- A South Weber, Davis County, toddler, Jace Patrick, is in critical condition on life support.
- Jace's condition worsened from cold symptoms to needing open-heart and brain surgeries.
- His family remains hopeful and appreciates community support during this challenging time.
SALT LAKE CITY — A South Weber, Davis County, toddler is fighting for his life after what first appeared to be a minor illness quickly turned into a medical emergency.
Less than a week before his 3rd birthday, Jace Patrick began experiencing cold-like symptoms.
"He just got a runny nose; he was coughing," his mother, Kelsie Garrett, said.
But within days, his condition took a frightening turn.
"He stopped breathing," Garrett said.
Jace's parents rushed him to the emergency room, where doctors immediately intubated him before flying him to Primary Children's Hospital.
There, Jace tested positive for flu, RSV, pneumonia and strep. His family said the combination of infections overwhelmed his small body.
"All the things combined had started to shut down his heart," Garrett said.
Doctors performed an open-heart surgery — a procedure that had never been done on a child in Jace's condition. They were told he would likely bleed out on the table.
"We were trying to pump him up for this surgery, but were also saying goodbye because we didn't know if we were going to see our baby again," she said.
Jace survived the operation.
But the fight wasn't over.
"His CT scan showed that his brain was starting to swell," his mother said.
On his 3rd birthday, Jace underwent brain surgery to relieve the pressure. He is now on ECMO life support and remains in critical condition.
"Everything changes hour to hour," Garrett said.
Despite the uncertainty, the family said they are holding onto hope.
"I really want my boy to make it and come home with us," she said. "But I know if he doesn't, he's blazing the trail to help other kids. We are so proud of him."
The family said they are grateful for the support they've received and are asking for continued prayers and positive thoughts as Jace continues to fight.
A GoFundMe* has been set up to help with medical expenses.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
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Emma Benson
