has been low and they are trying to get it a little higher. They are pushing fluids to do that. When they give him a diuretic to help him pass the fluids, his blood pressure goes down. It is so hard to find that delicate balance. They gave him a bath during the night and he looks good this morning. After being paralyzed, sedated, and having a machine breathe for him for the past 3 days, it is as if this is Day #1 for him. They have turned the ventilator down a little so he can start to breathe on his own. He is moving a little, and for sure he doesn't like having them suction out his airway! I will post again as soon we know anything new.

Love,

Grandma Jeri

Friday, May 4 - Continued

Just an update on Ryan's MRI. The doctor said it probably won't be read until tomorrow. The doctor that will be reading it is a Radiologist who specializes in reading head scans. After Ryan had the MRI, they said there may be a problem because of the braces (on his teeth) - which he just had put on a few weeks ago. If the doctor can't get a good reading on the scan, Ryan may have to have his braces removed and have the MRI done again. (sigh!) The doctor doesn't want to stop giving him the sedatives until after the MRI is done - as he needs to be sedated for it. So, there you have it. We still have no answers - just a ton of questions and hearts full of hope that Ryan will pull thru this okay.

Grandma Jeri

Friday, May 4

There hasn't been a lot of change in the past 24 hours. Ryan has pneumonia (from aspirating). They are treating the pneumonia with 2 antibiotics. The respiratory therapist has spent a couple of hours working with him today.

The doctor said his main concern is Ryan's brain and his heart.  They started warming him up around midnight, and he was back to his normal temperature around 5:00 today. It is good to see that cold blanket off of him and to feel his warm skin. It was hard to see Ryan so cold! We wanted to wrap him in a blanket and just hold him.

They just took Ryan to have an MRI of his brain. We anxiously await those results. The next step will be to discontinue the paralytic drug. The doctor said they will back him off of the sedatives slowly and see how he does. They had concerns about his kidneys working yesterday - but with the aide of a diuretic, he seems to be doing fine now. We are seeing it is a fine balance to keep Ryan's vitals all where they need to be. It seems if they give him a medication for one thing, it causes him to have a problem in a different area. They watch his vital signs very carefully. He has a nurse with him round the clock, and they are busy the entire time. 

This afternoon the doctors had a consultation with Michael and Catherine. They shared a lot of information about Ryan's condition, and talked about what might be expected as Ryan wakes up. It was good to hear the doctors talk "turkey" and be totally honest. They answered a lot of questions, and gave Michael and Catherine a lot to think about. The doctor said we should "hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst".

Thanks to everyone for their faith and prayers on Ryan's behalf. The outpouring of love has been tremendous! It is amazing how something like this pulls people together. Michael and Catherine's Ward are having a fast this weekend for Ryan. We would invite anyone who would like to - to join in this fast. 

Love and hugs,

Grandma Jeri

The Waiting Games

If you have not had a chance to read the previous post by Grandma Jeri, or  the update from Mike and Cath - please read their posts and thank you for your comments - they are much appreciated.

Here's a status update posted on FaceBook last night from Grandma Jeri:

Just an update on my grandson, Ryan. He is still in critical condition (after having cardiac arrest), and is being given a drug to paralyze him, and also a sedative. His body temperature has been lowered for the past couple of days, and they will start to warm him up tonight. It will take about 17 hours for the warming process. After that, they will discontinue the paralytic drug. On Saturday, they will start discontinuing the sedatives. He is in the Lord's hands, and we are praying for a miracle. His parents are exhausted and this is such a hard time for their family. The staff at Primary Children's is amazing! ... All family members are receiving a ton of phone calls and texts, anxious for updates. This blog will hopefully keep everyone up-to-date. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love we have seen for Ryan and his family.

Early this morning (midnight), they were scheduled to begin the process of warming up Ryan's body and easing back on the medications.  This gradual process requires a lot testing (and patience) over many hours as they monitor Ryan's vitals.  They are keeping a close eye on Ryan and his body, including his heart, brain and kidneys.  

Since Ry was admitted, there have been many ups and downs on his journey and the term 'variable' has been used often by the doctors to describe what may be expected.  Over the next 12 hours and subsequent days, we'll all be watching and waiting to see how Ryan's body has held up through this ordeal - and praying for a miracle on his behalf.

