Prayers for Addyson

For the past week, our sweet, beloved Addyson has been at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital with the presumed diagnosis of Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis (pending one final test result). This disease occurs when antibodies produced by the body’s own immune system attack NMDA receptors in the brain. NMDA receptors are proteins that control electrical impulses in the brain. Their functions are critical for judgement, perception of reality, human interaction, the formation and retrieval of memory, and the control of unconscious activities (such as breathing, swallowing, etc), also known as autonomic functions.
This horrible disease has been making Addyson say very uncharacteristic and scary things which has been devastating to her family. 

Addyson has undergone extensive testing including an EEG, MRI, spinal tap, EKG, abdominal ultrasound, and several blood tests. We fear that combined with all of the diagnostics, an extended stay at UICH, several treatments, and continued therapies beyond her hospital stay, this will become financially burdensome on her parents. 

Since many of you have been asking for ways to help, this go fund me was started. I am hoping we can at least ease the financial stress from the emotional/mental burden they are already experiencing. 

Please keep Addyson and her family in your thoughts and prayers while she is still working on fighting her battle.

For more information on the disease: https://www.antinmdafoundation.org/the-illness/what-is-anti-nmda-receptor-encephalitis/

Watch the movie: “Brain on Fire,” on Netflix.