Raelyn Jean TePoel Helping Hand

On the night of August 28th Raelyn Jean TePoel started having mild seizure activity. Nikki and TJ brought her to the ER.  A CT scan was done. They then discovered she suffered a large stroke which affected the right side of her brain. She was flown to the Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.  An immediate craniotomy was done upon arrival. This gave room for the swelling in her brain.  Another stroke attacked on September 14th, this time affecting the left side of the brain.  Another MRI was done on Sunday. The physicians then discovered her middle cerebral arteries are very narrow. This does not allow adequate blood flow to the brain. She is sedated again as the team attempts to manage the seizures. Raelyn has been started on blood thinners to help the blood flow through the tiny vessels. Once the seizures are controlled and she is stable, they will then start discussing surgery as a possible option. 

TJ, Nikki and Adley have been in Minneapolis since August. The medical bills, hotel stays and food bills must be piling up on them. While Nikki says they don’t need anything at this time other than peoples’ caring thoughts and encouragement, I can’t help but think we have to do something to try and ease the outside stressors. This will allow them to concentrate solely on the recovery of Raelyn and their family.  Raelyn is to be monitored for at least another couple months in Minneapolis. This means they will also be away from the comforts of their home because they will not leave her side. Let’s do something to show the family we are thinking of them. Let’s prove to them these small family communities have each others’ backs. Even the smallest of donations will not go unnoticed as they go through this journey. Nikki continues to remind everyone just how strong and beautiful Raelyn is. She says she is a fighter and that she WILL pull through this. The most selfless thing you can do is give to others when they are in need. Please donate and say a prayer for Raelyn and her family.