Help Gia Bella's Recovery

GiaBella suffered a Freak accident where she was rushed to sunrise hospital in critical condition. She had a broken rib (rib #1) punctured her lung and Both of her lungs collapsed. She was immediately put under and had plugs inserted on both sides of her chest wall to drain lungs and was put on oxygen and respirator. She has been on high amounts of pain medication (fetenyl)  sedation medication, paralytic, antibiotics and Tylenol for her fever. They discovered a large air pocket between her spine and esophagus and air spreading throughout the body which struck a concern. 

After multiple CT scans, MRIS, and scope with the pulmonary doctor we found a tear in her trachea which was the cause of her air pocket and air to spread throughout her body. Unfortunately the pediatric surgeon at Sunrise was not confident to preform any procedures on her or make and decisions on her injury. They then made the decision to transfer her to Children’s hospital of Los Angeles. Due to her condition and obstructed airway and the high risk of taking her by helicopter they appointed her to be transferred by ambulance. With unexpected, yet short notice Tabitha and Levi quickly prepared to transfer to Los Angeles. 

Once arriving to CHLA she immediately went in for a CT scan as well as x-rays. They truly do work around the clock here at CHLA, after getting opinions from The pediatric surgeon, ent doc and cardio dr they all agreed to go the conservative route (allowing it to heal on its own) opposed to surgery.  praying and hopeful she makes progress so we don’t need to do the surgery on her trachea! It’s in a very hard spot and the surgery will require a large incision on chest and opening up the chest cavity to access and stitch the area so drs are really trying to avoid that! They are going to keep her on high doses of paralytic and and sedation medication as well as the antibiotics and high dosage of pain medicine to allow her rest during her healing. They will completely re evaluate Tuesday and see the overall progress and re-determination. They will keep the chest plugs in and keep her on the ventilator and the oxygen until her trachea injury is completely healed. She is expected to be sedated at least another two weeks. Where Levi and Tabitha will have to temporarily relocate to Los Angeles and find temporary living between their rotations of overnights at the hospital as only one adult can’t stay overnight. 

Tabitha and Levi are determined to do anything and everything to ensure their little girl has the greatest chances of healthy recovery. This page has been established to help the family in any way possible.