Draven Ridgway-Van Alst

Draven Zavier James Ridgway-Van Alst, son of 21 year old Madison Onia Danielle Van Alst and 23 year old Devan Franklin James Ridgway, was born on June 3, 2015 at 3:24 p.m. by C-section with the condition of Gastroschesis; this is where the intestines are exposed at birth. Draven underwent seven operations due to his gut having separations, then a narrowing and adhesions. He put up a long and strong fight, but after five months and eleven days his body began shutting down. He passed away in his parents arms on November 14, 2015. It took close to fifteen minutes for our little mans heart to finally stop fighting at 6:07 p.m., the day before his mothers birthday. Draven would have had a long road ahead of him had he made it through, due to severe blood loss and his brain swelling there was minimal brain activity after the sixth procedure. He wouldve lived a life with no consciousness to feel the sun on his face, or smile again. His smile was unforgettable, he loved music, watching Disneys Aladdin, and swinging in his swing. He loved being read to, and he would have fits when he wanted his pacifier froggy. Dravens memory will forever be cherished and loved every day. Daddy will hold near and dear to his heart, the memory of holding you and you looking into his eyes and playing with his face, grabbing his nose and tugging his chin hair. Mommy will cherish the remembrance, when you were grumpy after she read to you and put you over her shoulder. With your knees bent and butt in the air, she patted it and you laid your face to the side and fell right to sleep. Dravens parents want to thank all the nurses at the St. Vincent NICU who loved and cared for their son. We all love you and miss you and you will never be forgotten. Forever and Always. 6-3-15 Donations in Dravens memory may be given to the Ike and Ella Fund, www.ikeandellafund.org, P.O. Box 62, Milan, MI 48160.