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Amy's Army

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Amy’s Story:

Amy has been a fighter from the start. Born several weeks premature, she spent the beginning of her life in the NICU, proving to family, friends, and hospital staff how strong and special she was.



After growing into a feisty toddler, Amy was discovered to have an unspecified platelet disorder and an enlarged spleen. Concerned about potential causes, doctors have had Amy travel once a year to UF Shands in Gainesville, Florida, for further bloodwork and tests. Despite numerous blood draws, bone marrow tests, MRIs, and other procedures, an underlying cause was never found. However, Amy never lost her fiery spirit.

Recently, Amy became quite ill and began vomiting blood. The local hospital diagnosed her with the flu, and Amy’s doctor at Shands wanted to see her once again to find the cause of this sudden new development. While in the ICU at Shands, it was discovered that her platelets were also much lower than her already-low norm. After both platelet and plasma transfusions, doctors were able to do a scope to locate the root of the bleeding. The scope reveled esophageal varices, tears in her esophagus. However, the varices were too large and too close together to be banded. An MRI and ultrasounds confirmed the cause of the varices: portal vein thrombosis. Blood flow through the portal vein in Amy’s liver was being restricted, and that restriction was causing the excess blood to be diverted to her esophagus and her spleen. Initially, doctors were unsure if Amy would need a shunt or a liver transplant. A later CT reveled that her liver had not sustained enough damage to warrant a transplant, so the course of action would be a shunt.

Remarkably, the doctors also noted that they believed this blockage has existed for years, possibly since medical interventions she received while in the NICU, and that it has been worsening over time. They also believe that this condition may be the underlying cause of ALL of Amy’s medical issues, including her platelet disorder and enlarged spleen. We are very fortunate not only to have caught a critical problem but also to finally have possible answers that have caused years of worry and stress for Amy and her loved ones.

Amy is currently being transferred to CHOA in Atlanta, where the amazing doctors at Emory will take over Amy’s care and surgical needs and assess if further treatments will be required.

This week has been overwhelming for Amy, who is ready to eat solid foods and sleep in her own bed. However, we know that Amy is a fighter and a world-changer, and we believe that she will overcome with flying colors. She has been surrounded by her wonderful parents, Jenny and Chris, and has the unwavering love and support of her equally amazing sister Kylie, grandparents Nonna, Poppa, Mimi and Nay, aunts and uncles, cousins, and countless family and loved ones who will see her throughout this ordeal.


Understandably, costs add up quickly with this kind of medical situation. Three different hospitals, an ambulance, a hospital airplane, doctor’s fees, imaging fees, lodging, food, gas, and more have placed a financial strain on this wonderful family. This family is so loved, and we are asking you to help support this journey in any way possible. Any donation, small or large, makes an impact. Thank you for your love, your continued thoughts and prayers, and all of the continued support for this deserving family!

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Donations 

  • Chase,Hope, Gracie Keigans
    • $50
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Taylor Froede
Organizer
Thomasville, GA
Jennifer Holt
Beneficiary

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