Ry at the recent Monster Energy Supercross

Last night when Cath called, she wanted to relay her gratitude, which I've paraphrased below:

Thank you for your love and concern.  Your support has made this experience doable.  Your many prayers over the last few days have brought great comfort to our family.  Thanks for reaching out to help with our children and providing meals and looking after our needs.  

I'd like to extend a personal thanks to those at Ryan's school for their prompt and heroic efforts in providing the care he needed to preserve his life, and to the paramedics, nurses and doctors: Thank you.  To the diligent readers of the blog that can't suppress thoughts of Ryan: Thanks isn't adequate, but it's all I know how to post.  Thank you, indeed.  We've included a counter on the blog for you to see the outpouring of concern and support on Ryan's behalf.  Again, thank you.  Thanks for caring.  Thanks for praying.  Thanks for your many acts of love.

Day 3

I would like to share a bright moment of our day. Alex (16) spent the day at the hospital with the family on Tuesday - Day 1. The 3 younger children knew that Ryan was sick and that he was in the hospital, but they didn't understand why. It was so hard for them to be home, away from mom and dad, and know Ryan was sick. Today family members brought the three youngest children to Primary's. They started out by having lunch in the cafeteria with mom and dad (what an adventure!). Then they went to a special play room where social workers talked with them about Ryan. They were each given a rag doll, and the social worker explained to them about IV's, tubes, and the other various things they might see when they saw Ryan for the first time. They were apprehensive, but anxious to see their brother. Michael and Catherine took the two older children in to see Ryan. It was hard for them at first, but they were so sweet with their big brother. They talked to him and told him how many people love him and how many cards and phone calls they are receiving. They stroked his arms and he got a lot of love from these two precious little children. He even got a good-bye kiss from his little sister. It was poignant to watch, and this grandma had to turn around and face the wall when the good-bye kiss was given. I couldn't let her see me cry. I know mom and dad were being strong for the children, and they couldn't show the emotions they were feeling. After the kids left, the nurse told us that she had been watching Ryan's monitor while the kids were there talking with him. She said his blood pressure went down 15 points! It was evident that Ryan knew his siblings were there with him, and that they calmed him with their presence. Is there anything better or stronger than the love of a family?!

Okay, Michael, you can tell about the rest of Ryan's day - and all of the medical happenings.

Love and hugs - from Grandma Jeri

Update From Mike and Catherine

First things first, I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support that we’ve had these past two days.  Words can’t express how grateful we are for those that have expressed their love and concern.

I’ll try to keep the background of what happened as brief as possible so this doesn’t become a novel.  About 9:45 am on Tuesday morning Catherine received a phone call from the junior high saying that she needed to come because Ryan was having a seizure.  She arrived to find him not breathing on the floor of his classroom receiving CPR and mouth-to-mouth.  He was taken by ambulance to McKay-Dee and then life-flighted to Primary Childrens. 

After Ryan arrived at Primary’s the doctors were able to determine that he had experienced cardiac arrest.  An ultrasound revealed that walls of his heart had thickened (enlarged heart).  This is known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.  The A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia says that “Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes thick. The thickening makes it harder for blood to leave the heart, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood……The first symptom of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy among many young patients is sudden collapse…….caused by very abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or from the blockage of blood leaving the heart to the rest of the body.”

We were given the option of trying an experimental procedure of cooling his body.  A term for this is therapeutic hypothermia.  I believe this is a fairly common procedure among adults and infants, but the effects are still being tested on how children and adolescents react to the procedure.  It is supposed to reduce exertion on the heart by stopping most of the body’s motor functions.  Over a period of 4-6 hours his body temperature was reduced to approximately 92° F.  He will remain at this temperature for 72 hours and then they will slowly increase it back to normal over about 18 hours.  Once back to normal they will be able to take him off of the several medications (paralytic, sedation, etc.) that are making sure his body remains still during this time and that he doesn’t shiver due to the hypothermia.  Shivering causes the heart to work harder and also heats up the body. 

The procedure won’t be finished until possibly Saturday or Sunday.  We won’t have any new information until that time.  I may post some updates before then if there are any new developments.

Thanks once again for all of your prayers and offers for assistance.  It has helped reduce our stress about the other kids so that we can be here with Ryan.

Love,

Mike and Catherine

Therapeutic Hypothermia

Although each case is different and we don't know the outcome, here's an uplifting story I read a few months ago about a boy that underwent a treatment similar to that being administered right now to Ryan. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.  See the text below, or follow the link.  (Incidentally, the doctor in the article, Dr. Cory Philpot, is the brother of Ryan's aunt).

