Karter Goodchild

Karter Koy Goodchild was born on June 26, 2016. And his story is one for the record books. What began as a routine c-section, quickly turned into an emergency and Karter arrived in one minute's time. Born not breathing, he was whisked away to the NICU, and hooked up to every type of machine and monitor. Despite our hope that he would be ok, the medical team told us Karter's injury was too severe to sustain life on his own. Our prayer was for time. And time is what we got. We were blessed to have 9 ½ incredible years.

Karter's injury left him many diagnoses and challenges, his primary being spastic quadriplegic cerebal palsy. Over time he developed seizures, relied on a feeding tube for nutrition, and adaptive equipment for mobility. While he couldn't speak, he learned to use an eye gaze communication device (his "talker") to express his wants, needs, and opinions. Throughout his life, he had many providers, therapists, teachers, PCAs, and nurses that all played a role in making his life better.

Past all the labels, was a little boy who changed everyone he met for the better. Karter gave the gift of perspective to those lucky enough to cross his path, and his infectious smile couldn't help but make your day brighter.

For a child who couldn't move independently, Karter was quite the "do-er." He was never the boy who wanted to stay in his wheelchair all day. No, quite the opposite. Over time we realized the importance of movement for his quality of life. Daily, he spent hours in his Zing stander, usually playing with toys. He loved his adaptive bike, so much so, you could hear him giggle and make sounds of joy from far away. He was a maniac on swings- the faster the better, and loved parks that had seats that spun. He loved Ranger rides with his dad, as well as lounging in the pool with us on hot summer days.

Karter was the first child in Minnesota to receive a Trexo Robotic gait trainer, aka his "robot legs." This medical technology allowed him to experience walking with a typical gait. And walk he did. He took over 1 million steps in his life, and neighbors would wave and smile on our walks through the neighborhood.

He was a hard worker, too. Over the course of his life he completed 4 intensive therapy sessions, two at NAPA in Los Angeles and two at home. This type of physical therapy was a game-changer in his life, and spent hours with his mom working hard to keep his muscles moving and body feeling strong. This was critical to his quality of life. And most sessions ended with a rendition of "wheels on the bus," with giggles, kisses, and hugs from mom to let him know how proud we were.

At home Karter had many preferred toys and activities including the notorious "animal wheel," monster coin toy, monster spinner, octopus, pig and zoo. And if you didn't get it fast enough he would let you know. He was often in the mood to read, and would request books, his favorite being "Disco Fish." If you paused to talk, he would often say "turn the page." And like any kid, he liked his screen time, with Daniel Tiger being his usual pick.

He had a reputation for being silly, stubborn, and sassy in the best way. When he wasn't in the mood to use his talker, he was good at letting you know what he thought or felt. He had eye rolls and deep sighs for days. And at his best, he loved to knock his toys off his tray as soon as you walked away. He went to school and loved being in the action, often taking in all the sounds and energy. He was well liked and well known wherever he went.

Karter LOVED his family, and home was his happy place. He had special relationships with all of his siblings. His older sister, Maddie (age 11), was most certainly one of his favorites. She was a master at helping motivate him during therapy sessions, and loved reading to him. They often got in trouble for their obnoxious behavior, which he couldn't get enough of. She hugged him first thing when she walked in the door, and was the only person to get him to light up during the last weeks of his life. They were special.

Gabby, age 8, was his "caregiver." She prided herself on learning to be his nurse, and could administer medications and tube feeds all on her own (with supervision, of course). She was by his side for lab draws, and would help at a moment's notice when he was sick. She made sure he always had pictures for his room, and was the last person to give him comfort medication. She made sure he was loved until the very end.

Sammy, age 4, was just like any little brother. He loved playing with Karter's things, often sneaking and taking items. Karter enjoyed playing games on his talker, and Sammy didn't hesitate to change it or fight with him about what game to play. Karter loved hearing his laughs or meltdowns.

Karter had an incredible team of nurses, his "dream team." Kalley, Olivia, Crystal, Brittany and Amanda ensured he was comfortable and safe, always. He had round-the-clock care, which was the difference-maker in his quality of life, as well as our family. They went to school on his good days, became PICU nurses at home on his bad ones, and braved caring for him during the last weeks of his life while on hospice. They loved him to the very end.

Karter's passing leaves an emptiness words cannot touch, but his impact will remain lasting. He was welcomed to heaven by his grandpa, Koy Goodchild, and survived by his loving parents, Kole and Tiffany, his siblings; his grandparents, Tim and Darlene Everding, Lori Goodchild; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Courage, by definition, means "strength in the face of grief or pain." That has always been our motto, and will continue to be in the days to come. So, to our Kourageous Karter, thank you for being ours. You are endlessly loved, always remembered, and forever missed.

Karter's Funeral Service will be held at 10am on Friday, January 9th, 2026 at Eagle Brook Church, 2401 Buffalo St., White Bear Lake, with a visitation starting at 9am at the church.