Hi. My name is Kendal Walhof, and I am fundraising for my niece Samantha Altena. While on vacation in Montana nearly a week ago, Miss Samantha began experiencing severe intestinal pain, diarrhea, and bleeding. After numerous visits to various doctors lab results revealed an E. Coli Shiga toxin in her intestinal tract causing the severe abdominal pain. As the days progressed her condition continued to worsen and dehydration became a concern. The doctors in Bozeman determined that Samantha was beginning to develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a complication that can follow the E. Coli infection. (HUS) is a condition that affects the blood and blood vessels. It results in the destruction of blood platelets (cells involved in clotting), a low red blood cell count (anemia) and kidney failure due to damage to the very small blood vessels of the kidneys. Samantha and her mother Rachelle were life flighted to Salt Lake on the late evening of July 1 where doctors could better treat her condition. Her father Dan and Aunt Jeanette drove to Salt Lake. Samantha recieved her first kidney dialysis on July 2 and after showing no sign of improvement her second dialysis took place on July 3. The doctors have warned that she will need to hit the bottom before coming up. Please pray that she is near the bottom and pray that her kidneys begin working and that platelets do not drop. The doctors in Salt Lake cautiously predict that she may be hospitalized for a minimum of two more weeks. She is in good spirits but is tiring. In the words of her mother, "It's hard to wake up and see no improvement with lab work, again. But we know the Great Physician is watching over her. 'Look to the Lord and His strength; seek his face always.'" I Chron. 16:11. Please consider helping the Altenas cover some of the mounting medical expenses involved in saving the precious life of this beautiful young girl.