Prayers For Addie
Donation protected
Recently this beautiful little two-year-old girl, Addison Havens, began to show signs of what seemed like a flu-like illness. After two days of not acting like her sweet, energetic self, she started to have difficulty walking. Less than 10 hours after first experiencing those symptoms, she lost all feeling from her waist down, and she was no longer able to walk or move her legs.
Her parents rushed her to Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Addie was subsequently diagnosed with both transverse myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (inflammation of nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord). These diagnoses are both very uncommon (there are about 1,400 new cases of transverse myelitis worldwide each year, whereas GBS is diagnosed in less than 20,000 Americans annually), so to see both illnesses together is extremely rare.
Addie spent her first three days in the pediatric ICU, but has since stabilized enough to move to the general pediatrics floor. She has regained some sensation in her legs, but still has yet to regain the ability to move her legs. She has also been having issues emptying her bladder, and has had to have numerous catheters placed. At this point, physical and occupational therapists have joined the team of intensivists, infectious disease specialists, pediatricians, neurologists, and a whole army of nurses in charge of taking care of Addie. The PT/OT team is now an integral part of Addie's care, as they all work to help her regain function in the face of lingering nerve pain.
Addie's treatment team thinks she may be in the hospital, continuing with intensive inpatient rehab, for at least four weeks. After her discharge, she will likely continue to need extensive outpatient therapy services.
Prognosis at this time is largely unknown, but we are optimistic and praying for a full, speedy recovery.
Because of the length of Addie's hospitalization and road to recovery, her parents will need to take medical leave from their full-time jobs. They would never ask for help, so we (as their family) are asking on their behalf. Anything that you could possibly donate would definitely be greatly appreciated, and we will also kindly accept prayers and well wishes.
We will post updates as frequently as we can so that you can follow Addie's progress.
Thank you for your kindness!
Her parents rushed her to Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Addie was subsequently diagnosed with both transverse myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (inflammation of nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord). These diagnoses are both very uncommon (there are about 1,400 new cases of transverse myelitis worldwide each year, whereas GBS is diagnosed in less than 20,000 Americans annually), so to see both illnesses together is extremely rare.
Addie spent her first three days in the pediatric ICU, but has since stabilized enough to move to the general pediatrics floor. She has regained some sensation in her legs, but still has yet to regain the ability to move her legs. She has also been having issues emptying her bladder, and has had to have numerous catheters placed. At this point, physical and occupational therapists have joined the team of intensivists, infectious disease specialists, pediatricians, neurologists, and a whole army of nurses in charge of taking care of Addie. The PT/OT team is now an integral part of Addie's care, as they all work to help her regain function in the face of lingering nerve pain.
Addie's treatment team thinks she may be in the hospital, continuing with intensive inpatient rehab, for at least four weeks. After her discharge, she will likely continue to need extensive outpatient therapy services.
Prognosis at this time is largely unknown, but we are optimistic and praying for a full, speedy recovery.
Because of the length of Addie's hospitalization and road to recovery, her parents will need to take medical leave from their full-time jobs. They would never ask for help, so we (as their family) are asking on their behalf. Anything that you could possibly donate would definitely be greatly appreciated, and we will also kindly accept prayers and well wishes.
We will post updates as frequently as we can so that you can follow Addie's progress.
Thank you for your kindness!
Organizer and beneficiary
Jamie Arnold
Organizer
Mason, MI
Amy Havens
Beneficiary
