The Gabriel Memorial Fund
In February of 2007, our seven year old grandson be-
came stricken with a staph infection and was rushed to
the Rainbow babies and Childrens hospital in Cleveland
Ohio. The PIC unit.
The Staph was identified as MRSA.Methcillin resistant, and it had entered Gabriel's bloodstream. Also, his organs were under attack and the pain level high enough to require sedation. He was put in a coma.
Staph bacteria are everywhere and in all people in
various degree.Usually inactive. Some forms of Staph
have become resistant to known antibiotics. When this
type becomes active and finds a way into the bloodstream, a life threatening condition exists.
The primary nurse for Gabriel was Jennifer Ruth. She
labored tirelessly and kept family members informed on
his condition and what could be tried next.
After a few days, Gabreil was on all available life
support systems and in an unsedated real coma! He was
not recognizable, having expanded twice normal. There
was a rising worry that reduced bloodflow to the ex-
tremities would require amputation of toes and fingers.
Days slowly passed.Inspite of leading Medical Knowledge and Technology,and immediate treatment,there
was no improvement. It was time to test his brain.Alas,
there was no brain activity to tell his little heart
to keep beating.
A few days later, with the family at Gabriel's side,
the plug was pulled. Silently, this beautiful child
was gone forever, never able to say goodbye to his
brothers, parents and friends. He left behind a wracked body, his toys ,and love from all who knew him.
The Mortician said there was nothing he could do,
so hundreds of morners at the wake viewed a closed
coffin with his portrait on top. Strangely, with some
prescience, Gabriel had said a few weeks before that
he wouls soon be with Jesus. Let us remember that when
we think of him. Oh, and bless nurse Jennifer Ruth
for appearing, all the way from North Olmsted! She
was still comforting the family.
Hospital bills are exceeding $300,000 and funeral
costs at $7,000. The Kohler family had a case of
double devastation and thereupon created at Chase Bank
the Gabriel Kohler Memorial Fund. Branch OH2-5236
The family thanks you in advance for your prayers
and donation, no matter how small. Simply send or take
your donation to a Chase Bank made out to the Gabriel
Kohler Memorial Fund. Any excess funds will be re-
directed to research to end this terrible disease.
--
Joe Kohler is a retired engineer living with his
wife in Aurora, Ohio.Hobbies include flying, sailing, motorcycling and designing.
