Audrey’s health journey

On Thursday February 13th, Shannon and Dave experienced every parent’s worst nightmare. Their precious 4 year old daughter Audrey slipped into an unresponsive state after battling illness for the past week. Audrey was rushed to Miller Children’s Hospital via ambulance and quickly admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, after receiving a lumbar puncture aka spinal tap, testing positive for meningitis. She was diagnosed with influenza B as well as encephalitis. She had battled fevers the week prior, but because Audrey had received her flu shot her symptoms were mild and well managed at home. Her health declined quickly and if it wasn’t for Shannon’s mommy gut instinct and God’s nudge to check on her while sleeping, she would not have received the rapid treatment that saved her life. Audrey was given multiple antiviral medications, IVIG (immunity booster), multiple strong antibiotics and 60 TIMES the normal dose of steroids. By the middle of the night Thursday, her EEG (brain wave monitor) was already showing signs of improvement. The initial results were slow and encephalopathic, but this quick response to treatment showed signs of hope. Her CT was normal and Friday morning she had her MRI, also showing no abnormalities. The doctor explained that the very high doses of steroids were causing sedative induced REM sleep, abnormal eye movements and may even cause psychosis. Her last dose of steroids were given Saturday night and over the next few days she completed the rest of her IV medications. The doctors continued to reassure Shannon and Dave that she is moving in the right direction with hope for a full recovery with therapy.
   Over the next few days Audrey has been able to advance to some oral feeds and she is able to focus on things around the room as well as some movies. She can hold onto her stuffed animal and bring a toothbrush to her mouth, as well as finds it when she drops it. She can sit up unassisted and even giggled! Tuesday she said her first word, of course being NO like any spunky spit fire would. As of Wednesday morning she can shake her head yes and shake it for no. She was moved out of the PICU and is now on the unit Shannon worked on for many years. If anyone knows our spirited Audrey, they know that she will be running the show and showing us who’s boss through this healing process.
   Here’s a little background for those of you that don’t know Audrey. She is spirited, loving, sweet as pie and full of life. She is a leader, but kind and loves to be a friend. She is affectionate and always looking for a hand to hold. Audrey is the best big sister to her 2 year old brother Braxton and their love for each other is immeasurable. She is the most precious tiny dancer you’ve ever seen and looks forward to dance class every week. She is the best friend a kid could know and loves to make friends at school, Sunday school as well everywhere so goes.  
   As anyone can imagine, Shannon and Dave’s worlds have been rocked this week. They feel like they are stuck in a bad dream but are staying so strong for their girl. They are juggling their 24 hour a day care for Audrey in the hospital as well as full time care at home on top of keeping Braxton’s life as normal as possible through this time of crisis. So many friends as well as total strangers have wanted to help so I thought starting a go fund me page would be a good start, despite Shannon and Dave’s humble nature of not asking for any help.
   The number 1 request right now is prayer for Audrey’s recovery and comfort through the process. We also need to pray for Shannon and Dave’s strength, rest and peace as they battle the most difficult thing a parent could go through. Audrey is very feisty at night so Shannon has not slept in a week. This page will be used  to update family and friends on Audrey’s progress as well as the Brunet’s needs so Shannon and Dave can focus on Audrey and Braxton right now. Shannon is taking a leave of absence from her job as a pediatric RN and Dave will need to return to work as soon as life allows him to. Despite insurance, hospitalization and illness can bring huge financial burden to a family especially with 1 income sacrificed. Let’s all come together and show our love and support for Audrey and the Brunet family.