Finn, my baby brother, has been through an incredibly tough week. It all started when my mom brought him to the hospital after he had been suffering from headaches and feeling sick for two days. The doctors initially thought it was a viral infection and gave him a nausea shot, but things quickly got worse. The next morning, Finn’s symptoms intensified—his vomiting became more severe and his headache was unbearable. My mom rushed him back to the hospital, where they performed a CT scan and decided he needed to see a pediatric neurologist. After a series of transfers, Finn ended up at Our Lady of the Lake pediatric hospital in Baton Rouge.

There, the doctors ordered an MRI and a spinal tap, suspecting meningitis. The following day brought more tests and uncertainty, as they tried to determine whether Finn was facing a viral or bacterial infection. Finally, the results came in: Finn was diagnosed with Auto Immune Encephalitis, a condition where the body attacks its own healthy cells. He is now on IV steroids for several days, and the medical team will monitor his progress closely. Throughout this ordeal, my dad has been the sole provider for our family, and the constant travel between hospitals, along with caring for Finn’s twin sister, has been overwhelming.

We are asking for help to cover travel expenses, bills, and medical costs as Finn continues his treatment. Anything at all helps, and we are so beyond thankful for the prayers and support through all of this. Your kindness means the world to us as we navigate this difficult journey.