SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Pruitt Kruse was born on May 17 at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls.
Just days later doctors diagnosed him with a rare genetic disorder called Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency (OTC).
“I think the actual stats are about one in every 35,000 have a urea cycle disorder and then about every one in 80,000 or so kids have OTC,” Pruitt’s dad, Chris Kruse said.
While in and out of the hospital, Pruitt acquired many gifts, with one special item being a stuffed animal sloth.
“He really was an easygoing baby. He had a good side-eye. He liked to tell us who was boss, but I mean, as far as his characteristics, he was very chill and calm and very easy to love,” Pruitt’s mom, Jordan Kruse said.
On Nov. 22 Pruitt passed away. Pruitt’s grandma, Laurie Kruse, who works at Sanford Health says one of her colleagues heard what happened and wanted to name this year’s toy drive in honor of Pruitt.
“Although our hearts are grieving this holiday season, we really appreciate the fact that the Stanford family was there for us throughout the whole journey. But to know then that they were willing to give back with toys and gifts in Pruitt’s honor really was meaningful to all of us,” Laurie Kruse said.
The toys were collected and brought over to the Children’s Castle the week before Christmas.
Sabra Shields, who helped organize the toy drive, says the community response after hearing Pruitt’s story was overwhelming.
“People really came out with the generosity this year. We had a record-breaking year for donations. It was more than we’ve ever seen. We were we were loading up boxes and boxes of them. So we were very excited to see that people really gave from their hearts this year,” Shields said.
“It was very heartwarming and touching. And just to know that he’s still a part of Sanford in some way, even though he’s not here with us was really cool,” Jordan Kruse said.
The Kruse family plans to educate people more about OTC on their social media pages and host an annual fundraiser in his name.
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