'He's all that matters'

NAVARRE — The community is rallying around a baby fighting for his life.

Grayson Abel Stulzaft-Cordell was born with gastroschisis, a condition in which a baby's intestines are outside of the body exiting through a hole beside the belly button.

It was around 27 weeks into the pregnancy when doctors discovered a hole in the baby's bowel during an ultrasound, said Cory Cordell, Grayson's father.

"The doctors came in and just said 'Wow,'" recalled Cory. "I said, 'What do you mean wow?' It was a shock."

Grayson's mom, Lauren Boatwright, was admitted to the hospital and put on bed rest. Two weeks later on June 27, Grayson was born via cesarean section. He was just 4 pounds. An hour after he was born, Grayson went in for surgery where much of his intestine and part of his colon had to be removed.

Less than two weeks old, little Grayson is facing a battle for his life which requires an intestinal transplant. It's a procedure that's not only expensive but is only performed at a handful of hospitals. To help raise money for medical expenses, family and friends have been organizing fundraisers, including the Shrimp Basket in Navarre where Cory works as a general manager. On Tuesday, the restaurant donated 100 percent of its proceeds to baby Grayson.

"We weren't expecting any of that," said Cory. "The CEO and operational manager both donated to the GoFundMe page. Everyone has been so kind. They told me 'work is just work; worry about your life.'"

When baby Grayson was born, Cory admitted he was "terrified." Not only was this the first child for him and Lauren, but this birth would come with so many unknowns.

"I sat down and talked to God and asked him to make sure Grayson was safe and sound," Cory said Sunday afternoon after visiting Grayson in the NICU. "He came out and was so beautiful. I was so happy to see him."

Right now, Grayson is fed through a catheter. Even after a transplant, he still faces a "lifelong battle," Cory said.

"If I could trade places with him, I would," he said. "But he's keeping us strong. We're ready to battle the insurance companies and get him the best care possible. He's all that matters. Seeing his strength every day gives me that drive."

Cory's brother has started a GoFundMe page that raised around $5,800 in its first five days — a drop in the bucket compared to the medical bills they face. Lauren and Cory are planning to receive specialized medical care for Grayson at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

"They're going to have to put their lives on hold and possibly move to Cincinnati. And the medical bills keep piling up," said Summer Hearn, a family friend. "Keep them in your prayers. And if you can't donate, share the GoFundMe page."

Support from the community has been encouraging, said Cory.

"It really has made this a lot easier to know that people care," he said. "The best thing we can do is be positive. And we're very grateful for all of the support."

Support Grayson by visiting the Shrimp Basket in Navarre, at 8900 Navarre Parkway, on Tuesday when 100 percent of the proceeds will go toward the baby's medical bills. Donations may also be made through GoFundMe at gofundme.com/saving-grayson-abel.

HELP BABY GRAYSON

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 'He's all that matters'