Stand with Ella !
Sweet and Sassy Ella (age: 2) was admitted to Riley Children's Hospital on September 28, 2018 due to loss of movement in all extremities, especially her arms. After an MRI was performed, Ella was sedated and intubated.
The MRI showed that Ella was suffering from transverse myelitis, which is swelling/inflammation of the spinal cord. Ella spent 2 weeks in and out of the ICU where she underwent 5 plasmapherisis treatments, a form of blood transfusion, along with morphine. Steroid treatments continue, along with several other medications, to include a nerve pain med.
Ella is now undergoing intense inpatient physical, speech and occupational therapy. Ella and her parents will work for more than 4 hours each day to get back the use of her extremeties. 
Ella is in a wheelchair, and uses two arm slings which she uses while walking to avoid shoulder strain, as well as a left leg brace to help her regain the left leg strength and avoid knee buckling. Electrical stimulation is proving somewhat effective, and on Sunday, Ella had some movement in her left hand! She has regained some movement in both legs and right arm but now we must work to rebuild muscle strength.
Riley doctors anticipate a discharge date of November 13, with a long road of recovery via outpatient rehabilitation, requiring parental involvement.
Doctors at Riley say that the current outbreak of AFM (acute flaccid myelitis) is a "sub set" of transverse myelitis, they are believe it is not the same thing. However, they have no idea of the origin of Ella's condition, or what the outcome will be.
During these past 3 weeks, friends and family have prayed, visited and supported Sweet Ella, Mommy Addi and Daddy Byron. But, uncovered medical expenses, time off of work, being away from home, is beginning to take an understandable financial toll - and, there is no way for the doctor's to know how long Ella will be required to participate in near daily outpatient rehabilitation.
Will you help family and friends support this young family? Prayers for God's hand to strengthen and encourage Ella, while guiding the doctors in their treatment of Ella. And, if you can , a financial contribution to show support for the ever-increasing financial burden this young family is experiencing as a result of this disease.
By contributing even the smallest amount , we can support Addi and Byron as they balance maintaining their employment, with the priority of helping Ella reach her full potential, and return to the happy, sassy and carefree young child she is !! 
Our family thanks you so much for your prayers, positive thoughts and love during this difficult time! We all want this sweet girl back on her feet, with that big smile and sassy attitude that warms the heart of everyone that spends time with her !!
