Medical expenses for Emmett
Donation protected
The Rushing family has done so much for our community. Emmett was forced to retire after having a quadruple bipass a couple years ago and recently diagnosed with Valley Fever in the lungs and brain. Anything to help with their ongoing medical expenses would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Sam Robasciotti and Marie Reaney
In early November, 2016, Emmett started feeling sick, like he had a cold or flu. During the next few weeks, his symptoms continued to worsen. Emmett became so weak he couldn't get out of bed. His speech was slurred, he was very lethargic and confused. Concerned that he was having heart issues or a stroke, he was taken by ambulance to French Hospital. At that time he was given an electrocardiogram and an ultrasound which indicated it was not heart related. After a series of tests and X- rays, they determined he had pneumonia due to a spot on his lung and a very high white blood cell count. He was started on IV fluids and antibiotics and admitted to the hospital. The ER nurse also suggested they test for Valley Fever (the test takes 3 to 7 days to get results). On the 3rd day they determined Emmett had Valley Fever, so they stopped the antibiotics and started him on antifungal medication. Within days he was discharged from the hospital.
Doctors approved Emmett to travel out of state. Unfortunately, things went downhill quickly. He began falling, experienced confusion, memory problems, motor skill issues, and continued to lose more weight (he has lost 60 lbs and lots of muscle mass since November). He ended up in an ER in Montana (where they have never heard of Valley Fever). He had 2 MRIs and a lumbar puncture. They determined he had a massive infection in his brain causing meningitis. Emmett was diagnosed with cocci meningitis, which is Valley Fever fungus growing in his brain. After 4 days in the hospital we sought treatment closer to home.
We found an infectious disease specialist in Bakersfield (specializing in Valley Fever). Emmett was given a massive dose of antifungal medication and he was allowed to return home. Four days later he was in the backyard, lost his balance and fell face first on concrete. He fractured the lower part of his orbital eye socket down into his jaw and chipped several teeth. He was taken by ambulance to Sierra Vista for a 4 day stay. He received another series of tests and scans. His symptoms have continued to worsen: headaches, unable to walk, unable to do anything for himself (including getting dressed, eating, etc.) The swelling in his brain is worse than before. Doctors drained excess fluid from his brain to decrease the swelling so it wouldn’t cause more damage. The doctors determined Emmett needed to have a shunt surgically implanted in his brain to relieve pressure. The surgery was performed Friday. He has approx. 7 more days in the hospital, and then he will be going to an acute rehabilitation facility where he will receive physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
In early November, 2016, Emmett started feeling sick, like he had a cold or flu. During the next few weeks, his symptoms continued to worsen. Emmett became so weak he couldn't get out of bed. His speech was slurred, he was very lethargic and confused. Concerned that he was having heart issues or a stroke, he was taken by ambulance to French Hospital. At that time he was given an electrocardiogram and an ultrasound which indicated it was not heart related. After a series of tests and X- rays, they determined he had pneumonia due to a spot on his lung and a very high white blood cell count. He was started on IV fluids and antibiotics and admitted to the hospital. The ER nurse also suggested they test for Valley Fever (the test takes 3 to 7 days to get results). On the 3rd day they determined Emmett had Valley Fever, so they stopped the antibiotics and started him on antifungal medication. Within days he was discharged from the hospital.
Doctors approved Emmett to travel out of state. Unfortunately, things went downhill quickly. He began falling, experienced confusion, memory problems, motor skill issues, and continued to lose more weight (he has lost 60 lbs and lots of muscle mass since November). He ended up in an ER in Montana (where they have never heard of Valley Fever). He had 2 MRIs and a lumbar puncture. They determined he had a massive infection in his brain causing meningitis. Emmett was diagnosed with cocci meningitis, which is Valley Fever fungus growing in his brain. After 4 days in the hospital we sought treatment closer to home.
We found an infectious disease specialist in Bakersfield (specializing in Valley Fever). Emmett was given a massive dose of antifungal medication and he was allowed to return home. Four days later he was in the backyard, lost his balance and fell face first on concrete. He fractured the lower part of his orbital eye socket down into his jaw and chipped several teeth. He was taken by ambulance to Sierra Vista for a 4 day stay. He received another series of tests and scans. His symptoms have continued to worsen: headaches, unable to walk, unable to do anything for himself (including getting dressed, eating, etc.) The swelling in his brain is worse than before. Doctors drained excess fluid from his brain to decrease the swelling so it wouldn’t cause more damage. The doctors determined Emmett needed to have a shunt surgically implanted in his brain to relieve pressure. The surgery was performed Friday. He has approx. 7 more days in the hospital, and then he will be going to an acute rehabilitation facility where he will receive physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
Organizer and beneficiary
Marie Reaney
Organizer
Atascadero, CA
Annette Rushing
Beneficiary
