It’s been an uphill battle for “little warrior” Nathan Riva since he was diagnosed with intestinal malrotation, a congenital defect that obstructed his intenstines, which consequently left him with (extremely) short bowel syndrome. After many surgeries and almost-fatal infections, he celebrated his first birthday this February!
This is his story, as found in his website:
My name is Nathan Riva. When I was 23 days old, I was admitted to the ICU for having intense abdominal pain and continuous vomiting. As the hours passed my skin turned yellow, my vomit turned green and my stools got darker until blood came out. I was scheduled for an immediate operation.
I lost 95% of my small intestines
The good news is that the doctors were able to save my life! But the heart-breaking news is that I was diagnosed with intestinal malrotation and sepsis. I lost 95% of my small intestines that fateful day. Because of this, I am now suffering from a lifelong condition called short bowel syndrome. I am severely malnourished because I cannot eat as I want to and my extremely short gut cannot absorb enough nutrients to grow normally.
Note: A baby’s small intestines are typically 250cm long. Nathan was left with only 13cm.
At my tender age I’ve had 6 surgeries and 4 (nearly -ed.) fatal sepsis episodes. To help sustain my nutrition, they placed in my major vein a special catheter that delivers my IV nutrition, and a gastrostomy tube (g-tube) through my stomach that pumps in my special milk. My mom and dad stayed with me in the hospital for 7 months.
I am now at home but still connected to my tubes
The doctors are not confident that I will survive. I am now at home but still connected to my tubes. It will take years before I can live without them but I will wait until my remaining intestines can function and absorb the nutrients needed for me to grow into a big boy! Please continue to pray for my miraculous recovery. No one in the Philippines has been recorded to survive and thrive in life with my condition, with steadfast faith in the Lord and your help, I can do this! Love,
Baby Nathan
Head over to the next page to watch a video showing Nathan’s story and his latest milestones.
Thankful to God, family and friends
Nathan’s parents Archie and Judith feared the worst during the first part of the ordeal so his first birthday was definitely something they celebrated. They are thankful to God, family and friends for all the help and support that they have been receiving. They know that the fight is not over; and, like all of us parents, will continue to strive to give their son a better life.
Below is a video that they shared on the Fight with Nathan Facebook page.
Aside from telling his story, it also shows snippets of him using a walker,
and celebrating his first Christmas.
His parents assure him that he will never be alone.
It is stories like Nathan’s that inspire us to push the limits of possibility and hope for the best. Fight on, little warrior!
To find out how to help Nathan in the fight of this life, please visit gofeednathan.com
READ: One-year-old’s incurable cancer cured by miracle ‘designer cells’
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