Help Baby Henry on His Long Road to Recovery
On March 23, 2025, our sweet son Henry Hufford came into the world as our 1st—a beautiful, healthy baby boy. For the first four weeks, everything was perfect. But suddenly everything changed, and our little boy began the fight of his life.
At just four weeks old, Henry became very sick. We rushed him to Gateway ER in Evansville, where he was diagnosed with late onset strep B which quickly developed into bacterial meningitis. Over the next few days gateway’s excellent PICU team did everything they could, but his condition proved worse than initially anticipated.
Henry suffered a severe stroke due to the meningitis that damaged the entire left side of his brain which also caused a brain bleed. Due to these factors, Henry started to have seizures.
He was then flown by helicopter from Evansville Gateway to Riley in Indianapolis where his care team worked around the clock to stabilize him and the neuro team could have a quicker response. Henry was placed on numerous sedation meds resulting in the need for a breathing and feeding tubes. He was given numerous IV support medications and despite trying all the anti-seizure medications (up to 6 at one time), Henry was still experiencing over 100 seizures a day.
As a last-resort measure before “surgery”, his team of pediatric doctors, neurologists, and a very special dietician started him on a ketogenic diet, which—thankfully—helped reduce his seizures to nearly zero at one point. However, Henry’s seizures could return at any time, despite ketosis, and his care team continues to monitor him closely.
We’ve now been at Riley for 56 days since writing this up (6/15/25). Both of us (Mom and Dad) have taken leave from work to be with Henry every step of the way and have not returned home since he was admitted. Both work places of each parent have been VERY understanding and helpful. Company’s and colleagues alike.
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Henry’s journey is just beginning…In the months and years to come, he will need:
• Ongoing intensive therapy (physical, occupational, and speech): Neurologists have informed us Henry will likely be diagnosed with cerebral palsy and due to his stroke has significant weakness on the right side of his body – not only including his arm/leg, but his vision and his ability to safely swallow has been affected. This will result in a significant delay in meeting milestones and will require intensive therapy.
• A functional hemispherectomy (a major brain surgery to disconnect the entire left hemisphere of his brain where his seizures are occuring): doctors believe Henry will need this surgery no matter what to properly manage his seizures. There is a date set in a few weeks for this to happen but may be moved further out if Henry can remain stable. The risk of blood loss during surgery at this young of age is high (typically the youngest pediatric neuro surgeons like to do this surgery is 6-9 months vs. 3 months old in Henry’s case…so waiting is ideal if possible).
There are many unknowns ahead, but we remain hopeful and committed to giving Henry every chance at the best possible life.
How You Can Help:
We’re raising funds to help cover:
• Medical and hospital expenses
• Specialized equipment and therapy needs
• Long-term care and surgical recovery
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. If you’re unable to give financially, please consider sharing Henry’s story and keeping him in your prayers. The more people who hear about him, the more support we can build behind team Henry.
Despite everything he’s been through, little Henry has shown incredible strength and resilience. He is undoubtedly one tough cookie. He has faced each challenge with a brave heart, a fighting spirit, and a smile that continues to inspire everyone around him. His determination and light smiles are a powerful reminder of hope, and we are so proud of the warrior he is becoming.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Ryan and Makaela Hufford
