Update from 11/20/24:

Savie’s journey was featured in the Cadillac News today! She is at Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids, working to learn to walk again (and absolutely crushing it!).

So proud of this girl’s tenacity. Please share and help us continue to support Jess and Savie during this difficult time.

Here is an update from Jess on Saturday morning:

“Savie is awake and extubated. She’s breathing great on her own! The doctors found new and old lesions on her brain and lesions on her spine during her MRI. Her team of about 12 doctors and specialists bounced ideas and findings around yesterday morning and the biggest suspect they came up with that could be causing the transverse myelitis and lesions is a rare autoimmune disease called Anti MOG but there is also a good possibility that what Savie is suffering from is Multiple Sclerosis. They did some tests to make sure she could tolerate the antibodies and decided the potential benefits outweighed the risks and started treating Anti MOG with antibody infusions and IV steroids to see if she responded. SHE DID! She was able to be weaned off the sedation and she was able to be awake with the breathing tube and communicate via writing for about a half hour. They decided she was ready to extubate and she did so well! She still has her feeding tube for oral only meds and in case she needs formula but they are hopeful to be able to allow her to start drinking water later today. The most incredible news is that last night after her first of five IVIG infusions she able to lift her right leg an inch under her knee. Her legs were previously immobile, though the right has had more feeling in it. After a rough evening, she woke up able to move her big toe on her left leg slightly and the doctors were able to tell she was trying to move her leg muscles. Her left leg has been immobile completely with no feeling in the foot. She now feels when something sharp is ran across the bottom of her left foot. Savie still has a long road ahead of her but her progress is amazing. So incredibly grateful to the amazing staff at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital for being able to stabilize her so she can heal while we figure out a diagnosis for her.

Huge thanks to the Mahoney family, the Hayes Family, the Kolbeck family, and for all the support received in prayers and thoughts as well as all of the donations ❤️”

Dear Friends,

We are seeking help and support for the Abee family (Mom, Jess, and Daughter, Savie) who are in the midst of a medical crisis.

Savie was recently diagnosed with transverse myelitis, which is a rare spinal inflammatory condition that has caused sudden ascending paralysis. Doctors believe this may be a complication of a recent pneumonia.

On Monday night, Savie started to notice that her legs were numb, and by Wednesday night (after three trips to the ER), she was admitted to the Pediatric ICU at DeVos with lower extremity paralysis and respiratory weakness.

Savie is now intubated and on a ventilator to help her body breathe because her breathing muscles have been impacted by her condition. While we remain hopeful that her condition will improve with treatments and time, we do not know what the future holds for Savie or the extent to which she will require future care.

Jess is an amazing single mom who works SO hard to support Savie in every possible way. She is present at all of Savie’s activities in spite of working long hours. The two of them recently realized a dream of buying their first home and have been diligently working together to paint, complete repairs, and make it their own.

Savie herself is a quirky, funny, bubbly girl who is an honors student, a soccer player, and a member of the school band. She brightens the days of so many people with her smiles and one-liner jokes.

Right now, what they need the most is to be together. And to make that happen, Jess needs our help so she can pay her regular bills, gas, food, pet care, and medical bills.

Please help this sweet family, who is so generous to others, by donating, sharing, and praying during this challenging time.

With Thanks,

The Savie & Jess Fan Club