Hello friends and supporters of the sweet Riveland family.

My 3 year old niece Annabelle had a recent bout of what was suspected to be the flu that was followed quickly by unexplained pain all over her body.

Earlier this week she was admitted to the hospital as they had finally put a name to what they were all facing. The doctors determined that our little friend was suffering from Scalded Skin Syndrome. This is a bacterial skin infection that causes your body to feel and react like you have been burned from head to toe. Unable to be hugged and cuddled and comforted as any touch to the skin was too much to bear, Annabelle has been just miserable. One can imagine how hard this has been for Nich and Katie and Opal as well - no one likes to watch their loved ones in so much discomfort and to be powerless to help or even hug or comfort the kiddo has been extra difficult.

Medication has begun for the infection and wound care has been around to help with the blisters and peeling skin that continue to arise all over her small body. It is currently unknown how long it will be before she will be discharged and able to go home.

Katie and Nich have spent as much time as possible by her side, understandably, but sick leave and Insurance have their limits. This fundraising effort is to assist the family with medical bills from this hospital stay and all following aftercare visits and to help them out with all the normal costs of living after exhausting all paid leave options available to them.

I hope to add updates as progress is made, it's so hard to watch through photos as her sensitive skin appears to get worse with the appearance of more and more blisters before it gets better as the medication helps her rest and recover. I can't imagine the sadness and distress her family feels right there in the room.

As will surprise none of you, they are all in pretty good spirits and know they are in the right place to bring her healing and comfort, and I saw evidence of some hand holding yesterday so we are headed in the right direction! Please add your love and prayers and thoughts for the family and share this with those you think may be able to help Katie, Nich, Opal and Annabelle.

If, like me, you have never heard of this infection, you can read more about Scalded Skin Syndrome here.

Thanks for reading.

Sending our best to Boise (and to you!) from Ohio,

Sarah Sagaser (married to Katie's brother Jonathan)