Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Hello Cincy!

Jess and Tyler have arrived in Cincinnati and have settles in at their Shriners Hospital. It's a great hospital and he's in excellent hands.

The medivac plane barely fit 6 people and was a tight squeeze for the duration of the flight. Upon arriving at the hospital, Tyler got another bath and his dressings changed. His surgery will be sometime this week and as soon as we know we'll post the info.

Meanwhile, visit the Shriners Hospitals site for more info on them and the services they provide:

Shannon

Watch out Cincy, here we come!

I visited Tyler today to see how he's doing. He was very much awake and alert but has been unable to eat today as he was to be anesthetized for the flight to Ohio. He's in very good spirits and is optimistic about everything. As expected, though, he's nervous about his upcoming surgery. Jess is also nervous, moreso than Tyler is.

At 3:30 PM, Tyler and Jess boarded a medi-vac plane bound for Cincinnati, where Tyler will undergo skin-graft surgery. Jess will be staying at the Ronald McDonald House, across the street from the Shriners Hospital there. They're expected to return to Minnesota some time next week. Once they return. Tyler will begin therapy to regain full movement in his arms and legs.

Right now Jess has no way back to Minnesota. Papa Dana might see if his friends in the Shriners can get her a ticket. Meanwhile, if you'd like to help, you can let Shannon know via Twitter or Jess know via Caring Bridge.

Curt got in contact with some people from Muzak, who have agreed to put on a benefit concert to help pay for Tyler's medical bills. Also, Noah, Tyler's maternal uncle, may be putting something together to help raise some funds. We're still working on an online donation fund but once it's up we'll be sure to post it immediately.

Shannon.

We're on Caring Bridge!

Jess started a Caring bridge page for Tyler. If you have an account there you may send them messages there:

Shannon

Monday, June 29, 2009

Don't be afraid to comment

Tyler will certainly appreciate any kind words or encouragement you may have. He's most likely to be amazed at the outpouring of support there is for him.

Shannon

Cincinnati or Bust

Well, Jess tried as hard as she could to secure some funding to help with the medical expenses. Sadly, Tyler won't be able to receive affordable treatment in Minnesota. On Wednesday he and Jess are flying out to Cincinnati on Wednesday morning so he can undergo surgery at the Shriners Hospital there. There is a Shriners Hospital in Minnesota not too far from us but they currently have no room for him.

Papa Dana knows some Shriners and is going to see if he can get them to help out.

I'll be heading out to see Tyler tomorrow and will keep you posted on the latest.
Shannon

UPDATE: No health insurance

Yesterday we learned that Tyler currently doesn't have health insurance and is facing medical bills that could run into the hundreds of thousands, including his stay at HCMC, surgery, and post-op therapy and treatment. A donation fund will be set up in the coming days and we will keep you posted.

Tyler has been on pain medications but is doing rather well. He gets bathed daily and has his dressings changed as well. Unfortunately, the pain medication has made it hard for him to keep any food down and his throat has been sore as a result of that. He spent much of yesterday sleeping so it's a fairly good sign to us.

We'll do our best to keep this updated with the latest information.
Shannon

Tyler Racutt burned in freak accident!

On June 26, 2009, 12-year-old Tyler Racutt and his father, Curt, were burning brush in their backyard when a gasoline can was kicked and the fire took a turn for the worse. Tyler's clothes caught fire and his father scrambled to douse the flames. Both of them have been taken to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis for treatment.

Tyler suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his arms, torso, and legs. Curt is also hospitalized for the burns he suffered trying to help his son. Both are expected to recover fully but Tyler faces skin graft surgery and a lot of physical therapy.

Here are some links from local news channels KARE 11 and WCCO 4:

This blog will be maintained by Tyler's Mom (Jess), maternal aunt (Shannon), and his Papa Dana.

Please keep Tyler in your thoughts.
Shannon