Ariz. Boy Makes ‘Miraculous’ Recovery After Heart Stops

http://abcnews.go.com/news/t/blogEntry?id=15090375

12/5/11, 5:39 PM EST
An Arizona 2-year-old boy had made a full recovery after his  heart stopped for almost 40 minutes.  Released from the hospital after a week, Caleb Teodorescu now runs circles around his  family's living room, acting like any other toddler. Doctors say he  has no long-term medical or brain injuries.

Caleb was considered technically dead when his mother found  his lifeless body lying face-down in the family's outdoor swimming pool. His heart had stopped, and he was unable to breathe when he arrived at the hospital.

"He quite literally died outside the hospital," Dr. Corey Philpot, a pediatric critical care physician at the Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale, Ariz., told ABC News.

Caleb's mother, Mihaela Teodorescu, became hysterical when she realized her son wasn't breathing.

"I was crying out to God," Teodorescu told ABC 15 in Phoenix. "I was saying, 'God you cannot take him from me!'"

Teodorescu screamed  for help and a neighbor began CPR.

When Philpot began treatment, Caleb was in a comatose state and on a breathing machine. He had been given blood pressure medication.

But doctors  believe their decision to use therapeutic hypothermia, a cutting- edge technique, was what saved Caleb's life and reduced the risk of  brain damage.

"Therapeutic hypothermia slows down the metabolic rate of the body and, in this case, of the brain,"  Philpot told ABC News. "We cooled him down to 32 degrees and put him in cold hybernatory state to prevent ongoing brain injury."

It took 24 hours to cool down Caleb's body to this point of hypothermia. Then doctors slowly rewarmed his body for four days. During this time, Caleb's heart started to function better, and he required less blood pressure medication. But doctors still wondered whether  he would ever function normally again.

Caleb's father, Ovy Teodorescu, told ABC 15 in Phoenix that doctors told the family that  Caleb would never be the same.

"[Our doctor] told us in his 23 years of being with the hospital in the pediatric intensive care unit, they did not have a case like this," Teodorescu said. "Not even close. He said out of the good outcomes, Caleb is the best  of the best  of the best."

Doctors began to notice that Caleb was improving once the rewarming began.

"It was about five days after Caleb arrived and three days after we rewarmed his body that Caleb began showing a drastic and quick recovery,"  Philpot told ABC News.

"He started to move, and then his movements became purposeful , and then he opened his eyes. We could tell that he was on the quick road to recovery."

Long-term brain damage is extremely common for patients who stop breathing. The lack of air to the brain and stoppage of blood flow often require machines to keep some patients alive.

"What was shocking was his quick recovery and his going-home state. The average person may not notice anything wrong with him at all. In a couple months you wouldn't even notice  what he went through," Philpot told ABC News.

The Teodorescus, who never gave up hope during the week their son was in the hospital,  told ABC 15 that having Caleb home,  alive and healthy, was the perfect early Christmas gift.

Some Thoughts

Ryan could use a few prayers.  His condition is not expected to change for the next couple of days, as the doctors would like his body to relax and try to recover from the traumatic events yesterday.  So, for the next few days, please keep him and his family in mind and in your prayers.  They could use your faith in their behalf.  The soonest an update is expected is likely Sunday.

The Lott Fam

When an update is available, I'll try to get it posted here.

Brief Update

Mike's update from last night:

Ryan update: The doctor said the closest thing to what happened is cardiac arrest. He has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart). They are trying an experimental cooling procedure. He will be in a coma-like state for maybe 3-4 days as they cool his body to relieve stress on the brain and heart. Now we wait.

Initial Status

From Mike's Facebook post yesterday:

Not a FB'er, but this seems to be the quickest way to get word out to family and friends. Ryan had a seizure at school this morning. Now breathing again on his own, but still unconscious. Currently being life flighted to Primary's. That's the latest info i have. Feeling kind of helpless trying to get home from CA to be with him. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

We thought we'd help with the communication on Ryan's status by creating a website with periodic status updates on Ryan.

Cath and Mike have received an enormous amount of support by family, friends, and the community. Please understand that trying to keep everyone updated on Ryan's status can seem overwhelming.

We'll attempt to put updates here when they are available.