On September 11th, Elise Tetter -- an 8th grader at Memorial Jr. High in Lansing -- was in an E-bike accident that left her with a severe leg injury. She was initially treated at our local hospital, but unfortunately, the wound was stitched when it should not have been. About a week later, her leg became swollen and painful, and the stitches broke open with infection draining from the site.

When we rushed her back, doctors told us the infection was dangerously advanced and that she needed to be transferred to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago to see a pediatric wound specialist. We are so grateful we brought her when we did—doctors said the infection was spreading rapidly and could have been much worse. Elise was immediately placed on the strongest antibiotics available and underwent her first surgery. The surgeons told us the infection was very deep and would require multiple surgeries, as well as ongoing care after she leaves the hospital.

A few days later, Elise became extremely sick, and doctors discovered the powerful antibiotics had caused kidney damage. Her kidney levels reached a critical point, and she was transferred to the ICU for several days. She has now undergone five surgeries, with more to come, and is being monitored closely. We are currently waiting on the results of a kidney biopsy to determine whether dialysis is needed.

Today, Elise is thankfully strong enough to eat and drink again, and she has been moved back to a regular floor at Comer. Still, her recovery journey is far from over. Once discharged, Elise will need to remain homebound, dependent on her parents for care, and continue with multiple outpatient surgeries and wound treatments.

Her family is traveling back and forth to Chicago to be with her and support her through this fight. The road ahead is long and uncertain, but we are holding onto hope and faith.

We are asking for your support to help with Elise’s medical expenses, ongoing treatments, travel costs, and home health care needs. Any amount is deeply appreciated, and above all, we ask for your continued prayers for Elise’s healing and strength.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us during this difficult time.