Jacob's journey to recovery

My name is Michelle Gallagher. I am raising money for my nephew, Jacob Mitchell. The money will be used for medical bills and rehabilitation. 

Jacob was a typical high school senior looking forward to prom, graduation, and college at UCF in the fall. This past April he  fell ill with bronchitis which doctors were treating with antibiotics. The bronchitis eventually turned into pneumonia. On May 3rd, a week before his high school prom and graduation, his health took another unexpected turn for the worse. The virus began attacking his own body, causing lesions on his spine which ultimitely lead Jacob to wake up one morning experiencing difficulty breathing and paralysis in his arms. His right arm is paralyzed entirely but maintained minimal use of his hand, able to squeeze a ball. His left arm is paralyzed from his shoulder to his forearm. Jacob wears a neck brace to hold up his head because his neck muscles are too weak.  Doctors immediatley placed Jacob in the ICU on a ventilator, and started steroid treatments as well as plasmapheresis treatments.  It was May of 2016 when 18 year old Jacob was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease called Transverse Myelitis. 

Initially Jacob required the ventilator day and night. After three weeks he was able to go long streches of time breathing on his own. Doctors performed a tracheotomy to further the weaning process and help Jacob be able to breath independently.  This allowed Jacob's younger sister, Daniella and his parents Kymberly and Scott to see Jacob's face for the first time in weeks and bolstering their hope and strengthening their resolve.

Six weeks later, Jacob remains in ICU.  Although breathing more on his own, he still has pneumonia and relies on the respirator.  He also has a feeding tube for nutrition.

Jacob will require month's of therapy in an acute setting, home care and eventually outpatient therapy.  Jacob's parents are devoted to his recovery.  Mom, Kym, has put her job on hold to be with Jacob all day and most nights.  Scott, Jacob's dad, works days and spends most nights in the hospital with Jacob.

Jacob's family will be overwhelmed and extremely greatful for any donations, thank you.