Born three months early, five-year-old Kole Waterman continues to face health issues

by Sharon Drahn
Postville Herald

In many ways Kole Waterman, who turned five February 7, is a typical preschooler. Among his favorites are John Deere tractors, the Iowa Hawkeyes and country singer Jason Aldean. Yet, the son of Todd and Torie Waterman of rural Castalia has faced more challenges in his short life than most people will face in a lifetime.
Kole, who was born three months prematurely, weighed two pounds, nine ounces at birth and came into this world with multiple complications. Torie, who went into early labor due to a rare influenza, said, “Kole was born with a grade four brain bleed, a blood infection, respiratory distress syndrome. He was immediately placed on a ventilator and he spent the first three months of his life in the hospital.”
In the first three months of his life Kole had a ventricular tap to drain the fluid off his brain and a shunt placed in his brain. Yet, he continued to develop and grow. Having reached nine and a half pounds, Kole was able to go home in May of 2007. Torie commented, “He was on a heart monitor and feeding tube when we brought him home. But, he was doing well learning to drink and we were able to get rid of the feeding tube in a short time.”
Kole was back in the hospital for brain surgery and shunt placement on the left side of his brain in September at age seven months. After having suffered ear infections for six months straight, Kole had tubes placed in his ears in July of 2008.
The Watermans traveled to St. Louis, MO in July of 2009, where Kole had a procedure called selective dorsal rhizotomy. His mother said, “During the procedure they took out two vertebrae and cut the strongest nerves. Prior to the procedure his legs would scissor all the time. This surgery made a huge difference. Within a short time he was more mobile and was trying to pull himself up.”
Diagnosed with triplegia spastic cerebral palsy at 18 months, Kole undergoes therapy on a regular basis at Euro-Team in Decorah. Currently, he is having intense therapy every day over a two-week span. Torie said, “We are fortunate to have good insurance through Blue Cross/Blue Shield but they will only pay for therapy two times a week. We would really like to get him into an intense therapy which is four hours a day for four weeks.”
Kole, who walks with a reverse walker and leg braces, has made great strides as a result of the therapy his mother explained. The cerebral palsy affects both his legs and his left arm.
The family, which added baby sister Kalyse in the summer of 2010, had gotten into a routine which revolved around Kole’s therapy and other appointments. Torie said with a smile, “2010 was a good year as there were no major issues.”
This past October, however, things began to snowball as Kole complained of intense stomach pain and his strength went downhill quickly. Torie said, “We saw the doctor 16 times in six weeks.”
Two days after Thanksgiving, November 26, with the pain unbearable, Kole was taken to the emergency room in LaCrosse, WI, as he was running a fever of 104 degrees. Torie said, “Finally, someone listened to us and the doctor there promised us he would get to the bottom of the problem.”
It was determined that Kole had an infection in his shunt tube due to a strep infection and December 8 he had surgery to remove his old shunt and place a new one. His stomach was also full of abscesses due to the infection.
Torie noted, “This was a very hard time for our family. My employer, Rockwell Collins, has been very understanding throughout Kole’s life and they were great during this crisis as well. My co-workers have helped out with fundraisers and cash donations. My mom took care of Kalyse at her home in Ridgeway as I stayed with Kole night and day. Todd came when he could, but it was necessary that he continued to work.” Todd’s employer, Kurtenbach Trucking, the couple noted, has been very understanding as well.
Having bounced back remarkably well from the surgery, Kole returned to school just in time for the holiday break and has been doing quite well. When asked, he said, “I like my class and teacher, Mrs. Hanson.” Like a typical five-year-old, Kole, who attends Westside Elementary in Decorah, said he likes recess best but admitted learning is fun as well. Kole also smiles when explaining the new friends he has met at Luther College, where he is taking a physical education class.
Horse therapy at Great Strides of Northeast Iowa is also an activity that the youngster has enjoyed. He said, “The horses are really nice and I like to ride.”
Another surgery, however, is in Kole’s near future. Torie said, “In a few months they are going to Botox his left hand hoping it will increase mobility. They will cast his right hand at the same time, which will force him to use his left hand.”
Meanwhile, Kole continues to be a typical youngster with a contagious smile who is quick to point out his favorite things. Having received a three-wheeled bicycle through the generosity of a teacher in Audubon, he said riding his bike all over the yard is the best. The bike, Torie explained, has a push handle attached so he can also be pushed from behind. He also has a battery-operated tractor which is, of course, green.
The precocious five-year-old also shared a music video of Jason Aldean on his Ipad. Torie said, “People have been so good to us. He received the Ipad as part of a wish list request when he was in the hospital this winter. It really helped pass the time when he had to be immobile for several weeks.” The Ipad, she noted, also has many age-appropriate games that Kole has mastered quite well.
The Watermans, who are very thankful for the support of family and friends, said the support throughout Kole’s illness and procedures has been overwhelming. Torie said, “Our parents are always here to help and watch Kalyse whenever Kole has an issue.” Torie’s parents are Marv and Sue Schnur of Ridgeway and Todd is the son of Brenda Waterman and Kevin Wiltgen of Castalia.

Currently, friends and neighbors of the Watermans are planning a benefit to help the family. They are stepping up to help the family with medical expenses and equipment needed for Kole’s development and rehabilitation, including leg braces, knee braces and hand braces.
The Castalia Fire Department and Zion Lutheran Church are hosting a Chili Dinner at the Castalia Fire Department from 4-6 p.m. February 25. That same evening, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Sandi’s First Chance and the Castalia Fire Department are sponsoring a DJ and Raffle at Sandi’s First Chance also in Castalia. Further information about the benefit event can be found in the advertisement on Page 11A of this week's Standard.
Anyone wishing to donate to the benefit should contact Noah and Jennifer Bentley at bjennoah@hotmail.com.