NOV. 6

Akeelah has been 42 days in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, 41 days at BC Children’s hospital. Akeelah has some movement. Akeelah's right arm, left hand and fingers can move, her head can lift off the wheelchair. Some of her toes can wiggle Some movements she can only do in bed or in the wheelchair, some she needs support to start. Akeelah is continuing to work her hardest at recovery. Doctors continue to have no answers as to what has caused this for Akeelah. The doctors goals this week to have Akeelah transferred to rehab in the other side of the hospital in the next couple weeks. Which will be a huge step forward.

Akeelah completed a swallow test a week ago and passed amazingly. Akeelah has been working hard towards eating regular food by mouth and have the feeding tube removed! Stamina is the main goal right now. As a mother this has been a tremendous blow to my heart. But has not put me down. Akeelah will fight through this with the strength she holds in her mind, spirit and body, and all our prayers.

UPDATE

After two weeks of paralysis Kori has a little right foot movement! And sometimes her right knee tries to lift up. We have seen some muscle movement but only the right big toe has continued to move.

A second MRI has been done, and we're waiting for the test results which shouldn't take long. Kori’s vitals have stabilized which we'rehappy for. Kori seems to do her best when she has all her siblings and family present in her room with her. Their love lifts her up and soothes her. We all continue to pray for the best and are thankful for your prayers and also thankful for the doctor's and nursing staff hard work. Much love.

ORIGNAL

16 year old Akeelah is 1st born to Andrea and Wally. Akeelah has 4 younger siblings that look up to her, and mom and dad have been raising 2 nieces along with their 5 children. Akeelah’s siblings mean the world to her, and she strives in her everyday life to teach and guide them.

Akeelah woke Wednesday morning, got dressed, and a sharp pain shot in her shoulders then down into her arms, then into her head. Akeelah described her arms as heavy soggy noodles. She couldn’t lift them or move her fingers, Akeelah was rushed to hospital and she lost movement through the rest of her body. Akeelah has been paralyzed since. Akeelah was very low on oxygen, blood pressure, and temperature. She is struggling to breathe. Akeelah went for a CT, blood work, and toxscreen, all were clear. Akeelah was transported to PICU at Victoria General where a MRI and spinal tap were done. The MRI showed something near the top of Akeelah's spine, and said definitely not a tumour or a bleed. She's been on a ventilator. With a breathing tube since NRGH. Akeelah's team then decided to air lift Akeelah to BC Children’s Hospitals PICU. A feeding tube has been inserted, they tried to turn off the breathing machine but Akeelah cannot breathe on her own. Akeelah is slowly responding with facial movements. Akeelah has a large team of doctors and specialist that are working around the clock to figure out why this is happening to her. Akeelah is trying to keep as upbeat as possible. She has such a beautiful spirit. Akeelah and her family appreciate any donations given. The family is organizing transportation and lodging to be with her at this time. Akeelah's mom and dad have stepped away from work to stay by Akeelah's side during this scary time. Akeelah's 6 siblings have now joined them in Vancouver to help Akeelah's spirits up. Thank you to all those who have been a continuous support. We are asking for your prayers! To help the doctors so that can find the correct diagnosis. Akeelah has a wonderful heart , and we know her positivity will help carry her through this. We are all so scared and want her to heal and praying for a full recovery, thank you again. Much love.