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Restore Riley

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Hi my name is Jodie and I am raising funds for the Mullis family as they await Riley’s complete healing.

The following was posted by her mother:

Probably the hardest post of my life - our family is living an unimaginable nightmare.

On Saturday evening, 1/21/23, our daughter, Riley, felt such sadness, hopelessness and despair that she attempted to take her own life.

She is currently in ICU at the Children’s Hospital in Macon fighting for her life. We were progressing and were able to come off the vent for about 12 hours before things changed dramatically on Tuesday morning. She is back on the vent while her lungs heal; we need the swelling and fluid to be gone from her lungs in hopes of being able to remove the vent again. During those 12 hours, we had signs of hope from great communication with Riley - nodding yes when I asked if she knows how much we love her ❤️ eye blinking on command and hand squeezing.

We saw the urgency in getting the vent back in and stabilizing her and we know how quickly things can change. We are remaining optimistic and hopeful!! Last night, even with sedation, she was restless all night - five to ten minute naps with extended periods of agitation. We had quite the girls night! Even in that storm, I got a nod from her when I said your Mama is not leaving this hospital until you do. And a very timely thumbs up when she was told how cute her braided hair was. Although we are not out of the woods and remain quite critical, we have seen some significant changes in our favor.

- Blood pressure stable with no meds
- Last EKG normal
- EEG monitored for a 24 hour period shows no more seizures after the initial 20 or so.
- Kidneys working with no problem

Riley took Wellbutrin extended release which means just that, it has been released in her system for an extended period. We estimate she took approximately 60-70 150 mg pills.

Backstory - Riley had developed anxiety in the last year or so. We sought help a few months back and have been working to get the right medicine for her coupled with counseling each week and having a plan with the school counselor. She had a great week last week; she expressed that to me, her counselor and two other close friends.

So what happened? So many have asked - you gotta know that if I knew I would have stopped it at ALL costs. Please stop asking me that!
Mean girl drama? Yes. Boy trouble? Yes. Overbearing mom? Yep, that too! Made a B in Algebra when she wanted all A’s - yep ( that’s tough on an over achiever). None of these things pushed her to this, NONE!!! This is typical everyday life for all teenagers! People just cope differently. Don’t label a kid based on bad decisions. Dig a little deeper and find the goodness in all.

Stop clutching your pearls just because in your day, kids were tougher - they aren’t now, they have way more factors than we did and at a much earlier age.

Stop asking why and start asking how How do we fix it??? By talking about it. For a split second, I wanted to shield Riley, but how does that help her? Some mean kids may still label her but they’re still kids, pray for them! Shamelessly sharing her story (and not on her private account ). She will need so much love and support WHEN she recovers. I’m counting on you all.

Hospital staff have shared that they see this frequently - (not as severe as Riley’s case). Thankful they have the experience and knowledge to treat her but also broken-hearted that they do.

Our children should never think this is the best choice and no parent should ever have to live this nightmare. I’ve heard from so many who have had their own experience or had a close family member or friend feeling this despair. Thank you for your honesty & transparency.

So, let’s start talking!! I’ll go first. The Wellbutrin she took was my prescription!! Depression medicine for someone like me who can literally find something to laugh about in the most dire of situations. Why you ask? Everyday life. Work stress, learning so many new things at my age, children and trying to balance time with them, meeting commitments, cooking dinner for the family, trying to be a good wife when you know you’re not giving your best, isolation because you didn’t nurture your friendships, carrying 60 extra pounds when you used to be fine. This is everyday life for us all! Let’s talk about it!

Let’s talk about this too!
GOD!
HE is here at this hospital let me tell you.

I was raised in the church my whole life but yet I didn’t know how to pray. I’m always the one to yell out AMEN at the end like I was a real participant.

Tuesday morning, 1/24/23, around the 2AM hour I learned to pray when I leaned on the wall and begged God - please don’t take my baby, please don’t take my baby, please don’t take my baby, over and over and over again! I don’t think he is done with her and I hope you will pray with me for complete healing for Riley. Pray for other young people who are also struggling. This is bigger than all of us and don’t think this can’t happen in your family. It can! Pray for my family and I’ll pray for yours (for real this time).

Thank you for loving Riley! We have all we need at the moment, thanks for all the offers. Maybe I can’t answer or respond to all calls, texts, or messages but I am reading every one and they are helping more than you know. Please keep them coming. Thank you for loving Riley!!

I’ll be sharing links soon - please do what you can, where you can to make a difference.

Also, tonight we had “Parking Lot Prayer” at the Hospital. It was just an idea yesterday but grew into something much bigger today. I was overwhelmed with how many people were here to support us. Leaders from two different Churches that we were never members of showed up for us along with others. So many of Riley’s friends were here that I was blown away. Thank you for loving Riley!

Please no hurt feelings if you didn’t know. So much happening at the moment. We feel you - we feel your prayers & we feel your love!

The Mullis family-
Mike, Tracy, Brandon, Nicole
Raina and Riley


All funds raised will help her parents pay medical bills, food (eating out everyday is expensive) and help should either or both parents be out of work.

I know the family appreciates each of you. Please continue to pray.

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    Organizer

    Jodie Ussery
    Organizer
    Milledgeville, GA

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