Help Teagan Recover From Sepsis

For the past several years, Teagan has struggled with hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as HS. HS is an autoimmune disorder that causes a buildup of inflammatory proteins in the skin. The proteins collect and turn into marble-sized lumps under the skin that are extremely painful and can become open wounds that are highly prone to infection. He has sought treatment over the years, but nothing has helped. There is currently no cure for HS.


On July 30th, Teagan was admitted to UT Medical Center because his HS had progressed to the point that he was unable to stand or walk without extreme pain. Doctors discovered that his HS wounds had become infected. After extensive tests, it was determined the infection had spread to the bloodstream and Teagan was diagnosed with sepsis. 


Sepsis is a severe form of infection that damages multiple organ systems and can lead them to fail. Symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, and mental confusion. Teagan has been battling sepsis for over a week. 


The physical therapist has been working with him, but he has so far been unable to stand or walk unassisted. Teagan’s regular wound care is so painful that he has to be put under anesthesia daily just to change his bandages and care for his wounds. This care entails packing medicated gauze into the deep open sores in the affected areas of his skin. He will not be able to return home until he is able to conduct wound care without sedation. Even when he returns home he will need to be connected to an IV antibiotic and his parents (Gina and Bruce) will need to conduct his wound care until he heals. Teagan has a long road to recovery before him, and hopefully will be able to start school at the University of Tennessee after taking a medical leave for this fall semester.


This fundraiser has been organized to help cover the extensive medical costs that have piled up over the past week and will continue to amass in the weeks to come as we work to get Teagan back to health! Any bit helps! Thank you so much for your donations, prayers, and support in this difficult time.