Cade's Story

      Cade turned 13 years old on February 6th, 2005.  The day began with his friends "kidnapping" him and taking him to Ruby's for breakfast.  His friends hung around the house that day, enjoying pizza and hanging out in the garage.  That night, Cade enjoyed laying in bed fiddling with his new stereo and remote control he got for his birthday.  Little did we know that it would be a long time before Cade would see his home or sleep in his bed again. 

     Off to Ensign Jr. High on Monday morning for a typical day in 7th grade.  I picked him up after school and then headed to the high school to pick up his sister, McKenzie and her friend.  We decided  to stop for some fast food.  As I turned left on the green arrow crossing Newport Blvd., a man ran the red light and broadsided our car, with the full force of the impact on Cade's door.   McKenzie and her friend crawled out the back, I got a mild concussion and Cade hit his head suffering a fractured skull and traumatic brain injury.

     Cade was rushed to Western Medical Center where his fractured skull was removed.  He was placed in an drug induced coma and was put on a ventilator for breathing.  His doctors said he was extremely critical and might not live the night.  We prayed and prayed.  Family and friends came from all over, offering prayers, love and support.  After 14 days in a coma, he was removed from the ventilator and could breath on his own. Praise God!  Cade was then moved to CHOC Hospital in Mission Viejo where he spent a month slowing regaining consciousness.  On April 1st, Cade was well enough to be released to a rehabilitation facility, but within 2 weeks, he developed hydrocephalus, which is excess spinal fluid on the brain, and a permanent shunt was inserted. Numerous complications arose and Cade stayed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at CHOC from June 15 through September 23, 2005. He underwent several brain surgeries and fought back many life-threatening complications. He was then moved to the Neuro unit on the 5th floor where he remained until January 9, 2006. 

     Cade was then accepted to Casa Colina, an excellent brain injury rehabilitation hospital in Pomona.  Still in a minimally conscious state, the doctors at Casa Colina administered many different medicines to "wake up" his brain and he was started on physical, occupational and speech therapy.  His progress was slow and hindered by continued medical setbacks.  On May 26, 2006, after 15 long months in the hospital, Cade was discharged to home.  He still has miles to go as he re-learns the things we take for granted, like how to swallow, how to speak, and of course, how to develop muscle control and strength to ultimately sit, stand and walk again on his own.   

      During the past two years, Cade has shown us his tremendous inner strength and will to get better.  He has surprised many with his ability to come back from his medical complications. Cade has touched the hearts of many doctors, nurses, staff, and even strangers, with his fighting spirit.  We believe that even though he has a long journey ahead of him, his spirit and fight will get him through it, with God by his side. Every day, Cade is more and more aware of his surroundings, gaining more head and trunk control and is working on making simple sounds to communicate his needs.  

     Thank you to everyone for your prayers for Cade's recovery and for our family's strength during this incredible journey.  We are leaning on our faith and trust in God and His plan for our family.  Please continue to pray for Cade's healing, strength and recovery.  We send our deepest thanks and eternal gratitude to our family, friends and community for your on-going love, support and faithful prayers. 

     A fund has been established in Cade's name to help with his medical and recovery expenses.  Donations can be made to The Cade Feitler Fund by mailing checks to:  The Cade Feitler Fund, c/o Newport Glass Co., 407  30th Street, Newport Beach, CA  92663. 

Proverbs 3:5-6  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your paths."