Story
On June 28th 2024, we experienced the most unthinkable tragedy. Griffin was enjoying time at the batting cages with family and friends when he suddenly became ill. What we thought was possible dehydration turned into the unthinkable. Griffin was taken to the closest hospital for immediate care where it was discovered he had a brain bleed. He was life flighted to the Levine Children’s Hospital for intensive care. Griffin was stable but very critical. Over the next 24 hours the brain bleed was confirmed along with the discovery of an arteriovenous malformation, known as an AVM. Most AVM’s are congenital, meaning the person is born with them. Unfortunately, they go undiagnosed until there is a problem. The AVM is located very close to the brain stem so surgical intervention isn’t possible. The good news is the bleeding stopped but there was increased swelling in the ventricles. A procedure to place an EVD, external ventricular drain, was done to help relieve pressure on Griffin’s brain. Fortunately Griffin has remained stable and was able to have his breathing tube taken out during the early morning hours of Tuesday. He is breathing on his own and has been following simple commandsd. He has not woken up, opened his eyes or spoken yet. It could be weeks before any of these things occur due to the location of his brain injury. Griffin has a long road ahead with many unknowns. There are going to be mounting medical cost along with lost time at work to be by Griffin’s side. If you feel lead to donate to this fund it would mean so much! Please feel free to share with those you know. There are a lot of people praying for Griffin and those prayers have been felt. What we do know is we serve a mighty God who is the Great Physician. He has heard and answered many of the prayers on Griffin’s behalf. Please continue to pray for Griffin and his family in the days and weeks to come. Griffin is a remarkable young man, who is full of life. He is very active in sports including baseball and basketball. His love of baseball runs deep! He is very involved at school academically: an all A honor roll, AIG, and Junior National Honor Society member. He is also part of the band and plays the trumpet. He is the best big brother to his 2 younger brothers.
Special Notes
Starting a meal train to help support this sweet family as the next chapter of Griffin’s incredible story begins today! I’m not family or even a super close friend, but Cheryl is a coworker who quickly became much more. I know she would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. I’m not certain of favorite meals or restaurants, but with 3 strong boys and an army of supporters, I imagine meals would be extremely helpful and one less thing for this family to worry about as they travel this road to complete healing!