Agnes became my youngest of two just 5 years ago. Words can’t begin to describe the joy and light she brings my life. Every single day I look forward to her enthusiastic kisses and butt wiggles every time I come home from work and know that no matter how my day went, she will be right there to make it better. Friends and family know my little Aggie as the goofy, loving, wouldn’t-hurt-a-giant, squish face who’s always eager to greet you whether you’re 1/2 ft or 7ft tall. Her optimistic demeanor makes her story even harder to tell.

Over the last 6 weeks, Agnes developed a head tilt that led to symptoms of regurgitation and a very lethargic demeanor. Her symptoms recently progressed and now labored breathing, shivering/tremors, disorientation, and sudden collapsing have developed. Prior to this hospitalization, Agnes has already endured several rounds of bloodwork, enzyme and electrolyte analysis, fecal testing, antibiotics, sedation and X-rays. She is now admitted at the AERC in Oakdale where she will undergo additional urgent blood work/testing, MRI, spinal tap and an abdominal ultrasound. Providers thus far suspect her diagnosis to be neurological in nature.

Nothing has ever broke my heart more than seeing Agnes in such distress and feeling so helpless in how to comfort her. Agnes is my everything and I would go to the ends of this earth to take this pain from her. I never thought I’d be here, but I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t reach out for help until I’ve exhausted every resource for her that I can. Any thing to aid in her wellbeing and recovery is a gesture I will forever remember and eternally be grateful for. Even just keeping Agnes in your thoughts and prayers is more than I could ask for. She needs all the love and positivity we can send her, just as she has done for me the last 5 years.