We have a sad update to share with you today.
In September, we brought you the story of Killian Waddell, the third son of Sudburians Dean and Sheri Waddell.
He was born Sept. 4 with a heart condition called hypoplastic right heart syndrome with pulmonary artesia, and he needed to undergo a heart transplant.
But sadly, little Killian passed away in his parents' arms yesterday (Oct. 15) at a little more than a month old. He lived his entire young life at Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital.
“Our little Bean is gone,” Sheri posted Monday on a Facebook page — Killian's Courage — the family created to keep loved ones and the community apprised of the baby's fight for life.
“Killian died, fighting like hell, at 11:45 this morning. Dean and I were with him through the fight, and were able to hold him for his last few minutes. It all happened very quickly. We’ve been with him today, and just said our goodbyes.
“Thank you to every single person who has been following his life. I said to Dean that I’m so happy that I did this page. Killian was known and thought of by all of you. He was here and he mattered to a lot of people. Thanks everyone.”
Killian's health deteriorated after a surgery last week to put in a g-tube, which would let him be fed directly into his stomach.
Dean told Sudbury.com they had signed Killian up to be an organ donor so he might save another baby's life, but he doesn't believe the medical team was able to salvage anything, as there was too much damage.
Last month, Dean's mother, Mary, set up a GoFundMe page to cover the family's costs associated with Killian's illness. Although an initial $6,000 goal was set, the page ended up raising almost $22,000.
Dean said in a message to Sudbury.com this morning that he wants to thank Sudburians for all of their support, financial or otherwise.
“We would like to thank all of the incredible support from our family and friends, whether it was financial or emotional,” he said.
“The hundreds who have reached out over social media, our places of work and the countless others who have contributed during this time. Also, in no small part was the team at Sick Kids.
“Nurses, therapists and the team who did everything in their power at the last moments of his life, we will be forever grateful.”
On behalf of the newsroom staff at Sudbury.com/Northern Life, we extend our condolences to the Waddell family.
