Help Rhyse on His Long Road to Recovery

My name is Geena, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to read about my dear friend Angel and her son Rhyse’s heartbreaking situation.

On April 29, Rhyse was rushed to the ICU in Fort Wayne and later airlifted to Riley Children’s Hospital after he stopped breathing and his heart stopped, a Code Blue emergency. Upon arrival, doctors had to place him in a medically induced paralysis in order to insert a breathing tube and other lines to monitor and stabilize his oxygen levels.

Since then, Rhyse has faced several serious setbacks. During a trial to see if he could breathe on his own, his left lung collapsed, and he suffered a seizure. Despite everything, Rhyse, a true fighter, has begun showing signs of improvement though he is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms from the powerful medications used to manage his pain.

It will be a long road for Rhyse and Angel. Once he is stable enough, he will be transferred to the pediatric acute rehabilitation unit at Riley, where he will undergo intensive cognitive, physical, and occupational therapy.

Everyone is asking the same question: what happened to this previously healthy teenage boy?

On April 19, Rhyse moved into a children’s residential care facility for autism support. Soon after, he became ill. Despite Angel’s daily visits and repeated concerns, the facility failed to provide proper medical and nutritional care. Doctors at Riley have confirmed that his illness was brought on by environmental factors not genetics. They suspect that untreated pneumonia and the flu may have caused an infection that ultimately affected his brain.

There are still many unanswered questions. But right now, our focus is on supporting Rhyse and his mom.

Angel is a single mother who hasn’t left her son’s side since he was hospitalized. She’s been with him 24/7, day and night, without a single break.

I’m starting this fundraiser to help ease the immense emotional and financial burden Angel is facing, so she can continue to focus fully on Rhyse’s recovery without worrying about bills, legal fees, travel expenses, or lost income.

Thank you so much for your love, support, and generosity. Every donation, share, and kind word makes a difference, and we are deeply grateful.