To say that 2020 was a challenging year for most people would be an understatement. 2020 brought loss, financial hardship, and uncertainty to people everywhere. Those in the restaurant industry felt the sting even more as restrictions and limitations were put in place at state and local levels. Many families wondered if they would be able to keep their businesses afloat. Don and Jennifer Frye, like most small business owners, faced tremendous uncertainty when the pandemic hit. Loss of income and financial uncertainty were just the beginning of their pandemic journey.

In December, life changed even more dramatically for the Frye family. What started out as a seemingly simple case of the flu, turned into a nightmare for eight year-old Effie Jo and her family. Once she had recovered from her illness, she began to experience some neurological changes, including unilateral weakness, facial paralysis, with her symptoms progressively worsening to include seizures. After months of testing, trips to Salt Lake City and Omaha to visit with pediatric neurologists and specialists, the Frye's began to receive answers. Effie Jo has been diagnosed with an autoimmune encephalitis with suspected Rasmussen's Encephalitis, a rare disease in children under 10 that is caused by a viral infection (in this case, COVID) that causes inflammation in the brain that leads to seizures, one-sided mobility issues, and weakness. Rasmussen's Encephalitis doesn't usually respond to anti-seizure medications, which has been the case with Effie Jo. She has slight atrophy on the right side of her brain, as well as a layer of scar tissue in her brain which is causing the seizures. There are about five different medications to try, with surgery as the definitive treatment. Up to this point, Effie has been on several different medications, had a five day in-patient IG IV infusion, another five day in-patient steroid infusion, and they are looking at a possible plasma exchange. The thought of brain surgery still looms.

Right now, Effie's future with the disease is uncertain, but we do know that it will require monitoring, possible surgery, and extensive rehab. The specialists that treat this condition are not here in Bozeman, which means that Don and Jennifer have had to take time off work for weeks at a time to travel and will need to continue to do so in order for Effie to receive the medical care that she needs. This will result in further lost wages, travel expenses including extended lodging and food expenses, as well as unanticipated medical costs.

Anyone who has met Effie knows that she is a vibrant and compassionate child with a tremendous passion for animals. Just ask her about her pets! She loves her sisters and family fiercely, and she enjoys dancing and playing the harp, two activities that have become increasingly challenging for her in the past 8 months. Don and Jennifer are optimistic and have faith that Effie will have a bright future and are filling her days with play, trying to create as normal a childhood as they can for her despite the uncertainty with her diagnosis and treatment. They are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support that they've received from the local community and their family with help with childcare, meals, and words of encouragement. Let's reflect back the light that the Frye's shine in our community. Please join us in supporting this incredible family in whatever way you can.