On January 24, 2024 granddaughter Izzy had a normal day of playing and dancing with her 3 year old sister Gracie, got baths and went to bed as usual. The next morning my daughter Justina went to wake Izzy up to start their day and she found her unresponsive & limp. Justina immediately called 911 and Edgewater Fire Rescue showed up and got Izzy stable and took her to Halifax where after a few hours it was discovered Izzy has no movement from the neck down. She basically had an unknown episode overnight and woke up paralyzed. After a long wait Izzy was then transferred to Armond Palmer in Orlando where she spent almost 3 weeks undergoing breathing assistance, Plasma paresis, IVIG infusions and steroids. She was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis at that time. In those 2 weeks Izzy was able to move one of her arms and turn her neck. Izzy was then transferred to Nemours Children’s Hospital where she spent @ 10 weeks in inpatient rehab where she received physical, occupational & speech therapy. Izzy was able to regain @ 85% of her upper body movement.

After a very long 3 months Justina was finally able to bring Izzy home at the end of April, right before her 2nd birthday. Izzy of course has been going to many doctors/specialists appointment along with physical & occupational therapy as she still is not able to move her legs and her bladder & bowels are not functioning properly at this time.

On July 15th Justina & Austin received the devastating news from Izzy’s neurologist that they were diagnosing her with Neuromyelitis Optica, which is a rare disorder and without the proper medication/treatment/therapy Izzy is at risk for losing her eyesight, not walking again and having a life expectancy of 5 years.

Her neurologist has referred Izzy to a doctor in Philly and Birmingham as both the doctors specialize in this NMO Disorder. It has also been recommended that Izzy go through Intensive Therapy as well. Unfortunately, Izzy’s health insurance will not cover any of the out of state doctor visits or the intensive therapy so all care will have to be out of pocket. The intensive therapy program is a 3-week program and the only ones with openings are Los Angeles, Texas, Boston & Chicago & are quite expensive. If Izzy does not get the intensive therapy and the proper medications/treatment she risks not being able to walk again, potentially loosing her vision and not making it past 7 years old. The extensive medical care & therapy is crucial to the longevity and quality of her life.

Izzy is such a sweet & happy little girl who has not let her inabilities to stop her from enjoying playtime time with her sister & cousins. She is a very determined little girl who will fight this, and I know that with the proper therapy she will be able to overcome this.

We are working to get a fundraiser set up and there is this go fund me for anyone who would like to donate. We ask that you keep Izzy in your continued prayers. #Izzystrong