Stand by Mercedes while she helps Jaliyah fight

Hello all. My name is Theresa and I am writing on behalf of my good friend Mercedes. On Thursday night, I received the horrible news that her baby Jaliyah (1 out of 4 of her children whom she is the sole provider for) was found unresponsive.

Jaliyah is a vivacious 9 year old who loves her twin sister and cheerleading. She is kind and always tries her best at everything she does. When she became sick, initially doctors diagnosed Jaliyah with the Flu B. She was sent home to get better. A few days later, Mercedes found herself at Cape Regional Medical Center when she could not wake Jaliyah up.

The hospital staff at Cape Regional decided that Jaliyah was way too bad to keep at their little hospital. She was transferred to Cooper Medical Center in Camden NJ where she was diagnosed with Pyelonephritis (a kidney infection that usually moves from your bladder to your kidneys). Not good news, but not the worst news that could be given. She was going to be given IV antibiotics then be sent home when she was well enough. 

The same day (Friday), Jaliyah was still in the ER when she suddenly could not move her leg. She told the doctors that she was moving it, but there was in fact no movement. The doctors knew something neurological was going on. They decided to do an MRI to see what the cause of the issue was. The MRI revealed that Jaliyah had Meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes due to infection), Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and osteomyelitis (Inflammation of the bone in her skull caused by infection). They also found a subdural empyema (infection between the outermost layer of the meninges, the dura, and the arachnoid).

Jaliyah went into immediate brain surgery to have a craniotomy to clear the puss from the infection on her brain. She then had a second transsphenoidal brain surgery to clear her sinus cavity from infection and prevent the further spread of infections. Jaliyah is currently ventilated in ICU battling seizures, high fevers, and paralysis.

Mercedes has not and will not leave Jaliyah’s side. She still has 3 other children at home that she has to provide for as well. Her job is not being understanding. We would all like to think our employers would help us and be there for us in our time our need as we are there for them when they need us but this is not always the case. Please come together and help in any way possible.

Most importantly, we need your prayers. Jaliyah WILL get through this. Thank you all.