Ella was admitted into LCRH on September 18th with what we thought was a simple E. coli diagnosis. With no improvement and a critical kidney function she was transferred to UK Children’s Hospital. While being there for a few hours they realized Ella’s kidneys were much worse than we originally thought, and she was put into ICU with oxygen. We also learned that she has a strand of E.coli known as HUS, that directly affects the kidneys. The next morning, we realized Ella’s kidneys had completely shut down and she needed to be intubated to get the port and allow her lungs rest due to a lot of fluid buildup. She started her first round of dialysis this day as well. That same day Ella was able to come off the ventilator and put back on nasal cannula. (YAY!) Over the weekend Ella spiked a fever and is unable to stay up for long periods of time. She will have dialysis daily until her kidney function comes back. She is able to eat what she wants currently, with no salt. however, she doesn’t want much to eat. She is on a fluid restriction as well but is able to drink. Today 9/23 she will be having a permanent IV placed. While this is all small improvements, we still have a long way to go, and an extended hospital stay. Her dad is traveling back and forth from UK to Somerset to care for the other kiddos, as well as work, to keep the bills paid. Ella’s mom is staying with her around the clock. We are making this to help take some of the financial burden off of the parents, as we all want them to focus on Ella and not finances. They haven’t asked for a single dime, but we want to make sure they are taken care of as well. I know times are tough currently, so if you don’t have it. it’s okay. We ask that most of all you pray for Ella and her parents in this time of need! Thank you all in advance. It takes a village, and Ella has the best one!! If you are not able to donate, please take a second and share this out!