Support Ursula’s Full Recovery

We need more help to continue Ursula's recovery from Autistic Catatonia, Breakdown, and Shutdown.

I'm so humbled and grateful for what we've received so far that it's difficult (and embarrassing) to ask for more, but here I am.

I've increased my Fundraising Goal to include 1st, last, and security deposit on a nearby apartment because it looks like we'll be in Seattle for long enough to need our own place to live.

Ursula has stabilized enough that we are looking ahead to discharge plans. She will need extensive and ongoing outpatient care to return to (a new) baseline, and the best teams for that are here in Seattle. (There are no psychiatrists on the Palouse, and she needs one who is familiar with pediatrics, autism, and catatonia.)

Ronald McDonald House is doing a fantastic job of providing lodging, laundry, kitchen, and living space for Flora and me, but it's uncertain if Ursula will be able to recover there after discharge. The psychiatric nature of U's illness raises concerns for the House, and the size of our room for three full-size people raises concerns for our well-being.

And we also have a cat in Moscow that we miss very much.

Anything you can give will be put to good healing use, and if money isn't what you have to give, prayers work miracles.

Thank you.

THE BEGINNING

My dear and darling 16yo daughter is seriously ill and has an extended stay of unknown length in Seattle Children’s Hospital.

We drove 6 hours to the ER here from our home in Moscow on 10/3/24, after several days of trying to stabilize and treat her at home (in consultation with MDs , including a trip to the local ER and a facility in Spokane that was not a good fit).

Her diagnosis is Autistic Catatonia, which puts her on the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Unit. I am beyond grateful that I am allowed to stay with her 24/7 (sleeping in her room , keeping her company, being her advocate, providing security and support).

AC is treatable; she will get better. It is a slow process of stabilization and recovery, and there’s no way to tell how long it may take.

I have left my work as a self-employed massage therapist behind in Moscow, meaning that I’ve cancelled my clients for this month and likely next. I have no Family Medical Leave , and my small cushion is rapidly losing its stuffing.

I’m asking for financial help to cover not only the costs of living in a hospital (cafeteria , Starbucks, gift shop for things like beanies and joggers because our room is stuck at 62 degrees), but also to help me meet the financial obligations I have in Moscow (including a 14yo teenager, orthodontist payments, and business rent/expenses).

if you feel moved to donate and share this plea, it will make a huge tangible difference and also relieve a great deal of stress, which will help me show up better for Ursula as she continues to work so very hard to get better.

She is an amazing person, and while I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, it is only a blessing to hear her inner workings, watch her uncover and reprocess many significant moments and times, and to see her reaching for the Light.

We are with great helpers in a great facility; I can’t say enough good things about Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Thank you for considering a donation, and may you have peace of mind for the rest of your days.

xox, Rebecca Bier Stevens

ps Two weeks in: we’re still here and still learning about ourselves and the hospital — today I was introduced to the rooftop garden, where thriving rosemary bushes watch over the comings and goings.

I’m speechless at the generosity given me, and looking ahead at a longer haul than I had anticipated. Venmo works, too, and is more direct @rbsmoscow . Also, it’s always fun to get mail; if you have encouraging words, you can mail them to

Ursula Stevens

Room RA.5.153

Seattle Children’s Hospital

4800 Sand Point Way

Seattle WA 98105