A DOTING Coventry dad has launched a fund-raising campaign to help his four-year-old son – who had his legs amputated to save his life – to rehabilitate ‘before his childhood flashes before his eyes’.
Tom O’Kane is hoping to raise £100,000 to fund new prosthetic legs and rehabilitation for son Kaylan, who defied the odds and survived after he developed sepsis and organ failure following a Strep A infection.
Tom, 36, said: “Before this traumatic experience, my son was the most active child – enjoying football, cycling and any form of physical activity.
“I want to get him on that path as quickly as possible before his childhood flashes before his eyes.”
Kaylan was admitted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital in December after suffering septic shock.
Tom said: “Kaylan’s condition declined rapidly to the point where he became floppy, limp and developed a purple rash all over his body. He was taken to Birminghams Children’s Hospital, where we spent over 80 days.
“During the first 72 hours Kaylan’s condition was beyond critical, and we were constantly reminded by consultants, doctors and nurses that his chance of survival was extremely slim.
“We were even encouraged to start to say our goodbyes. Family from far and wide came together and we got Kaylan baptised by the priest on site at the hospital.”
Within a few days, Kaylan’s limbs had turned black – and a surgeon consultant advised there may be a slim chance he would survive if both of his legs were amputated immediately.
Tom said: “While the family stood by for over four hours, the surgery was a success – despite us being told there was a high chance he would cardiac arrest on the operating table due to severe organ failure.
“Christmas and New Year was spent with Kaylan still critical – but with strong hope that he may recover. At this stage Kaylan, as well as recovering from major surgery, also had kidney and liver failure.”
“Defying all odds, in January Kaylan was moved out of intensive care and moved to a ward after his kidneys and liver starting working again.
“It was also clear his brain and heart were unaffected by the septic shock, much to the surprise of the consultants.”
And in February, Kaylan was allowed to leave hospital temporarily and go home.
Tom added: “This was a chance to see as parents how our son’s new condition would impact his home life and the new challenges it would bring day to day.”
Tom is now looking to raise funds to give Kaylan the best possible start on his journey as a four-year-old amputee, and a fast and efficient rehabilitation.
In August, to boost the fund-raising campaign, Tom will take on the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge by climbing the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales – walking over 20 miles and climbing over 10,000 ft over three days.
“All that I raise in sponsorship will be used to fund my son’s rehabilitation and prosthetic legs,” he said. “Kaylan’s mum and I will be grateful of any contribution to help support our son’s short-term rehabilitation.”
Visit https://tinyurl.com/5c7yvkbs to donate.
