Fundraising Event Strives to Provide Lifesaving Support for...

DE LAND, Ill. (WCIA) — The Tomko family from Springfield faced a life-altering situation last year when they received a heart-wrenching medical diagnosis for their son. Now, the community is rallying to ensure he gets the lifesaving treatment he needs.

At just three and a half months old, Braxton Tomko is battling polycystic kidney disease. This condition requires him to undergo daily dialysis, a procedure that is both costly and demanding. Fortunately, the family is not navigating this challenge alone.

In an effort to support Braxton, his grandmother, Melissa Chitwood, alongside the Weldon United Methodist Church, is organizing a benefit event at Barnyard Treasures in De Land. There are numerous ways for community members to participate and contribute—from joining a bags tournament to bidding in a silent auction. These activities are all aimed at raising funds to cover the expenses of Braxton’s crucial medical care.

“We actually found out at 20 weeks that I didn’t make amniotic fluid and that his kidneys didn’t work,” explained Emily Chitwood, Braxton’s mother, recalling the moment they learned of their son’s condition.

A diagnosis Emily said rocked her world. Putting the odds against Braxton, even after he got care to save his life.

“It just basically gave him an 80% chance to breathe, giving him like that chance for giving us that fluid through the placenta,” Emily said. “And then, it also gave him a 30% chance to make it out of the NICU.”

Apparently, no one told Braxton his chances of survival were slim. He made it out of the NICU and has already gone through seven surgeries. And he’s still moving forward.

“We’ve kind of decided that he’s just a little fighter,” Emily said.

Braxton needs daily dialysis and is still being taken to St. Louis once a week for testing.

“His medical supplies that came, came in a box truck on pallets,” Melissa said.

His dad said they get a shipment of 1,200 pounds every month. They’re doing this to keep their son alive, until he turns two-years-old and can qualify for a kidney transplant.

“We’re doing something to help with expenses because insurance doesn’t cover everything,” Melissa said. “So, the money raised for this is for medical expenses above and beyond what the insurance covers.”

The “Benefit for Braxton” will have a corn hole tournament silent auction with donated items and more.

“It’s really actually been amazing and really heartfelt that so many people came forward and just showed, even reached out to me and said, like, ‘hey, I’m willing to do whatever you need, just let me know,’” Emily said.

The event starts Saturday at 3 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. Melissa said anyone is welcome, even if you don’t know the family. And she added that the Fighting Illini’s Elite Eight matchup versus Iowa will be on the televisions in Banyard Treasures, so there’s no excuse not to be there.

Welcome to Newsfinale Journal

Welcome to Newsfinale Journal

Welcome to Newsfinale Journal

Topics

Read more

Subscribe to Liberty Case

Forever

Recommended

1-Year

1-Month

Topics

Read more

Subscribe to Liberty Case

Forever

Recommended

1-Year

1-Month

Welcome to Newsfinale Journal

Fundraising Event Strives to Provide Lifesaving Support for 3-Month-Old Braxton

Subscribe for exclusive content