This page has been created to help support Corporal Jason Cooke of Palm Beach Sheriff's Office and his wife, Kristina as they prepare for life saving surgery for their infant son. Baby Wyatt was a special baby from the start. Kristina was diagnosed with Hyperemasis gravadium three weeks into her pregnancy (she could not even keep down water). She was hospitalized 9 times and on bed rest for the entire length of her pregnancy with a home nurse and picc line to keep her hydrated and receive nutrition. She literally almost died to have him. Although they had been given grave news about their baby's survival (the doctors originally thought he was missing part of his brain)... they refused to believe he would have "no chance" and FOUGHT for this baby. Miracles do happen, and Wyatt Gunner Cooke was born on Sept 25th 2015, seemingly healthy and most certainly with all of his cognitive functions in tact. However, when Baby Wyatt was two weeks old Jason and Kristina noticed he was having what they at first thought were common symptoms of colic. Unfortunately, these symptoms did not subside and only became worse, to the point where he was inconsolable. Following parent's instinct, they took him to Joe DiMaggio Hospital where he was diagnosed with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. (CDH) His case is further complicated as he has a Morgagni Hernia, which only occurs in about 5% of CDH cases. (In non medical "speak", basically he has a hole in his diaphragm and his colon has leaked out and is in front of his heart.) His future surgeon, Dr Kay, described that Wyatt will have feelings of extreme gas pains and symptoms similar to feeling he is having a heart attack because his bowel is in his mid-line by his heart. Now for the GOOD news.. despite his pain, Baby Wyatt will still look at you and smile that BIG beautiful grin (it's almost like he knows help is on the way)... and it IS. Wyatt will be having surgery to correct the CDH at All Children's Hospital John Hopkins in St Petersberg, Florida on February 19th. The outpouring of support from both the Police and Firefighter brotherhood, along with the community has been a wonderful thing to witness. As Jason's Captain, Chris Keane of Dist 6- West Boynton PBSO stated, it's time to show the Cooke family we are behind them. There is a Go Fund Me Page that has been shared over 1K times and many, many local events coming up where ALL proceeds will go towards Wyatt's medical expenses and the rising financial burden that this family of four have endured. We will also be selling bumper stickers, t-shirts and hats so that we can all show our Hands are UP and we are here to help. With all that this little warrior has overcome, there is no doubt he will come through this surgery like a champ. That being said, he will have to have an ultrasound every 3 to 6 months until the age of 5, all of which will be in St Petersburg (apx; 4 hours away) and is facing the likelihood of more surgery at the age of 5 as he out grows the skin graphs. The medical bills and cost of transporting him there will continue to mount. Jason and Kristina met when they were teens and have been together for 16 years. They also have a beautiful 4 year old daughter. Jason has been with the PBSO for over 7 years and Kristina has worked for MD Now for almost 8, although she hasn't been able to work since March 2015. They are wonderful friends, neighbors, and members of the community. Jason has gone above and beyond to help neighbors and citizens of Palm Beach County in need, and now it's our turn... HANDS UP for Baby Wyatt!! Let's show them we are here, they are in our hearts and we have their hand. THANK YOU! ( I know that was a long read ;) )
PS: If you have any further ideas, or are willing to volunteer your time or services, please feel free to contact Kristina or myself (Danielle) at HandsUpForBabyWyatt@gmail.com or message us here on the page.
