At just 2 weeks old, Landon Dudley Freeby was diagnosed with a VSD Ventricular Septal Defect - a hole between the bottom two chambers of his heart.
Born July 11, 2013 to Cameron and Chris Freeby, Landon is their second son and baby brother to four-year-old Keaton.
Cameron (Morrill) is from Augusta, KS and Chris is from Marion, KS. This young couple never expected the challenges they would face when their seemingly happy, healthy baby was having trouble breathing.
Breathing and eating was difficult for Landon because of excess blood in his lungs. It was necessary for him to gain weight to safely undergo surgery, so feeding and breathing tubes were inserted.
He has not bottle-fed in almost two months and because of lots of vomiting, his feeding tube is transpyloric (past his stomach and into his intestines).
He doesn't "baby-talk" much because of the multiple tubes in and out of his throat, it is sore and swollen and will take time to get his voice back.
His legs are very weak he doesn't put much pressure on them. At four months old he still has to be held as carefully as a newborn.
Baby Landon has fought through collapsed lungs, being intubated and extubated multiple times, a blood transfusion, breathing and feeding tubes and not being home where he belongs.
Landon's original scheduled surgery date was postponed due to a virus he contracted and its added risk of surgery and anesthesia for a infant.
The morning of December 3rd, at just 4 months old, Landon finally underwent successful open heart surgery to repair the holes in his heart.
During his recovery, his is heavily sedated with more than ten tubes, wires and lines running in and out his tiny 11 pound body. With his sternum broke, he can't be held for several days.
Through the first night after his surgery, Landon's heart experienced some rhythm changes and even paused several times. His heart and temperature are being closely monitored. If his heart doesn't start to correct itself on its own, Landon may have to undergo an additional surgery to plant a pacer to help his heart maintain a steady rhythm.
Landon has already missed his first holiday with his family - Thanksgiving. Cameron and Chris are praying they can bring him home by Christmas.
During flu and RSV season, child visitors are not allowed in the PICU, so Keaton may not be able to see his baby brother for quite some time.
Juggling time between being at the hospital with Landon, at home with Keaton and working to support their family and maintain their growing bills has been a great challenge for the Freeby's.
Faith, family, friends and the kindness of strangers have kept Cameron and Chris positive and strong. Cameron believes, "God brought us to it and he'll bring us through it."
Contributions to the family are greatly appreciated as Cameron plans to someday bring Keaton and Landon back to the Ronald McDonald house to help serve meals and give back the kindness they've received.
Chris recently received great news and was offered a new job. While this will benefit the family later, for now it's requiring them to move from Kansas City to Wamego.
Until Landon has recovered and is healthy enough to return home, the move will force the family to be hours apart. Chris will move to the family's new home to start working and Cameron will stay at the Ronald McDonald House with their son Keaton.
With mounting medical bills, living and travel expenses and the cost for them to relocate, this is a family that really needs the help and heart of others. Let's give them and their young sons a great Christmas by pulling together and giving them what they need.
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up.
Thank you and God bless.
Media Contact:
Katie Garret
316-295-6634