Landon's ADEM recovery fund

On thanksgiving day the Emphs celebrated, just like most people, with family, and food. Their three kids Landon (5), Lyra (2), and Logan (1) in tow. On the way home Thanksgiving night Landon complained that he was uncomfortable in the car, not thinking much of it the family went home and tucked the kids in to bed. During the night they were awoken to the sound of Landon screaming inconsolably. He was taken to Washington Hospital where they were told he was dehydrated and was given fluids and sent home. By 10 o'clock his screaming had gone on so long he was horse. Knowing something was not right his parents took him to Children's hospital of Pittsburgh. Between Friday and Sunday Landon was put through an extensive series of tests from blood work, to xray’s, utrasounds, c.t’s, and M.R.I’s the doctors searched for the answer as to why a healthy 5 year old would not be able to wake up. Landon went from an active 5 year old who was boisterous and talkative to a near coma patient. Not one word was said since the early morning hours of Friday. He lost his ability to use the restroom and was put in diapers. The only times he would “wake up” would be for short 30 second periods which there was no eye contact made, only agony on his face and gritting of his teeth. Finally, Sunday the answers came. The MRI’s came back with a clear indicator of a auto immune disease called ADEM ( acute disseminated encephalomyelitis) they believe that this was set off from the strep throat virus they found to be present in his system. ADEM is a very rare disease that only effects 1 in every 250,000 people a year. Of those cases 90% are in children under the age of 10 and 60% of those cases are boys. The M.S society states that “ADEM is thought to be an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies its own healthy cells and tissues as foreign and mounts an attack against them.” ADEM is similar to multiple sclerosis and is identified as class of M.S however it is treated much differently as well as a different prognosis. ADEM attacks the white matter in the brain as well as spinal cord, The full recovery rate is 50-75% and the survival rate is 70-90% with minor residual disability, The neurological team started treatment with steroids right away on Sunday. There has been some great signs , Landon has woken up for longer periods of time, he’s even been able to snuggle his mee maw and parents. He had a Popsicle on Monday, his first food or drink since Thursday. The doctors say that the earliest they have seen a child be able to recover enough to go home has been 3 weeks. In the meantime Rachel and Tj (parents) have been with him round the clock and do not leave his bed side (or in Rachels case his actual bed). They have applied to stay in the Ronald Mcdonald house that Children's hospital offers however, they were denied due to living 4 miles under the qualified limit, They still have a 1 and 2 year old at home that they have been day to day making arrangements for family and friends to stay with. Tj has applied for FMLA and received it however it is unpaid. Also for the time that he will be not working under FMLA he will be carrying the burden of fiancial responsibility for his insurance which is 300$ per month.I am asking for people to reach out and help this sweet beautiful family who have gone through and are going through something so horrific it is most of our worst fear. No one should have to worry about finances at a time like this and I hope we can all at least relieve a little bit off of their shoulders. They have always been close to their church and appreciate any prayers as well. WIth Christmas around the corner it adds an extra worry and weight that I'm sure we all can understand.