Chris is a lovable, caring, athletic, free spirited 15 year old sophomore attending Urbana High School. At 6’2” 270 pounds and a heart of gold, he is a gentle giant with a God given gift to put smiles on people’s faces. In late October Chris attracted a life threatening staph infection. Upon arriving at Johns Hopkins Pediatric ICU the infection had already made its way through Chris’ entire body. His kidneys had failed and every breath was a struggle. Within a few hours the medical team had put Chris on a ventilator, dialysis machine, 4 antibiotics and 5 different blood pressure medications. Chris spent his first night at Johns Hopkins fighting for his life. By day break the medical team’s prognosis was bleak and in a last ditch effort they put Chris on a heart/lung machine (ECMO) and began using a pump to assist in filtering the infection from his blood stream. Through the grace of God, a world class medical team and the support of an entire community Chris’ won his battle against the life threatening infection. Unfortunately one of the risks of having been on 5 blood pressure medications and the heart/lung machine is lose of limb, for Chris that meant losing the lower half of his left leg. Always the optimist Chris’ comment following the amputation was “it’s a small price to pay, at least I’m alive”.

Chris was moved from the pediatric ICU to the adolescent floor after 5 weeks. He has been undergoing debridement (cleaning) procedures twice a week for the past 4 weeks, as the surgical team tries to avoid having to amputate his left leg again, above the knee. Between debridement, skin grafting and physical therapy, the medical team expects Chris to be hospitalized until late January. As for Chris, he is just anxious to get fitted with his prosthesis so he can return to his friends, school and being an athlete.

While Chris’ condition continues to improve, the physical, emotional and financial toll on Chris and his family has been immense. In addition, Chris’s ongoing recovery, rehabilitation and physical therapy needs will be challenging and costly.

While Chris and his family are uncomfortable with asking for financial help, many would like to contribute. If you would like to contribute, please send donations to PPF, Inc., in the name of Chris Bedard.

Let’s all do what we can to show we care and make a difference for a special young man and a special family.