Help the McIntyre's By Linda Trippel

The McIntyre family could really use your help. 2 weeks ago their oldest daughter, Eden, 13, was stricken with viral meningitis and encephilitis.  This very healthy child was suddenly knocked down with severe flu like symptoms, high temp, vomiting, and hallucinations.  Local Emergency Room personel suggested a transfer to the Children's Hospital of Illinois.  Upon arrival Eden crashed, was seizing and had to be put on a ventilator and kept under heavy sedation while the Doctors tried to determine what was going on.  Now that they have a diagnosis, the length of the road to recovery is still uncertain.  At a minimum Eden will continue her stay at the Children's Hospital for 2 more weeks.  At that time she will be transferred to a long term rehabilitation facility.  She will not be starting her 8th grade year on time, if at all.  What lasting effects this virus has had on her is yet to be seen.  All of these questions remain to be answered.

Eden has 3 younger siblings, Gavin, Lydia, and Harper, as well as several rescue cats and a rescue pup.  Eden loves running track and competing in the long jump like her mom!  She is also in honors choir in her junior high.  She was in the process of mentoring younger children as well.

She has a long road ahead that will require lots of travel, hotel stays, therapy, and potentially lasting medical expenses.  Her mother has had to stop working to be caregiver and her stepfather is finishing a college degree, all while caring for the other 3 children at home who have had their world changed too. Her family could use any help you can give for gas, bills while the parents are unable to work, food, medical and therapy expenses that are ahead of them for an unknown amount of time.  If you would prefer to donate gas card, gift cards, etc you may contact me on this page and I will help you do so.  Every little bit helps and is appreciated beyond words.

"For it is in giving that we receive" - St Francis of Assisi