Mandy, Ben and little Fern

On Thursday October 3rd Mandy and Ben took 6 year old Fern to VGH Emergency where she was quickly diagnosed with an atypical presentation of pneumonia.

Chest x-rays showed excessive pleural effusion (fluid in the lungs), and on Sunday she had surgery to drain the fluid, which the surgeon said was too much fluid for her body to drain on its own.

Fern is out of ICU now, but is not yet out of the woods so to speak.

She developed an infection a couple of days ago that the medical staff are trying to get under control, and an immunologist is being consulted with to determine if there is an underlying immune compromising condition.

It is believed they have isolated the infection and she is now on the right antibiotics, but has been told she will remain in the hospital for a minimum of 14 days.

For the forseeable future, this is the reality they will be navigating;

when they do return home, it is going to be a very gradual return to school, as Fern is going to have a series of follow up specialist appointments, and all three of them will need to take some quiet time at home to rest and recover together as a family.

Mandy and Ben are looking at being away from their jobs for at least two months, and while Ben does have some paid sick days to utilize, Mandy is without income each day she doesn't work.

Donating at this time will help alleviate the financial stress from the equation, so they can focus on Fern and her recovery without the additional burden of financial losses.

There are so many of us who want to support them right now, and this is the best way to do so.

No financial amount is too small, so please consider donating to help support them through this challenging life experience.

Also, in respect for their privacy and their wishes to focus entirely on Fern at this time, please try to refrain from texting/calling Mandy and Ben, and instead consider leaving a message on this platform, that they will be able to receive when they are ready.

Thank you all so much, Mandy and Ben are humbled and grateful for your assistance at this time.