These past few weeks have held some of the most tender and challenging moments of Ollie’s journey so far. His recovery after receiving his new heart hasn’t followed a straight line. Some days lift our spirits, and others ask us to lean even more into prayer.

As of late, we’ve been seeing a slow, steady upward trend, and with Thanksgiving approaching, we wanted to share where things stand and say thank you.

Hopeful Signs in His Recovery

After his heart transplant, Ollie’s post-operative course was tougher than expected. He needed additional breathing support along the way and was reintubated twice, each time requiring his little body to work incredibly hard. This past Friday, he was successfully extubated again, and so far has remained stable. His care team is helping him take slow, steady steps as his lungs and diaphragm strengthen and he learns how to breathe fully on his own again.

One of the greatest encouragements has been his heart. For more than ten days now, his echoes have shown normal—even strong—function, which after eight months of difficult echo results, feels nothing short of miraculous. We truly praise Jesus for this!

He’s also gradually being weaned off pain medication and respiratory support, which is a slow process but forward is forward.

Why Updates Have Been Quiet

The truth is, so much of Ollie’s healing shifts throughout the day, sometimes hour to hour. Some moments are steady, while others require more attention, and it can be hard to capture that in a way that feels accurate and grounded.

We’ve been staying close to him, taking each day and each change as it comes. Through every high and low, Ollie continues to show up with a level of strength and perseverance that humbles us. God has given him a resilience that amazes us daily.

How You Can Pray With Us

We would be grateful for continued prayers for:

❤️ Steady healing and strength

❤️ Recovery of his lungs and diaphragm

❤️ Protection for his immune system

❤️ Calm, restful days

❤️ Strength and peace for our family in this season

With Gratitude This Thanksgiving

The love, prayers, and kindness surrounding our family have carried us more than we can express. Through the tough moments, and in times of celebration, we have been so grateful to have you by our side.

From our family to yours, Happy early Thanksgiving!

Thank you for holding our boy in your hearts.

With love,

The Paytons ❤️