Louie - Acute Flaccid Paralysis

On May 18th 2016, my good friend Louis Dallojacono brought his 3 year old son Louie to the ER at Cohen's Children Hospital for weakness in his legs. He had a viral illness a week earlier that he seemed to be recovering from, but then began falling while walking. Within hours of being admitted, paralysis set in and progressed to the point where he could not stand or even sit up on his own. 

Over the next few weeks, Louie underwent several treatments for a presumptive diagnosis of Transverse Myelitis. Treatments performed ranged from IV steroids to plasmapheresis to IVIG. When these treatments were not successful, the initial diagnosis was changed to Acute Flaccid Paralysis.

On June 6th 2016,  Louie was discharged from Cohen's Children Hospital and transferred to St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson for inpatient rehabilitation. Louie was fitted for a wheel chair and began occupational and physical therapies to help regain strength in his upper body.  Sadly, his legs remain paralyzed.

For the 2+ months Louie was hospitalized, Louis and his wife Theresa were able to take leave from work to be by his side.  They have still not returned to work so that they can help their son transition home and learn how to help him function in a wheelchair. 

In a matter of days a rare disease dramatically altered their lives and Louie's future. They must now try to adapt to a life where Louie may never walk again. 


The money raised will be used to help pay for medical expenses and equipment as well as modify their home to be able to accommodate Louie's needs. 

I hope that you will be able to help with whatever you can. 
 
For more information on Acute Flaccid Paralysis and this mysterious polio-like syndrome affecting other kids across the country:

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6340a6.htm?s_cid=mm6340a6_w