My sister in law, Samantha Walter, was diagnosed with viral meningitis last week. Sammy went into the hospital with severe head pain, nauseousness, and extreme fatigue 2 different times only to be sent home the first time then return to have further testing knowing that something wasn't right. She received a lot of different testing including 2 different spinal taps, CT scans, MRI's, and even received a misdiagnoses before she was finally diagnosed with viral meningitis and able to receive the proper treatment. All of the side effects and symptoms you get with meningitis hit our Sammy very hard last week. It was and still has been a terrifying time and it wasn't looking good for awhile.

With the neurological issues that affect you during meningitis she unfortunately lost most of the control of her body, was very delusional, could barely speak and when she did was a mumble  of jumbled up words. After 2 ER trips, EIGHT days in the hospital, and unbelievable amounts of testing, pokes, doctors, and specialists etc Sammy was finally released to come home  a couple of days ago. She has a very long road to recovery ahead of her including meeting with special therapists to get her where she needs to be, lots of follow up appointments with her doctor, and also with the infectious disease doctor. Though she is home now and showing improvement  she does have a PICC line of antivirals she must receive in home every 8 hours. As you can imagine it is making everything very difficult and she just wants to be back to herself again and be able to enjoy time with her husband and two beautiful little girls. With her treatment plan in motion we thought we were on the right path but after more testing yesterday we received the news that her kidneys are at 44%. This means more testing, more doctor appointments and possibly a new treatment plan.

Sammy is a secretary at Clio Middle School and will have to miss a lot of work due to this sickness and treatment. With an 8 day hospital stay, ER visits, specialists, and even more appointments to come the bills are piling up and it is going to be another month approximately before Sammy will be able to go back to work. My brother and  amazing sister in law are very private and modest people but many many people have asked how they can help so I wanted to create this account so that anyone wanting to help who doesn't know how and feel inclined to do so can make a donation. Any donations received will be used to help with missed time from work,  medical bills, meals for their family, and childcare costs. Thank you so much in advance for all of your love, prayers, and support. I just know that Sammy will get through this, get back to herself, and live an amazing and fulfilling life with her hubby and two amazing girls. Sammy is so strong and I am so proud of her and how far she has come! It will be tough work and a long road but I know she will continue to get better and never give up! <3 #SammyStrong