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Sweet Phoebe's Recovery

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On Friday, December 4th, our sweet Phoebe was admitted to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital diagnosed with Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE). Simultaneously, she’s been battling secondary issues caused by it. AE is a type of brain inflammation where the body's immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues in the brain and spinal cord. It’s most often described as having your “brain on fire,” a description shared by a popular book written by a survivor of AE you can read here  if you want to learn more about this rare condition as so many of us have.

While we are incredibly grateful for the team of specialists, her all-star neurology team, and the amazing nurses at Vanderbilt for helping both Phoebe and her strong and selfless parents navigate this battle, we have been told the road ahead for Phoebe’s recovery will be long and hard. Doctors are unable to provide a clear picture of what that will look like at this moment in time, but have warned that her recovery will likely include:

>In-patient rehabilitation
>Recovery therapies to support regaining motor and speech
>Out-patient rehabilitation
>A therapy dog
>In-home medical equipment 

Today, Phoebe is still fighting hard in the PICU, with her parents Katherine & Brian at her side. Logan is being cared for by family, missing his best friend & sister more with every day that passes. 


Phoebe has never been a typical 8 year old girl, and that keeps us hopeful for a full recovery. She is special. She’s tough and she’s strong like her mom. She radiates joy - whether she’s making you laugh or gifting you one of her custom pieces of art made specially for you, she makes everyone feel so loved. She’s the most amazing mix of a cool girl who can play Minecraft with her older brother & his friends to having the most cared for doll collection I’ve ever seen. Phoebe is also the kindest and most gentle soul. She is friends with every single student in her class, and is loved by them in return. She makes friends with absolutely everyone - especially animals. 


Phoebe wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up, and so it was no surprise when she responded so positively to Squid, the hospital’s service dog upon his visit to her room. I know her parent’s would love to be able to provide that same joy to Phoebe with her own therapy dog in the near future.


With your collective help, we hope the funds raised from this campaign provide the support Phoebe and her family will need throughout her long-term recovery, whatever that may bring. 

From the entire Rauscher Family, thank you for loving Phoebe with us and keeping her in your hearts. We wish you and your family good health & happiness throughout these tough holidays and beyond into a new year.

xxxxxxx

This fundraiser is organized by Phoebe's Aunt Kirsten & Uncle Scott. We will continue to provide health updates as often as we can.
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $200
    • 4 yrs
  • Samantha Higgins
    • $25
    • 4 yrs
  • Angela McVie
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
  • Dan Adragna
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
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Fundraising team (3)

Kirsten Rauscher
Organizer
Nashville, TN
Brian Rauscher
Beneficiary
Katherine Rauscher
Team member

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