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Support Tessa's Critical Care Journey

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Hi everyone, I'm Jocelyn Connolly, and Marla Burchfield has been my best friend since we were in diapers. I'm reaching out to our community for help during this incredibly difficult time for Marla, her husband Mike, their son Bodhi, and their 5-month-old daughter, Tessa.

Marla and her family were on a mini vacation in Columbus, Ohio when their trip took a frightening turn. Little Tessa started having recurrent, uncontrollable seizures, and the family rushed her to Columbus Children's Hospital. Tessa is now intubated and receiving critical care in the ICU, while the medical team conducts tests and awaits results from genetic testing to determine the cause of the seizures. The doctors are evaluating the possibility of Tessa having a rare form of epilepsy.

Meanwhile, Marla and Mike remain by Tessa's bedside, worried for their baby's health and overwhelmed with uncertainty. In this difficult time, the last thing they should have to worry about is the mounting medical bills.

An ICU stay, comprehensive neurological testing, and potential long-term treatment can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, Marla and Mike have incurred unexpected travel and accommodation expenses, as well as lost wages from taking time off work to be with Tessa.

I'm asking our friends, family, and community to come together and help cover these costs so Marla and Mike can focus solely on Tessa's recovery, without the added stress of financial burden. Any donation, no matter how small, will make a difference.

We are aiming to raise $15,000 to help the Burchfield family during this challenging time. This goal will go towards:
  • Covering the costs of Tessa's ICU hospitalization and critical care
  • Funding the comprehensive neurological testing and genetic evaluation
  • Providing support for ongoing treatment and management of Tessa's condition, whether it's Dravet syndrome or another diagnosis
  • Assisting with travel, accommodation, and lost wages for Marla and Mike
We are keeping the Burchfield family in our thoughts and prayers, and hope that with your generosity, Tessa will get the specialized care she needs to overcome this health challenge. Together, we can support Marla and Mike through this difficult time.

Thank you for your kindness and compassion.
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    Organizer and beneficiary

    Jocelyn Connolly
    Organizer
    McMurray, PA
    Leah Reitz
    Beneficiary

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