A Meaningful Gift in Honor of Paxton Walls

Campbell County Health would like to take a moment to acknowledge a deeply meaningful and generous donation made by Sadie Walls, an OR Aide for  the CCH Surgery Department, to our Maternal Child team.

Sadie recently donated two cases of The S.T.A.B.L.E. Program learner manuals, an educational publication focused on post-resuscitation and pre-transport stabilization care of sick infants, authored by Kristin Karlsen. This contribution is not only a valuable educational resource for our team, but it also carries great personal significance.

Kristin Karlsen, a former NICU Nurse Practitioner at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, was part of the team that cared for Sadie’s son, Paxton. His story and legacy are woven throughout the publication, offering a unique and powerful connection to the compassion we as a healthcare team provide and the lives we touch.

During her pregnancy, while living in Montana, Sadie was diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy. At just 20 weeks, she and her family made the decision to relocate to Salt Lake City to be closer to the specialized care Paxton would need. He was born on June 26, 2020, at 33 weeks gestation, weighing 9lbs 3oz, and was diagnosed with several complex cardiac conditions including dextrocardia, heterotaxy, right atrial isomerism, and a single ventricle.

Paxton’s medical team created a treatment plan that involved a three-surgery course to prepare him for the possibility of a heart transplant. He underwent his first surgery to reroute his pulmonary valve with a prosthetic, a procedure he bravely endured. Following the operation, he was successfully extubated and able to go home with his family for a precious time of stability and joy.

Sadie recalls his sweet personality, long blonde hair, and the happiness he brought to their home. However, after a short period at home, Sadie’s intuition told her something wasn’t right. Paxton was re-admitted to the ICU, where his condition rapidly declined. Despite numerous tests and the tireless efforts of his medical team, it was ultimately discovered that one of his pulmonary chords was compressing his airway. After extensive consultation with specialists across the country and internationally, the family was faced with an extremely difficult decision. The odds of a successful surgery were low, and the prognosis carried many unknowns.

Paxton passed away on September 13, 2020. Though his time here was short, the impact he made was profound. He is lovingly remembered and spoken of often by his family, including his parents and his older brother Cooper. In the years since, the Walls family has welcomed Paxton’s little sister, Morgan. Though the journey has been marked by grief, unanswered questions, and fear, Sadie and her family continue to honor Paxton’s legacy in meaningful ways.

In Sadie’s own words, Paxton’s gift is one of learning, through his diagnosis, his treatment, and the lives he touched. His story has influenced healthcare providers like Kris Karlsen and now, through these donated materials, will help educate and support our team in caring for other fragile newborns.

We are honored to receive this donation and to share in remembering and honoring Paxton’s life. Our sincerest thanks to Sadie and family for their generosity, courage, and the love they continues to share with others in Paxton’s name.