Butte teenager’s life threatened by breakthrough COVID case; Mother urges population to get vaccinated

MICHAEL CAST Montana Standard 14 hrs ago | 5 min to read

Butte teenager Liam Myers, 13, was close to death three weeks ago when a breakthrough case of the Delta variant of COVID-19 compounded symptoms of another condition, said Liam’s mother, Tricia Myers.

Liam was fully vaccinated when he came down with the virus and ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, at once, Tricia said.



Liam Myers, 13, was hospitalized at St. James Healthcare Hospital in late July for ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disorder. When the Butte teenager was later hospitalized in Missoula, he tested positive for the Delta variant of COVID-19, which his mother Tricia Myers believes aggravated his condition and almost cost him his life.

Photo courtesy Tricia Myers

Science from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that while they don’t always stop a case, vaccines dramatically reduce the symptoms of COVID. Tricia believes the vaccine was the critical difference in Liam’s fate.

“Had he not had that protection, he may not be here,” Tricia said.

Liam was vaccinated as soon as possible, months before. He is immunocompromised from DiGeorge syndrome, and autistic. Liam had experienced unexplained stomach pains over the summer, but they always got better.

On July 22, Liam ran around the park in Deer Lodge with his friends like any other day.

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While she waits for the day her son comes home, Tricia has one request of her community.

“Get vaccinated.”