Isabella Moore was born March 9, 2012 at 12:48pm to a loving family. We soon found out that she was a very special little girl when she was diagnosed with seizures at 3 days old.  After multiple hospital visits due to uncontrollable seizures, the doctors at Vidant Medical Center agreed that "5th day fits" were not the cause of Isabella's problems. This is when Isabella's journey began with Duke Children's Hospital.


Within Isabella's first 2 months of age, Dr. Gallentine at Duke Hospital diagnosed her with West Syndrome, a disease that is characterized by epileptic spasms and an abnormal brain wave pattern.  Isabella would have multiple spasms and seizures on a daily basis.


At 9 months old she lost the ability to suck, swallow, move, laugh, cry, and smile. She required the use of a gastrostomy tube in oder to get her nutrition and be mobilized at home with family. By this time, Isabella had failed 2 rounds of ACTH injections and a round of Sabril. She was managed by multiple medications such as anti-epileptics. 


In 2013, she had a VNS device surgically implanted to help with her uncontrollable seizures. For most of Isabella's life she was fed through a g-tube. Isabella soon began regaining some strength and with the help of speech therapy she began feedings by mouth. At age 2, Isabella began with respiratory issues and aspiration while feeding due to her neurological condition. We soon found out during a swallow evaluation that she could no longer eat by mouth. Her respiratory issues worsened as she grew older. After multiple sleep studies a tracheostomy was recommended for Isabella, her parents knew this would not improve her quality of life. So a tracheostomy was not an option.

With the help of physical, occupational, and speech therapy Isabella's ongoing health management was well managed over a period of time . Isabella fought hard to the surprise of several medical doctors and family on numerous occasions that she always found the will to bounce back. She had all the necessary tools at home to help manage her every need.



This past year and a half due to respiratory issues and respiratory infections Isabella has had multiple hospitalizations. She had surgery on 8/22/19 at Duke Hospital to help her upper airway obstruction. After the surgery, Isabella didn't return to her baseline and her obstruction had worsened. Isabella grew tired and palliative care was now an option, to which her mother struggled with. Isabella fought with secretions, airway obstruction, and the ability to breathe all at the same time prior to her last hospitalization. She soon caught a respiratory virus that pushed her over the edge and was emergently intubated at Vidant Children's Emergency Department.

On Tuesday, October 15th, 2019, our lovely Isabella passed away, due to the respiratory infection and respiratory failure. She was surrounded by her mother, BJ, and her siblings, Trinity (18), Kayleigh (14), and Zachary (11) as well as her granny, papa, aunts and uncles and PICU family.


Due to Isabella's frequent hospitalizations this past year and a half it has put a burden on BJ's professional career.  BJ's FMLA has been exhausted and any extended leave of absence will be unpaid. Your donation will go a long way and contribute largely towards Bella's medical expenses and will also go towards household food/bills, etc. 

We hope that you find it in your hearts to help BJ's family as they adjust.  If you are not able to donate please leave a comment or a memory you may have of Bella for BJ and family to read and share with family and friends.

Please know that no amount is too small and is greatly appreciated. Please share with anyone who would like to donate.