Sophie & Lia Ausborn Medical Support

Hello friends.

I am creating this account on behalf of the two young girls who made me an aunt. Sophie and Lia are vibrant, creative, hilarious, sometimes a little spicy and loving girls who have been dealt health challenges that have had a profound impact not only on them individually, but also their family.

Sophia is 10 years old and in late October developed a common acute illness that triggered an autoimmune response in her body that attacks the small blood vessels. Initially, she developed purpura, a type of vascular rash that indicates bleeding. With this she also developed significant swelling of her joints, muscle and abdominal pain, and severe fatigue. The swelling and pain were so significant she was unable to walk. This resulted in her first hospitalization. Since that first hospitalization, she has had two more, and currently is on day 10 of her third hospitalization (she was admitted Thanksgiving day). Her symptoms have ranged from severe edema of her head and face, worsening purpura and joint pain, blood in her urine, and most recently an attack on her small bowels that resulted in her to be unable to eat for about 5 days and caused her to have unmanageable abdominal pain and vomiting of blood.

It seems every few days she begins to make progress before new symptoms present. It has been very much a series of two steps forward followed by a big step back. Her condition is called Henoch Schonlein purpura, and her case has been one of the worst and most complex the health care team at Dayton Children’s has ever dealt with. She is now on very high doses of medication to try to stop this disease from progressing further and potentially damaging any of her organ systems.

Lia is 8, and has recently been exhibiting signs of absent seizures that are increasing in frequency and intensity. It is beginning to affect her vision, she’s been experiencing intense headaches, and the episodes can cause her to lose control of bodily functions. The scary thing is that she has no idea these are happening. She is in the process of initial testing and establishing with a pediatric neurology team who will oversee her care moving forward.

As you can imagine, having one child with medical issues can be daunting and a strain on a family’s resources. Having two children who are simultaneously in need of high level care has the potential to be devastating, and for the Ausborn family that has become the case.

I am Lindsey’s older sister, and I know she would struggle deeply to ask for help. But I see the burden and it is heartbreaking. The extended family is helping where we can, but more help is needed.

Medical expenses are piling up and the future looks to be laden with countless ongoing hospital visits, tests, medications, and therapies.

These have been a difficult few years for a lot of people as the costs of living have skyrocketed, so it is with a sensitive and humble heart that I come to you asking if you can help in any way, large or small. All money raised will go towards medical bills and any ongoing expenses that are to come for Sophie and Lia (including gas, lodging, and food associated with hospital/office visits).

On behalf of Sophie and Lia and their family, I thank you deeply for your giving hearts, especially as we enter into the Christmas season. I can think of no better way to help brighten this dark time in their lives than by helping to lift some of the burden that is sitting so heavily on their shoulders.