Save Adalie's Sight: Your Help Needed

Dear friends and family,

My sweet baby niece, Adalie (14 months), is fighting for her vision.

On January 23rd, our sweet Adalie was rushed to the ER after sustaining an injury from a faulty pack 'n play. What started as a concerning eye injury quickly escalated when doctors discovered she had orbital cellulitis—an infection in her eye socket as a result of an older sinus infection during cold season. Despite initial treatment, her condition worsened over the following days. Her eye remained swollen, she struggled to eat, and her normally happy, bubbly personality faded as she endured immense discomfort.

We were relieved when she was sent home on January 27th, but by January 31st, a follow-up with a pediatric ophthalmologist revealed that Adalie’s eye was not healing properly. Alarmed specialists sent her immediately to the ER, where another CT scan revealed that the infection had spread to her actual eye. With her vision at risk, we had to act fast.

After exhausting delays in hospital transport, Nate and Brianna drove her to Charleston to get her to specialists as quickly as possible. There, doctors uncovered even more devastating news—Adalie’s eye had been punctured, she had an ulcer from prolonged exposure, and her vision was severely impaired. She underwent urgent testing, had a stitch placed in her eyelid to protect her eye, and was put on stronger antibiotics while awaiting further imaging results.

In the following days, specialists determined that she has a retinal detachment, and further MRIs were required to assess whether the infection had spread to her brain. Thankfully, as of February 2nd, an infectious disease specialist confirmed that the infection is contained to her eye and has not reached her brain—a huge relief! However, her battle is far from over.

Adalie will require ongoing treatment, specialist care, and possibly surgery to save her vision. Nate has been by her side every step of the way, but this means he has had to step away from work, losing much-needed income. The mounting hospital bills, travel expenses, and the uncertainty of what’s ahead are overwhelming.

We are asking for your support to help cover Adalie’s medical costs and assist our family during this incredibly difficult time. Every dollar helps ease the financial burden and allows us to focus on getting Adalie the best possible care. Most of all, we ask for your prayers and well wishes for our strong little girl as she fights to heal.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, love, and generosity. I will keep you updated as I get more information from Brianna and Nate!

#HelpAdalieHeal

Sincerely,

Sierra Aitken

Brianna with Adalie and little brother Teddy a day before her swollen eye.

Adalie when she was first admitted. Looking a little frightened by what is going on.

Adalie is so brave, she can't see out of her eye yet still has the sweetest little smiles!

A more recent photo. :(

Let's get Adalie back to her normal self and with full vision!