Help Sammy & family through MOG-Ab and ADEM

The money is being raised for Sammy Salmon.  Her parents made several trips back and forth to the hospital who thought it initially to be the flu. It became  apparent to her parents she was getting much worse so they took her back to McMaster. Upon her return they drew blood and sent her for an MRI. By the time she was brought back from the MRI scan she was completely immobile. Only 1 week before she had been rock climbing hanging out with friends- doing what normal 12 year olds do. In 7 hours they went from having a very sick little girl to an immobile, child unable to commuincate. How heart breaking is that? Recently, the doctor sat with Sammy and her father to complete a Neurological exam on Sammy. All was good .. well until the doctor asked her how old she was. She answered " twelve". Dereks heart sunk. Sammy had just celebrated her 13th birthday in the hospital surrounded by a room full of friends, family. She did not know that the day had even taken place. I don't even have words.  This is not something a child should be missing. She should be remembering every single thing about this time in her life. If you wish to read on and find out more about Sammy's diagnoses, her family and their circumstances please continue to read. We would greatly appreciate your time to read her story of this lovely girl.  Her initial diagnosis was ADEM  (Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis) , which is a rare neurological disorder which is common in children who are pre- pubescent. The initial symptoms are rapid onset and are typical  encephalitis symptoms. These include fatigue, headache, vomiting, nausea, seizures and coma. She is the first diagnosed case of ADEM at Mc Master Children's hospital.  The only symptom of ADEM she did not have was fever which they thought was odd.  ADEM typically damages white matter (Myelin) brain tissue causing neurological issues - which can cause vision loss in one or both eyes, weakness in the muscles up to the point of paralysis, as well as difficulty with coordination of voluntary muscle movement. (walking etc)  Three weeks later more detailed bloodwork come back with her being positive for MOG-Ab. (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein- Antibody) This is an even more rare  disorder. With this disorder the Myelin just basically falls off of the nerves.  So both of these 2 diagnoses are deteriorating Sammy's myelin- it is  preventing her brain from transmitting messages to her muscles etc . With the new diagnosis brought new treatments and with that brought some small reactions- her eyes opened, and very recently she has started to speak.   From here she needs to go to Bloorview Children's Rehabilitation hospital in East York. She has a long way to go to re learn to use  her arms, legs, bowel, bladder to walk on her own, and feed herself .  They do not know if she will ever regain full use of all extremities, but are hopeful because of her young age. She is devastated she has since begun talking and asked her father Derek. "Why me".. How do you answer this? It broke his heart. It tore him apart, and what's worse as a parent is that he cannot fix it. The family are struggling since Derek Salmon the father has been off work since Sammy was hospitalized. He is the sole breadwinner in the household and this has been a financial struggle . He has been at her bedside since her admission he has been her advocate as well she has made the most progress with him there. Derek has had to take a LOA from his job at Home Depot - Tool Rental but this has had a detrimental financial impact to the family.  I wanted to add that there are a lot of family members that come out and spend time with Sammy.  Sammy's sister and brother have done a lot for their sister since her becoming ill. Her sister has made a point through it all to ensure that Sammy continues to have her nails done. Sammy"s mom is the one who does up the wonderful braids in her hair. All around the family pulls together to make her feel loved and fully supported.  While at Bloorview the family is going to be have increased financial stressors as many of Sammy's basic necessities will not be covered and will need to be covered by family. Additionally there will now be costs for Derek to stay and when family visit as they are now travelling out of town.  When in Mc Master it was the same city and very convenient . On top of these cost medical staff have advised family to plan for wheel chair(s). Plan to have the family vehicle assessed and modified . They will also need the same done for their family home as well before she comes home. Additionally she will require aftercare of Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy- to help maintain  the strength and tone she will gain in Bloorview. There is always a  huge chance of relapse and the care and the costs that this will again cost the family.  She has always had a dream to go to France and if there is a way to get her there some day perhaps.. maybe her parents can take her there . The family would like to fulfill this dream especially now. Please support Sammy and the Salmon family through this difficult time. Thank you in advance from myself, Sammy and the rest of the Salmon family