Guys, my godson is really, really sick [slightly pos. update

[v]

I'm in shock and I don't know what to do/say/whatever.

He's 20 months old.  His heart failed last night, and he's now on full life support and they're just waiting to see whether he pulls through.  That's all I know.  They have a one-month old too.  They're in London so I can't just be there.  Her parents are already on their way.  I'm jump on the next plane if I thought it would help, but I don't think it would help.

Any insight on child heart failure?  Any suggestions on what the right things to say are, and how often I should be checking in and such?  Anything else I can do from a distance?

Thanks for any advice on how to deal in this kind of situation.
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Slight update: he's currently stable, though still on a machine that pumps his blood. He's having a procedure tomorrow. No idea on cause.

This sounds encouraging to me?

And thank you so much to all of you for your thoughts.

[water*drop]

I have no advice, but hugs, and I'll keep him in my thoughts.

[justjen]

OMG. Poor baby Sending healthy vibes his way.

[pinotgrig]

How awful - I'm so sorry. Could you offer to help with logistics for her family who is flying in? Arrange hotels, transportation to the hospital, etc?

Sending lots of good thoughts their way. I really hope he recovers.

[shortstax]

yikes. I have no advice, but I'm sending positive thoughts their (and your) way. (hug)

[spunkarella]

I don't have any advice, but my thoughts are with you and their family. Little bodies can do really amazing things. I hope he pulls through and is okay.

[Velar Fricative]

How awful, I'm so sorry. Sending good thoughts their way.

[cilantro]

I know nothing, but, ugh, I'm so sorry. That is truly horrible. I like the suggestion about offering to help arrange accommodations if you think you could.

[greycat]

No advice but wanted to offer hugs. Sending T&P!

[glitzy07]

Oh my goodness, how awful. I'm so sorry. I don't have any advice either. Sending lots of healing thoughts your way.

[arch01]

I'm sorry-lots of T&P for everyone.

We have some GBCNers in London who may be able to help with ideas for restaurants, etc. or ideas for accommodations.

[changedname]

Omg how awful. I hope he is ok.
Is this a sudden thing or did they know he had heart problems? That must be so hard especially with a newborn.

Will be thinking of them.

[SJ]

I am so very sorry

[holly116]

I will certainly keep him in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs

[tealblue]

I don't know anything about it but could you be the point of contact for information? I know a lot of people set up a Facebook page or email chain? If the parents could text/email you what information they want released- then you could pass it along to preapproved people? It might help alleviate the calls/texts and emails on their end.

I also like the suggestion of hotel/logistics arrangement if you can help. Or organize a group of people who want to donate $ and get it to the parents for Giftcards, food, pet sitting, etc.

Keeping their little one in my thoughts!

[lishie]

I'm so sorry. How terrible for all of you.

[bananapancakes]

I'm so sorry. Hugs and good thoughts for you and your family. I agree with trying to coordinate some meals for them. When L was in the NICU, the hospital food got old really quickly and we were so thankful when people brought us real food.

[mellymel]

I'm so sorry. Could you offer to set up a CaringBridge page for him and communicate it to everyone and keep it updated for them?

This was immensely helpful when I had a sudden and serious family illness. We could update in one spot and everyone knew where to check, and we weren't constantly updating people on his condition (which is exhausting).

CaringBridge can even be updated via smartphone app.

Otherwise, I have no experience with child heart failure

[cinnamoncox]

Oh my God, v that's terrible. No advice or experience with this, but I just want to say I'm sorry and I hope so very much that he fully recovers.

[osulori]

Oh my god, how horrible I'll be thinking of them.

[timorousbeastie]

That's awful. I have no advice, but they and you are in my thoughts.

[lilac05]

I'm so sorry.

You know the parents best. Some like space, some like to be surrounded. Some like to share the news very publicly, like like it kept private/to close family & friends. I'd try to arrange some food options for them, as they're almost guaranteed to love that. Anything else, you can talk to the parents or grandparents and see what they would prefer.

[kdubs923]

So scary. I'll be thinking of the poor little guy & family. I can't even imagine.

I agree, if you're able to be the go between for information, that could be helpful. Be it an email chain, Caring page or FB page, it would alleviate the parents from being bombarded by family & friends looking for updates.

[womet]

Oh my gosh, I am so sorry v. I'll keep their family in my thoughts and prayers.

[cricketwife]

I'm so sorry. I don't have any advice but I pray that he recovers.

[countthestars]

T&P to you and your friends.

[pierogigirl]

I'll be thinking of your family and sending thoughts to the little one. I hope you get good news soon.

[caramia17]

Thoughts and prayers for peace and a good outcome.

[crazygame]

That is so scary. I don't have any advice, but I will say a prayer for that baby.

[catsarecute]

My goodness I'm so sorry. No advice but I'll say a prayer for the family. Hugs to you!