Brianna Hennis Road to Recovery








Brianna Hennis is a gorgeous, strong, and beautiful woman.  Her Mom, Melodie, and her Dad, Daniel (my cousins) welcomed Brianna into this world when Brianna was only 26 weeks weighing a whopping 2 pounds, 10.5 ounces.  From her first day of life she had to be a fighter; she had no choice.  She spent her first 6 months in the NICU at Brenners Children’s Hospital (out of state).  She has been through surgeries of all kinds (heart, hernia, eye, and reflux), closely monitored by a team of doctors, and yet through all of this she is one of the most light hearted, intelligent, loving, and artistic people I know.  Her love and passion for art started at the age of 4 and she sketches the most beautiful pictures of anything and everything that catches her eye.  No kidding, I cannot walk past a VW van and wonder what Brianna would paint on it and imagine the trips she would make. 

Fast forward to today: The week of October 23rd Brianna was hospitalized for the second time in three days.  When Brianna was first admitted to the hospital she was experiencing involuntary limb movement, she had excessive retraction in the arms and legs, could not walk unassisted, and had overall pain throughout her body.  The doctors conducted a spinal to rule out several life-threatening issues including Gilliam-Barre.  When the test results came back negative she was released from the hospital.  Two days later she was directly admitted to the hospital by her neurologist because all of her symptoms had drastically worsened.  Upon further investigation they determined that a virus had attacked her spine and nervous system.  The doctors discussed an in-depth physical therapy treatment and they initially told Brianna that they would be keeping her in the hospital to start her PT.

This is where it gets real:  Brianna’s insurance company (via the hospital) required Brianna’s release and sent her home prior to starting her PT.  They stated that she could attend PT and did not need to be further hospitalized.  So, our strong, amazing Brianna went home with her parents who relocated her bedroom to the first floor to accommodate her needs during recovery.  To top it all off the insurance company insists that Brianna return to the hospital area for PT treatment on a weekly basis.  The hospital is located 50 miles away (one way) and Brianna’s weekly PT copay will be approximately $214/wk.  Her recovery is going to take months and the costs for her travel and weekly PT sessions will add up quickly; keep in mind this does not account for her parents’ time away from work , Daniel works as a CNC Machinist and Melodie is Co-Owner of Southern Sisters Boutique. 

So, the purpose of this Go Fund Me account is to support Brianna and her family during the recovery time.  Every dollar helps.  $5 donation could get them a quick meal on the road.  $10 donation could cover the gas they need to commute for the week.  $20 donation could go towards a weekly PT session.  No amount is too small and every dollar will be put towards Brianna’s recovery.  Additionally, the family has stated that if any funds go unused they will donate every remaining dollar to Victory Junction Gang Camp.  Brianna has attended this camp annually since the age of twelve and it has been a great place for her to connect with kids like her.

Help me and her parents get Brianna back on her feet, sketching amazing pictures, and running with her pal Tuff.