*Scroll down to Updates to see current health conditions etc.*

Hello, things are difficult right now regarding Katie's health and we are asking for your help.

At the end of December Katie contracted Covid-19, it was hard on her, she tested negative on January 10th. She has since struggled with tachycardia, severe breathing issues, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and many other symptoms that have progressively gotten worse. She has been unable to return to work as a sports photographer covering the University of South Carolina beat, due to the severity of her symptoms.

She will need more care going forward from specialists and for treatment. Her daily functioning is limited. Her health decline is very hard and scary. Her medical bills are already over $3,000 and more are incoming. While this is not ideal our family needs help covering these as well as everyday expenses as we navigate this difficult time. If you can find it in your heart to help via donation or sharing her story it is much appreciated.

Read her medical timeline below:

Medical Timeline:

January 13-18: Urgent care sent Katie to the hospital for low potassium and elevated d-dimer to rule out pulmonary embolism. As well as an ultrasound of her legs to rule out clots.

January 24-Feb. 14: Katie was able to begin care at a new PCP. She had an echocardiogram, full abdominal ultrasound, and event cardiac monitor. A murmur and tachycardia were found, but her heart is ok overall. During her abdominal ultrasound, a small mass was found on her left kidney. This required an MRI and a renal ultrasound. The findings were unremarkable but will require monitoring going forward. Her breathing issues began to worsen during this time even with the medications she was prescribed.

Feb. 16th: Katie had a more extensive test that found she had low iron stores and began treatment. She was referred to a gastroenterologist. Katie was having dizziness, chest, back, stomach pain, and severe reflux with excessive burping and struggled to eat. She at that point had lost over 10 lbs in about a month. Breathing struggles continued. Her health was deteriorating.

Feb. 20-21: Katie's breathing became worse. She was constantly short of breath doing basic things, could not take deep breaths, wheezed, and ultimately fainted and was rushed to the ER. She was diagnosed with bronchospasm and treated with medications in the hospital. She was given medication to take at home with an albuterol inhaler.

Feb. 22-23: Katie was seen by the gastroenterologist and required an Upper Endoscopy the following morning. Findings showed inflammation of the esophagus and stomach which were biopsied, as well as a diaphragmatic hernia without obstruction or gangrene. More information should be known within the coming days.

Feb. 27th: Katie was seen by her ENT, and it was confirmed she had swelling and inflammation of her larynx. (Consistent with LPR, and with other current gastrointestinal symptoms.) ENT wants to move forward with a swallowing study to ensure Katie is not aspirating into her lungs due to breathing issues.