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Dear Family, Friends, and Community,

As many of you now know, on Saturday (10/18), Danielle brought Laine to the ER with a fever and severe headache — the kind most would compare to the worst headache of someone’s life. About eight hours into the visit, Laine had three seizures. The doctors decided to do a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).

A CT scan showed swelling in her brain, and after more testing (including an MRI), they learned that Laine is battling viral meningitis AND a severe case of encephalitis. On Wednesday night (10/22), her brain pressure spiked. Emergency surgery was performed to save her life. She had a bilateral craniectomy (where a portion of the skull is removed on both sides to relieve pressure on the brain).

Right now Laine is stable, but still in critical condition. She’s heavily sedated so her brain can rest. Her prognosis cannot begin to be determined until the doctors start weaning her off medications.

Through all of this, we have already seen God at work in so many ways. The neurologist said it was a miracle that Danielle brought her in so early — just with a headache and fever (mom intuition ❤️). Another miracle is that the neurosurgeon happened to be at the hospital when Laine's brain pressure spiked to critical levels and got her into surgery within minutes. The ICU doctors have gone above and beyond what would normally be expected, and we are all so grateful.

We’re believing that God will continue to provide miracle upon miracle until Laine is fully healed.

The Nippers are overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from you all. Many have asked what you can do to help during this unimaginable time of heartbreak and devastation. Prayers are first and foremost.

What Laine's road to recovery looks like is still completely unknown. What we do know is that it will be a very long and difficult one. Beyond prayers, any contributions will go towards Laine's recovery and support for the Nipper family. Their two other beautiful children, Graham and Claire, need our support as well.

We will try to keep this updated as much as possible as Laine continues to heal.