Help Evelyn's Family Through This Medical Crisis

This is Papa Gregg and Aunt Char

Our dear little, spunky Evelyn Emily Pesce recently had a nasty case of diarrhea caused by E. coli that we assume was carried by some carrots (there was a recent recall). She ended up with a rare complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, where the E. coli gets into the blood and attacks the walls of small blood vessels. That triggers a complex inflammatory reaction that leads to shedding of the walls and all kinds of blood abnormalities, including anemia, low hemoglobin, and low platelets. One of the complications is many tiny blood clots that get stuck in tiny blood vessels, especially the kidneys. Essentially, that has led to acute, severe kidney failure of Evelyn's kidneys.

On Thursday, Evelyn was transferred to Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento. She is in the pediatric ICU. They have been receiving great support and care there. Mom and Dad have been at her side 24/7.

Unfortunately, there is no real treatment for this disease other than waiting and hoping, and treating the complications that arise. Evelyn is responsive but very tired, swollen, and weak. No appetite and doesn't want to drink much. She started hemodialysis yesterday, the 28th. She will do that daily until her labs start to improve, then as needed for an unseen timeframe. The first thing we hope for is a sign her platelet count starts to rise.

The prognosis for HUS is good for those that survive the initial days. It is very unpredictable how long the treatment and recovery phases take. We have been told that she could be in the ICU/hospital for weeks, possibly months. Dad, Anthony, is working on getting a leave from his work as an ER nurse in Chico, CA, 2 hours away. He is the sole provider for this young family of 4.

They have great support from family and friends, including a room filling up with books, snacks, and stuffed animals. With no income for an unseen future, we are hoping to help support them by raising money for hotels, meals, bills, and everything else that comes up in times like this.

We are so grateful for any support anyone can provide Evelyn, Eliza, Abby, and Anthony.

Good thoughts, hopes, prayers, words of encouragement, and financial support that will go 100% directly to their bank account.

We know well the importance of the love and support of family, friends, and even strangers as they go through these difficult minutes, hours, and days.

We cannot thank you enough.

Papa Gregg and Aunt Char