Brook and Sara Gregerson

On January 25th, shortly after celebrating her first birthday, Kinsley was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Children's Hospital in Minneapolis. Doctors diagnosed Kinsley with toxic shock syndrome and septic shock brought on by a combination of Pneumonia and Strep Group A. Kinsley is a beautiful, spunky, funny girl that is now fighting a life-threatening blood infection which at various points required the support of ECMO, intubation, a feeding tube, a chest tube, and 24-hour nursing care. Due to the seriousness of the infection, side effects and brain damage, it is expected that Kinsley will require much more time to recover in addition to significant rehabilitation therapies - both inpatient and outpatient.

At present, it is believed that procedures will be required to remove tissue on the arms and legs that are not viable, to which skin grafting will be required. Similarly, some degree of surgical intervention may be required for some fingertips and toes that did not respond to the increase in perfusion. The big unknowns at this point are how severe the brain ischemia suffered at the onset of septic shock will impact Kinsley both cognitively and in terms of motor skills. The effects will become more clear as the months pass and physical, occupational and speech therapists have more time to work with her and evaluate.

Kinsley has made great strides since being admitted to the PICU, however, Sara and Brook have had to expend all of their PTO & sick time to date. As a result, taking unpaid leave will be necessary. Further, the care received to date, in addition to what will be required in the year to come, will be significant. They're also unfortunately anticipating many expenses relating to Kinsely's care that will be above and beyond what will be covered by insurance.

If you are in a position to donate financially to support Kinsley's medical care it would be greatly appreciated and will help their family to focus 100% of their time and attention on their little girl during this fight!

For updates on Kinsley's journey, you can visit their Caring Bridge site.

Also, if you are a Minnesota State employee, you can donate leave time to Sara, by going into self service > leave > leave donations, and then selecting "Sara Gregerson" in the reserve bank box. Contact Siobhan Judd (see contact below) if you need any assistance!