Rally for Rhett
This is Rhett (or “Sourpatch Kid” as we like to call him). He’s 17 months old and lives in a small town in southeastern Missouri. Up until Friday, 11/8, he was a healthy baby boy with an ornery side (hence the nickname).
That day he started showing symptoms at his babysitter’s- a head tilt, sleeping more, playing less, and overall not being himself.
On 11/10, Rhett was taken to the ER at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. They did all they could, butdecided to send him via ambulance up to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Children’s diagnosed him with torticollis and sent him home with a treatment plan for physical therapy and occupational therapy.
After a few days of therapy, Rhett’s symptoms continued to progress. He stopped feeding himself, walking, and reacting to his family. On Sunday, 11/17, he was taken back to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis.
He’s been there ever since. There have been several MRI’s, two CT scans, two spinal taps, an EEG, a nerve conduction study, a ton of blood work, and several other scary, painful tests. They’ve brought in over a dozen doctors and specialists, but no one can seem to figure out exactly what’s going on and why he isn’t getting better.
The medical team has just told Rhett’s family that he’ll need to stay at least two more weeks. The Pletka’s and their friends are really worried for Rhett. They’ve been by his side throughout this entire journey, but they have a really long road ahead.
Rhett’s friends have started this campaign to help ease the burden of the costs of his diagnosis and treatment. Children’s Hospital and Rhett’s entire team are doing a great job figuring out what’s wrong, but the cost is growing every day.That’s why they need your help- even the smallest contribution is appreciated. Everything given will be used to pay for Rhett’s care and treatment once he gets to go home.
If you’d like, please share this link with others who might like to help Rhett. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. God bless you!
