Jerric Drayton

Erica Carela and her husband Frank Drayton of Watchung, NJ, have learned to appreciate the simple things in life, like breathing air or watching their children play. However, they never expected to learn the lessons through the life-threatening illness of their youngest son, Jerric.

The sixth child born to this vibrant family seemed to thrive from birth like the other babies until a common cold escalated into pneumonia when he was just four-and-a-half months old. Jerric spent six days in the hospital before being discharged to his home, deemed healthy. But three days after his release from the hospital, Jerric became irritable and increasingly short of breath, and he began refusingto eat more than ½ ounce of milk at a feeding. Erica became concerned as she observed him sweating excessively when he was sleeping or attempting to eat.

He failed to produce wet diapers overnight, not normal for an infant, and as an experienced mom, Erica started searching for answers. She got on the computer and Googled, “WHY DOES MY BABY SWEAT SO MUCH?” In a pediatric forum Erica began seeing parallels with Jerric’s symptoms that indicated a possible heart condition. The following day found her in the pediatrician’s office expressing her suspicions and concerns. Within hours she and Jerric were in the office of a nearby pediatric cardiologist, where Erica learned the horrific news that Jerric’s heart was failing and quickly deteriorating. Erica and Frank’s world changed in an instant.

“Wonderful friends and family played a major role in keeping our sanity intact. Their love and support lifted our spirits up every day,” Erica noted. “This was, by far, the scariest thing our whole family had ever experienced or had to endure. The uncertainty of each day’s existence was just excruciating.”

Traveling to and from the hospital began to be a new normal for the family of eight. Jerric –diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy, an incurable heart muscle disease – spent 3-1/2 months in Children’s Hospitalat Montefiore-Einstein Medical Center in Bronx, New York, while waiting for a heart transplant. He was continually on IVs for both medication and nutrition. When Jerric was six months old a heart became available, and during a lengthy and successful surgery he was given another chance at life.

“The entire cardiology team of surgeons, doctors and nursing staff were absolutely amazing,” exclaimed Erica. “Everyone there was very professional, attentive, personable, caring and friendly. They all seemed to have the best interest for both the patient’s and their families’ well-being. I am truly grateful for all the wonderful people who took such good care of our baby boy, Jerric.”

Erica became a stay-at-home mom and Frank returned to work after the transplant. It was tough to juggle finances with all the extra expenses. Their hospital social worker, Erin Lauinger, helped connect Frank and Erica to the Erika Kate Foundation. “EKF has been a blessing from God to our family,” said Erica. “They have helped me understand that we are not alone in these difficult times. And EKF has also provided … help with our now-every-week expenses of travels to and from the hospital, which I am completely grateful for.“

“Jerric has thrived beautifully after his heart transplant. He now enjoys all the normal things a baby his age does, including laughing, dancing, playing with his siblings and EATING all the yummy things that come his way! Before his heart transplant Jerric weighed 16 lbs and was slowly losing weight everyday. He has gained 8 lbs since his surgery on the 5th of May, and is now (in about 2 month’s time) a spanking 22 lbs.,” rejoiced Erica. “Jerric is all smiles and a ball of joy all day long. We are truly blessed to have been given this second chance at life with Jerric, thanks to all the wonderful staff at the Children’sHospital at Montefiore-Einstein Medical Center. And thank you to the people at EKF who have helped with their charity and support through our toughest times. Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”