My name is Katherine and I am starting a GoFundMe to help raise money for my niece, Shelby Thompson. Shelby is a senior at White Station High School in Memphis, TN, where she is an honor student.

Every since the age of 12, she has aspired to become an architect and has recently been accepted into Mississippi State University School of Architecture and University of Tennessee Knoxville School of Architecture, which were her top 2 schools of choice.

On November 8, 2025, she was rushed to LeBonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, where she stayed for almost 3 months in ICU in a medically induced coma. On the 40th day she broke through the sedation! She was diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening disease (autoimmune anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis). It causes the body to create antibodies that attack the brain in error, causing the brain to swell and become inflamed. Due to the severe damage done to the brain, she requires neurological rehabilitation, where she is basically learning how to perform the basic functions of life all over again, such as walking, talking, writing, and thinking.

Shelby was flown to St. Louis, MO, on January 22nd for brain rehab at St. Louis Children's Hospital due to no such facility in Memphis, TN. She is receiving daily therapy to help her to the goal of 100% restoration with no long-term issues. We are grateful to God for the progress that has been made so far, and although Shelby has a long way to go, we are confident in the healing power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

I want to help lighten the financial load brought on by this life-altering event by helping with the medical bills and travel expenses. All of your help, no matter how small, will be a big help in bringing us one step closer to our goal amount. The family lives 4.5 hours from St. Louis and are facing this challenge and all of the unknowns that lie ahead head-on. If you find it in your heart to make a generous donation, the family would greatly appreciate the help. Thank you!