Support the Russell Family
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As some of you may know members of our Whitewater Crossing family needs your prayers and support. Bret and Melissa’s 4 month old baby boy Mason has been in the hospital since Saturday with some very serious symptoms.
Around Thanksgiving Mason stopped holding his head up, stop smiling, laughing and acted as if he didn't even recognize his own name... He did nothing but cry. It turns out, Mason has swelling in his spinal cord, Doctors are not sure if it's caused by a previous virus or from a Chiari 1 brain Malformation he was born with. The Chiari Malformation is the "sagging" of the bottom of his little brain, and it could be what's causing the swelling of his spinal cord. Ultimately the swelling in his spinal cord is causing cerebral fluid to building up, and not allowing fluid to flow up and down as it should. Mason is struggling with his breathing, eating, holding up his head, and the ability to maintain his airway, he is constantly choking on his bottle and saliva. A major concern is his breathing issues, he's been having sleep apnea where he only has a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute, nurses have to shake him to get him to breath. His oxygen levels keep dropping, requiring him to be put on oxygen. Because of Mason’s age both the virus causing the swelling in his spinal cord, or a symptomatic Chiari are very rare leaving the doctors unsure of a diagnosis.
Mason (as well as Mom, Dad, and his two sisters) have been through a lot the last 4 days in the hospital with multiple tests and no definite treatment just yet. Poor Mason has had CT scans, two MRI's, many ultrasounds, 6 failed attempts at a spinal tap, among many other things. Everyone please continue to pray for Mason and the entire Russell family.
As the doctors are still trying to decide if Mason's condition is a virus that is treatable with steroid medication, or if his symptoms are due to the Chiari which would make brain surgery necessary. The family is looking at a minimum of another 5 days in the hospital. With Christmas right around the corner let’s bless this family financially to help cover the unexpected costs associated with this hospital stay and make Christmas a little brighter for this amazing family, who had to cancel all Christmas plans because of Mason's health.
I truly appreciate all your generosity and prayers for Mason and the entire Russell family! Tis the season for giving. God bless
Around Thanksgiving Mason stopped holding his head up, stop smiling, laughing and acted as if he didn't even recognize his own name... He did nothing but cry. It turns out, Mason has swelling in his spinal cord, Doctors are not sure if it's caused by a previous virus or from a Chiari 1 brain Malformation he was born with. The Chiari Malformation is the "sagging" of the bottom of his little brain, and it could be what's causing the swelling of his spinal cord. Ultimately the swelling in his spinal cord is causing cerebral fluid to building up, and not allowing fluid to flow up and down as it should. Mason is struggling with his breathing, eating, holding up his head, and the ability to maintain his airway, he is constantly choking on his bottle and saliva. A major concern is his breathing issues, he's been having sleep apnea where he only has a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute, nurses have to shake him to get him to breath. His oxygen levels keep dropping, requiring him to be put on oxygen. Because of Mason’s age both the virus causing the swelling in his spinal cord, or a symptomatic Chiari are very rare leaving the doctors unsure of a diagnosis.
Mason (as well as Mom, Dad, and his two sisters) have been through a lot the last 4 days in the hospital with multiple tests and no definite treatment just yet. Poor Mason has had CT scans, two MRI's, many ultrasounds, 6 failed attempts at a spinal tap, among many other things. Everyone please continue to pray for Mason and the entire Russell family.
As the doctors are still trying to decide if Mason's condition is a virus that is treatable with steroid medication, or if his symptoms are due to the Chiari which would make brain surgery necessary. The family is looking at a minimum of another 5 days in the hospital. With Christmas right around the corner let’s bless this family financially to help cover the unexpected costs associated with this hospital stay and make Christmas a little brighter for this amazing family, who had to cancel all Christmas plans because of Mason's health.
I truly appreciate all your generosity and prayers for Mason and the entire Russell family! Tis the season for giving. God bless
Organizer and beneficiary
Megan Wurzelbacher
Organizer
Hamilton, OH
Melissa Russell
Beneficiary
