Brenna’s Medical Journey; Help Ashley & Kyle through Crisis

Hi, my name is Stacy, and I'm currently raising funds to support my great niece’s growing medical expenses. Your contribution will directly help Brenna, my niece Ashley, and her husband Kyle, as they navigate their daughter’s medical mystery and rely on hope to carry them through.

At 3 years old, Brenna started to exhibit severe health issues, including multiple hospital stays, extremely high fevers, and recurring kidney infections. After her family's persistent efforts and a change in hospitals, healthcare providers finally recognized the need for further investigation and performed a reflux test to evaluate kidney function, focusing on vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The test, which required Brenna to remain conscious, was extremely painful and distressing. The findings showed grade four and five reflux in both kidneys, the most severe level, indicating that urine was flowing backward into her kidneys, resulting in infections. Surgery was successful, providing temporary relief for Brenna.

Her condition soon after deteriorated, marked by episodes of passing out, headaches, vomiting, and refusal to eat, necessitating hospitalization. Following a diagnosis of stomach migraines by the distinguished GI specialist Dr. Uko, Brenna commenced nightly medication to alleviate her symptoms. However, the rising cost of the medication has imposed a significant financial burden, as it is indispensable for her health. Moreover, Brenna takes a prophylaxis antibiotic daily to prevent UTIs, a persistent problem that has spanned several years. Ashley and Kyle, as her parents and only advocates, have become increasingly exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and financially depleted. Brenna's obstinacy, heightened when she is unwell, has rendered this journey arduous for their family. They all profoundly miss the happy, affectionate girl she once was, and now, at 6 years old, she continues to confront these health challenges. At her last appointment in Milwaukee, Ashley and Kyle demanded that they perform another VUR test to check if reflux had returned. Regrettably and unexpected, it did come back in her left kidney. The test revealed a Grade 1 reflux, and they were instructed to closely monitor Brenna’s condition. If she developed a UTI with high fever these could be symptoms of kidney infection and they were to seek immediate medical attention.

Brenna will undergo reconstructive surgery as the next step in her treatment, although there is no clear answer as to why this happened or continues to happen. Another surgery is definitely not an ideal outcome, but her parents are prepared to advocate for it, having dealt with these issues for an extended period, which has significantly impacted their family.

Brenna was recently hospitalized in La Crosse on Friday, with a high fever and tested positive for multiple conditions including RSV, Influenza A, UTI, and a kidney infection. She is currently receiving treatment and being closely monitored at Milwaukee Children's Hospital for Chronic Stage 3 Kidney Disease. Brenna's treatment plan includes oral and intravenous antibiotics, as well as Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy to improve her bladder control.

All this little, once spunky child wants is to return to school and resume her normal activities of gymnastics, basketball, spending time with her siblings, Graham and Griffin, and all of her friends and family. She’s barely eating and rarely accepting of any fluids. She’s tired and she’s crabby. She’s sick of being sick. As heartbreaking as this is to write about, I can’t imagine having to endure it all from the sidelines, watching your child suffer while feeling helpless as a parent and struggling to cope with not having any answers. We all pray for a full recovery for Brenna and for the Sime family. Unfortunately, their insurance coverage has been insufficient, providing minimal financial assistance. Kyle continued to work as much as possible while supporting his family and now is utilizing his PTO to be with his family. Ashley has had to resign from her position to support her daughter’s diminishing health and accompany her to numerous appointments, MRI’s, and CAT scans. Brenna's recent medical expenses have exceeded $1,000 per appointment, without tests and after insurance coverage. They anticipate that by the end of the year, unless a solution is found, their expenses for bills, gas, time off work, medication, and hospital stays will surpass $40,000.

Any amount you can contribute is greatly appreciated. Please share in love and support to the Sime Family.