Aria's Battle to Breathe Easier

Aria, sweet, wild, loving Aria....only 2 years old and has had more hospital stays than most elderly.  In December of 2014, at just 8 months old, Aria began to show signs of being Asthmatic, just like her Mom (Amber), and so began this scary, uncertain road to help her breathe easier.  As she got a little older, her health problems worsened, and trips to her pediatrician and ER became more frequent, today, they are Regular.  She has been admitted to the Hospital 16 times in just 2 years, visits to the DR and ER where she was sent home, too many to mention.  On November 3, 2016, in the middle of the night everything changed, Aria stopped breathing, her body stiffened, she turned blue, her lips black, and it was the scariest thing for anyone to witness, and among those who saw this were 2 of her sisters, brother, mother, and myself.   By nothing short of a miracle, First Responders arrived quickly (though it seemed like an eternity), began oxygen and she resumed breathing.  Since that moment, life has CHANGED for Aria and her family.  Amber has been unable to work due to constantly monitoring Aria, and hospital stays, which are averaging bi-weekly, generally a week at a time.  Lonza (Aria's Dad)has had to continuously take time off of work, and with this latest episode, unsure of when he can resume work, and as luck would have it, his vehicle broke down during the last trip trying to get to Aria as she was transported to Univeristy of Iowa Childrens Hospital in IA City.  Amber has 5 children, Aria is the youngest  Aria's siblings have been greatly affected by this in more ways than most could imagine, as have her parents.  Not only can Amber not work, having no income has left them homeless, her car has broken down for the 3rd time in a month, that means with no income, no car, and no easy way to transport children to and from school, Aria to appointments, and herself back and forth from IA City, not to mention the cost you incur traveling back and forth so much.   This family is not one to ask anyone for help, but tough times call for tough measures.  I have watched Amber through all of this, she has not lost her faith, her strength only grows with each hurdle, and her love for her children is beyond measure.  Amber and Lonza need help in order to get Aria to a hospital that can hopefully find some answers, as UofI has about exhausted their efforts.  They need to be able to live still, to put a roof over their heads, to feed and clothe all the kids, and run a household.  They are no strangers to work, and that is a huge frustration, they both want to, but Aria's health is their top priority, and it is truly impossible for either of them to hold down a job, especially a full time job to fund the household.  Currently Aria is diagnosed with Life Threatening Asthma and Sleep Apnea.  Aria underwent surgery in January to remove her tonsils and adnoids, in hopes that would eliviate some of the Sleep Apnea triggers.  At 1 am on 02/05/2017 Aria was rushed to Trinity in Bettendorf by Ambulance, as she was retracting and breathing 56 breaths per minute, she should be at 30.  By late morning, her specialists at Univeristy of Iowa Childrens Hospital put in for a transport, she was going to be life flighted to IA City, and admitted to the PICU.  Today, the plan is to seek out other facilities, such as the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, or the St. Louis Children's Hospital, Pediatritc Pulminary Unit.  I ask that if you'e read this, you take a moment to send prayers, positive thoughts and good vibes to her, her parents, her siblings, family, and the many Dr's working tirelessly to find the answers that will help Aria breathe easier, and be able to live a more normal childhood.  If you can spare a few dollars, that is more appreciated than you know.  Please do not hesitate to share this page, thank you!!!!