Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
After an 80-day hospital stay, nine-year-old Brycen and his mother Lisa Lambert were sent to their Augusta home with no concrete answers on what caused his near-fatal stomach condition.
It was November 27 when it all started – nausea, throwing up and abdomen pain sent Brycen to the Wesley Medical Center Emergency Room where he was later admitted – and stayed for 80 days. Young Brycen fought for his life as doctors came to find he had a necrotic colon and went into septic shock and later cardiac arrest – all within 16 hours. He was brought back to life after losing his pulse in the medical center and has been fighting to get well ever since.
Brycen was discharged on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025 with a huge send off from Wesley Medical Center and his medical team. Upon arrival to his home, several Augusta residents lined the streets to honk their horns and wave “welcome home” to Brycen and Lisa. The Augusta Department of Public Safety even took some firetrucks and police cars to show their support for him.
During his hospital stay, Brycen endured 10 trips to the operating room total and seven abdominal surgeries. Several were to remove much of his decayed colon and to relieve pressure and remove liquid from his bowels. The long stay diagnosed Brycen with Gastroparesis; a stomach condition in which the stomach muscle doesn’t function properly, which results in delayed emptying into the small intestine. The cause of the condition is unknown as of right now and Brycen continues to struggle with his stomach.
He’s currently prescribed and is taking 12 medications plus Tylenol for pain as needed. He continues to use a gastro-jejunostomy, (GJ), tube for feeding directly to his stomach and emptying of his small intestine. He received liquid formula and vitamins/minerals this way. Unfortunately, he still cannot eat anything by mouth except water and becomes nauseas from the smell of food unless it’s fruity. He has gained 11 pounds since he left the hospital, which is a great milestone for his health.
Brycen says he misses eating at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
“I love Freddy’s fries and ice cream,” said Brycen. “They’ve got the best fries in town!”
His mother Lisa says they’re looking at visiting with a gastrointestinal specialist at a hospital in Boston, but Medicaid is currently fighting them. The reason for denial of the service is that Brycen needs to see a local specialist before traveling to an out-of-state one, even though he saw many medical personnel during his 80-day stay in Wichita.
Physical therapy has helped Brycen gain some strength back after being bedridden for so many days, but he still gets tired from walking. He uses a wheelchair most of the time but can walk short distances. The family is working with Wichita’s Littlest Hero’s and Kansas Children’s Foundation to help with certain medical costs. Wichita’s Littlest Hero’s sponsored several of their fun outings such as the Sedgwick County Zoo so Brycen can continue to enjoy his childhood.
Due to being in the hospital for so long and having unknown medical conditions, Brycen developed childhood depression. To assist with this, his insurance approved the purchase of a therapy dog which he and his sister Makaila lovingly named Dalilah Rose. Lisa was fired from her medical job after missing work early in the process of taking care of Brycen. Makaila is the only provider of the family while Lisa works to apply for unemployment so she can continue to stay home and care for her son, who needs 24/7 care.
A spotfund has been started to help Lisa cover medical expenses since she’s unable to work as she dedicates her time to caring her Brycen. So far the fundraiser has brought in $9,125 as of Monday morning. You ca donate by scanning the QR Code or by visiting the fundraiser’s website at http://spot.fund/2t61xjsc.
The Times-Gazette is sending Lisa our positive energy and prayers as we remain strong for the family in their search of answers and Brycen’s recovery.
