Laila's hospital stay


Trip to the hospital for Laila

One of Ryah's hospital stays


Ryah after surgery


Many of you know that a family in our community is having a rough time...My friend Leah is an exceptional mother who has two beautiful little girls, both in which are experiencing medical issues.  I can't even comprehend the emotion behind having a sick child like this, let alone having both of your children in and out of hospitals trying to figure out the cause of their symptoms. This has been an ongoing struggle and not only is it mentally, physically and emtionally draining, it has financially been a struggle with medical bills, travel expenses and loss of time at work.  Please take the time to read about Laila and Ryah, two sisters that are such an inspiration and have been so incredibly strong through this journey. Remember that no amount is too little and every little bit helps.  As well as donations we ask for prayer for this family during this time; prayers for answers, prayers for comfort, prayers for healing!  Here is their story....   

Laila (age 5) started having different symptoms in December, after seeing several specialists they have found that she has Chiari Malformation type 1.  Chiari is a brain malformation where the cerebellum comes out of the base of the skull and goes into the spinal canal.  Laila's malformation is pressing on her brainstem and spine causing her cerebrospinal fluid to be blocked.  This is causing many problems for her little body...heart palpaitations, tachycardia, balance issues, weight loss and severe headaches.  She is scheduled for brain decompression surgery on the 24th of April.  They will go in and remove part of her skull and C1 vertebrae.  This will be a life long journey for Laila. The surgery is not a cure, but will hopefully prevent more serious symptoms from developing. 

Laila's big sister, Ryah (age 11) had tubes placed in her ears last April. She got MRSA (staph infection) at that time.  By the time the doctors figured out that it was MRSA, it had infected her mastoid bone. Ryah was placed on a PICC lime and was given IV antibiotics twice a day for 21 days.  3 weeks after they stopped the antibiotic, the infection was back.  She had surgery to remove part of her mastoid bone and to clean the infection from her skull bone.  She has been on antibiotics since September 2014.  The doctors have also decided that she has an underlying immune deficiency and are trying to figure it out.  She is part of a world wide immune deficiency program, several doctors from all over are trying to help her.  Ryah has had 8 sets of ear tubes and started wearing hearing aids this year due to hearing loss.  Figuring out what is causing the contant infections is very important for her right now. 

This family makes several trips to Children's Mercy in Kansas City, almost every week since November.  They will be continuing making trips until both girls are healthy again.  We are asking for prayers for these beautiful little girls and their families.  We are praying for their doctors and nurses to help guide them.  They have been so strong and always have a smile to share.

A huge thank you in advance for your generosity.