Help Ivana Reclaim Her Life!

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

My name is Lais Yanosky, and I am reaching out on behalf of my beloved sister, Ivana Guidry, a vibrant 19-year-old who has touched countless lives with her kindness and dedication. In August 2023, Ivana moved to New Orleans, where she settled into her apartment on Bienville Street with a roommate. She quickly found her second home at Celtica French Bakery in Lakeview, working full-time and becoming a beloved figure among customers and colleagues. Ivana’s favorite part of her job is getting to know her customers personally, always going above and beyond to brighten their day. She also began her freshman year at Delgado Community College in January, a milestone she was thrilled about.

On May 10, 2024, our world was shattered when Ivana was struck by a devastating condition called Toxic Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (TLE). This rare neurological disorder affects the myelin in the brain’s white matter, leading to severe symptoms and structural changes in the brain.

Ivana was rushed to Ochsner Baptist ER, where she fought for her life before being transferred to the ICU. The initial prognosis was grim; we were told that Ivana’s chances of survival or returning to any form of normalcy were slim and to prepare for the worst. Unwilling to give up, we insisted on transferring her to the Neuro ICU at Ochsner Main Campus. Within 24 hours, Ivana was properly diagnosed, and she began showing small but meaningful signs of progress.

In the following days, Ivana received treatment for a multitude of conditions, including Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, Hypoxic Brain Injury, Kidney Failure, Acute Renal Failure, Rhabdomyolysis, Severe Sepsis, and Debility, among others. She was placed on mechanical ventilation, underwent dialysis, and received multiple blood transfusions, all while facing a long and uncertain road to recovery.

After 11 days in the Neuro ICU, Ivana was moved to the Step-Down Unit, where the hope was that she could stabilize enough to be transferred to an in-patient Neuro rehabilitation facility. At the time of the transfer, Ivana had been removed from the ventilator, feeding tubes, and dialysis. Still, she remained critical with kidney failure, and she also continues to have no movement or feeling in her right arm and leg. (Bottom right image)

However, after four days in the Step-Down Unit, Ivana’s condition noticeably worsened. She became lethargic, uninterested in eating, and less responsive. Our family repeatedly expressed concerns to her care team about these troubling changes, but despite our persistent advocacy, Ivana’s condition continued to decline. She eventually aspirated and had to be moved back to the ICU, where she was once again intubated and comatose. A spike in calcium levels caused Hypercalcemia, leading to new brain seizures and necessitating multiple days of dialysis and blood transfusions. Ivana also contracted E. coli and was treated for an infection. (Top right image)

As of today, June 11th, Ivana remains in the Neuro ICU at Ochsner, having undergone treatment for 33 days. While she is no longer on a ventilator, she still relies on a feeding tube. Ivana is currently relearning how to chew and swallow safely, and she will be able to leave the ICU once she can do so without the risk of aspiration.

Ivana is fighting hard to live and reclaim her life despite these overwhelming odds. The extent of her brain injuries and what that means for her future is still unknown. When she leaves the ICU, our goal is for Ivana to be transferred to The Neuro Rehabilitation Center at Touro for in-patient recovery. Afterward, she will need 24-hour care for an unforeseeable time. Her recovery will be measured not in days but in months and possibly years.

Ivana also has a history of severe autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, and Alopecia, making her battle even more challenging. This journey will be physically, emotionally, and financially draining.

We humbly ask for your support to help cover Ivana’s medical expenses, rehabilitation, ongoing care, and personal needs during this critical time. Your donations will ensure she receives the best possible treatment and has a chance at a meaningful recovery. **If you cannot contribute financially, please keep Ivana in your prayers and send positive, healing thoughts her way. We truly believe in the power of collective prayer, hope, and support.**

There is hope for Ivana, and she has been making strong progress. However, as with any severe brain injury, the potential for regression is significant, and it will be months before we truly know the impacts of her brain injury. Her recent MRI shows extensive damage, but also areas where SHE IS FIGHTING BACK. The details are complex, but what is clear is that Ivana needs all the support she can get.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

Ivana’s Family