Hey everyone, many of you may know about the recent hospitalization of Shicara and Todd Tyo's 7-year-old daughter, Deawna (DD). She was diagnosed with Flu A on 12/8/2025, fast forward eleven days to 12/19/2025, DD had woken up with slurred speech, she was side winding (the way she was walking), she had bile on her face and had been bleeding from her nose. Shicara brought her to the ER at 9am, Claxton could not quite figure it out, they did a CT scan and MRI and had called a pediatrician in and at that point were told they were being sent to Syracuse to make sure they were not missing something. DD had been unable to stay awake and sleeping a lot, which was understandable as she had the Flu, until these symptoms arose.

Around 9:30pm on 12/19/2025 they finally had a transport to Syracuse, around 4:30 the next morning they were finally seen, and shortly after 6am it was decided by the Neurologist at Syracuse Hospital that she would be admitted.

At this point Shicara was told about something called Cerebritis - this is the early, acute inflammation of the brain's cerebrum, often due to infection, and in this case, the Flu. DD was experiencing "jumping" eyes, she could not walk without assistance, and could not reach to grab anything. She had to get another MRI, this time with contrast and a lumbar puncture. They ended up doing a spinal tap on her, and at that point in time, they were told she would be there for 3-5 days. Now most of us who know Shicara and Todd, know they have four children, so with Shicara being in Syracuse with DD, Todd was at home with the older three as Christmas was fast approaching. This is a family who is never apart, everything they do, they are always together, so having their mom and sister at the hospital facing unknown circumstances was unnerving, and with the holidays coming all they wanted was to be together and for their sister to get better.

This also began about a weeklong of back and forth for Todd and Shicara as well as family members, so Shicara could see all the kids, prepare for Christmas, and Todd could see DD, as well as their family coming and visiting and sitting with her. With all this comes the start to all the expenses the Tyo's will be facing.

On 12/20/2025, DD got her spinal tap, she ended up having to be sedated and the spinal tap re-done. At this point while waiting for results, they discussed starting steroids, and if they worked, they could go home in three days and be home in time for Christmas, if not they would be there a minimum of five days.

The weekend was spent with her being visited from both Todd's parents as well as Shicara's and just getting answers. By Monday, 12/22/2025, DD was up moving around and being the happy girl we all know. Her walking was very off as well as her ability to talk, what mattered was that she was trying to talk. Shicara had asked if this was normal, as DD was appearing to be in a goofy baby phase, which is not like her, however, they were happy she was up and alert. The Doctor said with the brain swelling, they often see this side of children or a child can get aggressive. She was often staring off and zoning out and was just very off, but all of this was normal due to the swelling. At this point, they were informed about the long road they have ahead of them, as these types of things do not go away right away. Shicara was told that DD would be on a three week steroid. As of 12/23/2025 they were told they would be there for Christmas as she needed more IV steroids, her eating was sloppy, and her walking was still off and was still barely able to talk. On 12/24/2025, Neurology came in and started the second treatment, they needed to test her blood and give her immunoglobin treatments. Her left side was not working as good as her right side, and she would need treatments for four more weeks versus the two more after the one they were completing.

Shicara was informed that DD would be 24/7 care, her left side had not regained the strength she once had, she will need to continue to see a neurologist, as well as physical and speech therapy. At this point the plan to discharge would be 12/25/2025 - her official diagnosis is Autoimmune Cerebellitis which is an inflammation of the cerebellum, often triggered by an infection (post-infectious) or occurring as a primary autoimmune issue, causing sudden balance/coordination problems (ataxia), slurred speech, vomiting, and headaches. While the recovery rate is great, the timeline to get there could be anywhere from months to upwards of a year if not more and most kids have lingering issues such as ataxia or tremors.

With all of this being said, Shicara is the health insurance carrier for the family through her place of employment. She currently is out of work to be DD's caretaker, take her to her appointments, and help her on the road to recovery. She is currently without pay, but is still expected to pay for her health insurance coverage, as it is going to be needed for all of DD's appointments, as well maintaining coverage for her three older kids, husband and herself. Thankfully, DD was able to come home and spend Christmas with her brothers, sister and parents and that is all we could ask for given the circumstances. Moving forward for her is going to be challenging, but she is a loved, happy and very supported girl, I created this GoFundMe in the hopes of being able to relieve the financial burden that medical emergencies like this can cause on a family. In the moment the focus is the child who is sick and needs medical attention, in the months to follow it is about getting her better and fully recovered. Shicara will be out of work this entire time receiving no pay, if those who are able to donate could, to help alleviate the stressors for Shicara and Todd, we would greatly appreciate it, and if you are unable to donate, we ask you to share this so we can get it out there. Shicara and I have been best friends since 2001 and I want to be able to help her family the best way I can, and right now, relieving this financial burden is the biggest thing we can help get off their plate.

Thank you for all of your support! It is greatly appreciated beyond words!