Hi. My name is Karen Baker and Madelyn is my granddaughter. On Thursday she was admitted to the ICU at Nationwide Children's Hospital for Septic Shock, along with many other issues. 

Her story is below: 

Two weeks ago she woke up with a sinus infection. We treated at home because these happen frequently, especially with a child that has allergies like she has. It’s not uncommon for her.

The sinus infection got better, she felt fine, went to school…

Then Tuesday of this week came. She woke up and said she didn’t feel good. I took her temperature and it was 103.8. We went to the doctor, and of course with all the sickness going around, this appeared to be just your average viral infection.

Wednesday, her eye started to swell a little. Again, this is nothing new to us. She already has severe allergies. But it was different. She was so lethargic and literally NO motivation or strength.

Back to doctor Thursday.

We walked in, they took some vital labs…

I think you need to go straight to Children’s. He confirmed. So to Childrens we came.

Her BP was extremely low, heart rate was high.

Once we got moved to the ICU room, that’s when they confirmed she was in septic shock and the infection had spread to her brain. They said she would be going right back for a brain MRI and if it’s an infection cluster, they would need to do brain surgery. That’s when my entire life sank before my eyes. To hear that your daughter is in septic shock and may need to have brain surgery in the matter of 5 minutes.

Her body went through so many tests, pokes and prys within the next several hours. I think they were done with all of the stuff at 5:30am early Friday AM. She was exhausted. The Dr yesterday said that she was the worst critically ill patient on the ICU floor.

It was a lot and I mean A LOT of information thrown at me. But finally, today. There was some good news to share. Yesterday she was a 10/10 on the critical radar. Today she is 9/10. It’s a small victory, but it’s a step in the right direction.

We will be on the ICU floor until some of her medicines start to work which will allow her to get off of those.

The infection is still on her brain, but there has been improvement.

Once we are out of the ICU, we will be moved to a regular room which will allow the visitors. I was told yesterday to expect a week at least of being admitted.

From there, she will still need to receive antibiotics via an IV. We will need to set up some in home care for her to receive that

I have been asked what does she need and how can I help.

All funds will go directly to cover her transportation cost and any medical expenses not covered by insurance.

And of course all prayers and good vibes are welcome as well.

Thank you.