The Rare Infection : Love for Emily

On Thursday, January 18th, 2018, Emily Michelle was brought into this world, weighing 5 lbs, 11 oz. by her parents, Damon and Kari. She was perfect. They brought home this precious little girl on Saturday, January 20th.

After a few sleepless nights in their new home, the newborn, Emily, and her parents had finally gotten settled in.

A few days later, on January 28th, little Emily being only ten days old, just eight days out of the hospital, wasn’t feeding as a normal newborn should. That, along with running a high fever, her mother rushed her to the hospital. After several tests and multiple hospitals, doctors diagnosed Emily with a VERY, VERY RARE infection called CRONOBACTER SAKAZAKII. So rare that there are only 4-6 infections in infants per year. Cronobacter sakazakii is a bacteria. In the very few reported cases in the last thirty years, it has been caused in most, but not all, by the bacteria living in powdered formula. This case, being the exception, as Emily was breastfeeding for her first ten days. Through all of this, Emily has been through quite a bit of testing and we all can’t imagine the pain she has endured.


Damon and Kari are grateful to be holding their sweet little girl. As you can imagine, medical bills are adding up and this new family has a lot of unexpected circumstances. Emily is currently at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis. Expected to be for 3-4 weeks. Unsure of what is yet to come, Damon and Kari wait, keeping hope, that they will be able to bring Emily home soon. Please keep them in your prayers.

Donations will be put towards Emily’s medical expenses. All donations are greatly appreciated.