Helping Hands for Charlotte Rose
Donation protected
Meningococcemia, a severe form of blood poisoning that strikes without warning!
Two days after a quick trip to California to meet family and play with her cousins, 20 Month old Charlotte (lovingly called Rosie by me) came down with this rare but deadly disease. Waking up at 4 am with a fever, Daddy (Dustin)gave Tylenol and she went back to sleep. Laying with Mommy (Haley) in the morning she still didn't feel well so Mom called the advice nurse. They recommended Haley bring her in for a Covid test around noon. As the morning progressed Charlotte was breathing heavily and was becoming more lethargic. Mommy roused her for sips of water and around 11am noticed the blood vessels in her eyes had burst. She packed her up in the car and headed for urgent care. They took her back right away and knew she was in trouble, bruises had begun to appear all over her body. They immediately transferred her to Doernbechers Children's Hospital by ambulance. She was admitted to the Pediatric ICU under quarantine and the doctors began intensive treatment to save her life. They were told she was hours from death.
By Friday morning Dustin and Haley learned that her kidneys were loosing function and she would need dialysis. Mid morning she was taken to the OR to try to save her limbs. This was unsuccessful and they learned she would loose both legs below the knee, her left arm below the elbow and the disease was still at work. She was given several blood transfusions and several plasma replacements. Her blood pressure remained dangerously low and she was not out of the woods yet. Friday night was touch and go but the doctors and nurse remained optimistic.
Saturday, They lifted the quarantine and family was able to see her. Her poor little body was purple with bruises and she was incredibly swollen from the fluids. Her feet and hand were turning black as the tissue was beginning to die. It was shocking to see and I couldn't begin to imagine what her parents were going through. Dustin and Haley are remaining strong and have not left her side. Always believing she would survive. They soon learned she was in danger of loosing the other arm below the elbow.
Sunday morning, today's update from Haley was promising: "she did really well last night. Her BP and heart rate are better this morning. They are weaning her off some of the controlling meds (not her sedation or pain meds) but they said to expect some back and forth on the meds. They hooked her up to a machine that monitors brain activity as a precaution. They were able to take some of the fluids off last night which is good".
That's were we are now. In 72 hours this disease has devastated this baby's body but not her spirit. She is a fighter.
They medical team says not to expect less than three months in the hospital. Also, she will need specialized equipment and treatment when she comes home.
How can you help? Well dollars of course to help with the mounting costs. But also you can send meals. The cost of eating at the hospital is huge. If you are close enough you could bring dinner to them at the hospital or you can have meals delivered. I will try and set up a calendar so people can sign up to provide meals and say posted on her recovery. As soon as I have a will post it here.
Go to the "Go Fund Me" for more updates.
Be safe and be healthy. Ask your pediatrician about the Meningitis B vaccine today!
Two days after a quick trip to California to meet family and play with her cousins, 20 Month old Charlotte (lovingly called Rosie by me) came down with this rare but deadly disease. Waking up at 4 am with a fever, Daddy (Dustin)gave Tylenol and she went back to sleep. Laying with Mommy (Haley) in the morning she still didn't feel well so Mom called the advice nurse. They recommended Haley bring her in for a Covid test around noon. As the morning progressed Charlotte was breathing heavily and was becoming more lethargic. Mommy roused her for sips of water and around 11am noticed the blood vessels in her eyes had burst. She packed her up in the car and headed for urgent care. They took her back right away and knew she was in trouble, bruises had begun to appear all over her body. They immediately transferred her to Doernbechers Children's Hospital by ambulance. She was admitted to the Pediatric ICU under quarantine and the doctors began intensive treatment to save her life. They were told she was hours from death.
By Friday morning Dustin and Haley learned that her kidneys were loosing function and she would need dialysis. Mid morning she was taken to the OR to try to save her limbs. This was unsuccessful and they learned she would loose both legs below the knee, her left arm below the elbow and the disease was still at work. She was given several blood transfusions and several plasma replacements. Her blood pressure remained dangerously low and she was not out of the woods yet. Friday night was touch and go but the doctors and nurse remained optimistic.
Saturday, They lifted the quarantine and family was able to see her. Her poor little body was purple with bruises and she was incredibly swollen from the fluids. Her feet and hand were turning black as the tissue was beginning to die. It was shocking to see and I couldn't begin to imagine what her parents were going through. Dustin and Haley are remaining strong and have not left her side. Always believing she would survive. They soon learned she was in danger of loosing the other arm below the elbow.
Sunday morning, today's update from Haley was promising: "she did really well last night. Her BP and heart rate are better this morning. They are weaning her off some of the controlling meds (not her sedation or pain meds) but they said to expect some back and forth on the meds. They hooked her up to a machine that monitors brain activity as a precaution. They were able to take some of the fluids off last night which is good".
That's were we are now. In 72 hours this disease has devastated this baby's body but not her spirit. She is a fighter.
They medical team says not to expect less than three months in the hospital. Also, she will need specialized equipment and treatment when she comes home.
How can you help? Well dollars of course to help with the mounting costs. But also you can send meals. The cost of eating at the hospital is huge. If you are close enough you could bring dinner to them at the hospital or you can have meals delivered. I will try and set up a calendar so people can sign up to provide meals and say posted on her recovery. As soon as I have a will post it here.
Go to the "Go Fund Me" for more updates.
Be safe and be healthy. Ask your pediatrician about the Meningitis B vaccine today!
Donations can also be mailed to
Haley Atwood for Charlotte's Fund
c/o Castparts Federal Credit Union
8120 South East Luther Rd.
Portland OR 97206 ”
Organizer and beneficiary
Debra Renee
Organizer
Vancouver, WA
Haley Atwood
Beneficiary
