HOPE for Jacob!!
Donation protected
We are reaching out to everyone we know that has touched our lives and Jacob's to ask that you keep Jacob close to your heart and in your thoughts & prayers!!!
As many of you know Jacob was admitted to CHOP (The Children's Hospital of Phila.) on 2/27 due to pneumonia and an increase in seizure activity. Jacob responded very well to the treatment for the pneumonia but those darn seizures persisted.
On the morning of 3/6, Jacob went into status epilepticus. Essentially what that means is that he was having seizure after seizure and we were unable to stop them with IV rescue medications. He was unable to breathe on his own. Jacob was transferred to the PICU and was put on a ventilator (breathing tube) and into a medically induced coma to allow his brain much needed time to rest.
Jacob was in the coma for 12 days. During this time Jacob's vital signs remained stable. We knew he was fighting and would get through this. Jacob also qualified to be part of a clinical trial for a medication that would potentially help him to come out of the sedation safely and with improved seizure activity. Several seizure medications were also added to protect Jacob when he was being weaned from the sedation meds. Jacob woke up on 3/17!!!!! He had a remarkably improved EEG. It was a miracle!! We are so thankful to the doctors who helped us every step of the way to make these difficult decisions.
It has been a week since Jacob woke up. He is comfortable and peaceful. He opens his eyes to the sounds of our voices and when we sing a favorite song or read him a favorite book. The music therapist comes once or twice a week and plays guitar and sings Jacob's favorite songs.
Our primary goal now is working toward getting Jacob off of the vent. He is very weak from being sedated and from the increased seizure medications. Everyday Jacob gains a little more strength, the strength that he needs to be able to breathe on his own. We are hopeful that he will be off the vent in the next few days.
We are unsure of how long the recovery process will be. We do know that once Jacob is off the vent and remains stable he will go back to the neurology floor until he regains enough strength to start rehabilitation at the Seashore House at CHOP.
The outpouring of love and support we have received has been priceless. There are no words to express our gratitude.
Slow and steady wins the race!
Jacob continues to be our hero.
His strength continues to give us strength.
We will continue to be strong and full of HOPE!
Love,
Gloria, Howard, Jacob & Hali
As many of you know Jacob was admitted to CHOP (The Children's Hospital of Phila.) on 2/27 due to pneumonia and an increase in seizure activity. Jacob responded very well to the treatment for the pneumonia but those darn seizures persisted.
On the morning of 3/6, Jacob went into status epilepticus. Essentially what that means is that he was having seizure after seizure and we were unable to stop them with IV rescue medications. He was unable to breathe on his own. Jacob was transferred to the PICU and was put on a ventilator (breathing tube) and into a medically induced coma to allow his brain much needed time to rest.
Jacob was in the coma for 12 days. During this time Jacob's vital signs remained stable. We knew he was fighting and would get through this. Jacob also qualified to be part of a clinical trial for a medication that would potentially help him to come out of the sedation safely and with improved seizure activity. Several seizure medications were also added to protect Jacob when he was being weaned from the sedation meds. Jacob woke up on 3/17!!!!! He had a remarkably improved EEG. It was a miracle!! We are so thankful to the doctors who helped us every step of the way to make these difficult decisions.
It has been a week since Jacob woke up. He is comfortable and peaceful. He opens his eyes to the sounds of our voices and when we sing a favorite song or read him a favorite book. The music therapist comes once or twice a week and plays guitar and sings Jacob's favorite songs.
Our primary goal now is working toward getting Jacob off of the vent. He is very weak from being sedated and from the increased seizure medications. Everyday Jacob gains a little more strength, the strength that he needs to be able to breathe on his own. We are hopeful that he will be off the vent in the next few days.
We are unsure of how long the recovery process will be. We do know that once Jacob is off the vent and remains stable he will go back to the neurology floor until he regains enough strength to start rehabilitation at the Seashore House at CHOP.
The outpouring of love and support we have received has been priceless. There are no words to express our gratitude.
Slow and steady wins the race!
Jacob continues to be our hero.
His strength continues to give us strength.
We will continue to be strong and full of HOPE!
Love,
Gloria, Howard, Jacob & Hali
Organizer and beneficiary
Gloria Kramer Shotz
Organizer
Doylestown, PA
Jacob Shotz
Beneficiary