Vernon Family needs your HELP.
Donation protected
On November 10th 2014 Bridgette Anne Dziuba was born. The first day was full of happy smiles as her mom Brittany and big sister Malaya welcomed their new bundle of joy to the world. Those smiles quickly turned to fear as Bridgette was rushed off to Kamloops Hospital as she was showing signs of an intestinal blockage. They quickly did x rays and the decision was made to airlift her to Vancouver Children’s Hospital. Now after almost 2 years, 5 major surgeries, countless tests, infections, blood transfusions, medications, minor surgeries and procedures later the hospital continues to be her home.
During a recent surgery a biopsy was done, and the family finally had some answers. The small intestine is able to absorb nutrients but the circular muscle that breaks down food and moves waste to the anus does not do its job. More than likely this is exactly the way Bridgette was born. This unfortunately is one of the hardest things to treat as it cannot be fixed or transplanted. There are some things that can be attempted to help such as the step procedure, along with risky medications that are being currently administered.
Bridgette has been diagnosed with Gastroparesis, Short Bowel Syndrome, weakened Immune system and drug resistant E-coli. Due to her major motility issues she hasn’t been able to eat or have bowel movements since birth; she is fed by TPN (total parenteral nutrition) through a Picc line and needs to be hooked up 20 hours a day. On a good day she might have 4 hours in the outside world. If a problem arises, she gets sick or her output for the day is too high she will need to remain in her room with the machines that are able to help her survive.
The family has been able to manage this emotional rollercoaster with the support of friends and family and the Ronald McDonald house. Malaya age 7 has been a trooper through all of her sister’s battles. She has been in 4 different schools and bounced between “Aunties” and “Grandmas” along with spending all the time she can with her sister. With the recent realization that Bridgette’s illness is not going away and with the likelihood that she will be spending more time in the hospital than out, her mom Brittany has secured a home in Abbotsford for August 15th in hopes this will provide a more stable normal life for her children and herself.
The family has humbly tried to get through this without the public’s help. Now is the time they need it the most. Their current rental is in Vernon and they barely have the necessities there as they have been living out of a suitcase for far too long. The cost of the move and new set up and living essentials is way over their miniscule budget. There is go fund me account set up, if any businesses or people are able to donate any assistance that you can give to this family would be greatly appreciated. I am also looking for some help in organizing a fundraiser for this local family. If you have any suggestions, questions or options you can email me at [email redacted]. We believe in Bridgette we will not give up.
This is the original go fund me link. That account will be ongoing. This account will be deleted after relocation takes place :-) http https://www.gofundme.com/buildingbridgesfor?pc=sms_co_dashboard_a
s://m.facebook.com/Believe-in-Bridgette-1744242909164863/
Bridgette’s facebook page link above.
During a recent surgery a biopsy was done, and the family finally had some answers. The small intestine is able to absorb nutrients but the circular muscle that breaks down food and moves waste to the anus does not do its job. More than likely this is exactly the way Bridgette was born. This unfortunately is one of the hardest things to treat as it cannot be fixed or transplanted. There are some things that can be attempted to help such as the step procedure, along with risky medications that are being currently administered.
Bridgette has been diagnosed with Gastroparesis, Short Bowel Syndrome, weakened Immune system and drug resistant E-coli. Due to her major motility issues she hasn’t been able to eat or have bowel movements since birth; she is fed by TPN (total parenteral nutrition) through a Picc line and needs to be hooked up 20 hours a day. On a good day she might have 4 hours in the outside world. If a problem arises, she gets sick or her output for the day is too high she will need to remain in her room with the machines that are able to help her survive.
The family has been able to manage this emotional rollercoaster with the support of friends and family and the Ronald McDonald house. Malaya age 7 has been a trooper through all of her sister’s battles. She has been in 4 different schools and bounced between “Aunties” and “Grandmas” along with spending all the time she can with her sister. With the recent realization that Bridgette’s illness is not going away and with the likelihood that she will be spending more time in the hospital than out, her mom Brittany has secured a home in Abbotsford for August 15th in hopes this will provide a more stable normal life for her children and herself.
The family has humbly tried to get through this without the public’s help. Now is the time they need it the most. Their current rental is in Vernon and they barely have the necessities there as they have been living out of a suitcase for far too long. The cost of the move and new set up and living essentials is way over their miniscule budget. There is go fund me account set up, if any businesses or people are able to donate any assistance that you can give to this family would be greatly appreciated. I am also looking for some help in organizing a fundraiser for this local family. If you have any suggestions, questions or options you can email me at [email redacted]. We believe in Bridgette we will not give up.
This is the original go fund me link. That account will be ongoing. This account will be deleted after relocation takes place :-) http https://www.gofundme.com/buildingbridgesfor?pc=sms_co_dashboard_a
s://m.facebook.com/Believe-in-Bridgette-1744242909164863/
Bridgette’s facebook page link above.
Organizer
Katrina Frances Foster
Organizer
Sicamous, BC
