A Miracle for Ryan

Ryan is a spunky, spirited eleven year old with a huge heart - and spina bifida. She uses a wheelchair for mobility, but works just as hard and plays harder than every other kid her age. However, over the past several months, Ryan developed two pressure sores which have becoming increasingly problematic. After several outpatient doctor appointments and a handful of unexpected ER visits, she ended up in the emergency department of Norton Children's Hospital on October 23rd, and is now admitted inpatient - for the foreseeable future. 

After further discussion with the surgery, orthopedic, and infectious disease teams, Ryan had the first of at least three surgeries on October 27th. In this surgery alone, her wounds were cleaned out, her hip bone was biopsied to evaluate for septic joint, cultures were taken, and wound vacs were placed. She will go back to the OR next week for further cleaning and debridement, and ultimately will have another surgery to close the wounds. Until then, she's hanging out in the hospital on IV antibiotics with her sweet mom. 

Shelly is Ryan's mom, and she's one of the fiercest, strongest persons I know. Shelly has two other kiddos at home and is self-employed. She works incredibly hard to manage Ryan's medical needs and stay ahead of potential problems - she researches in her spare time, spends hours on the phone with insurance and other companies, and never stops advocating for Ryan or her other kiddos. Unfortunately, since Ryan is admitted and COVID-19 is occurring, visitation at the hospital has been severely restricted and Shelly is one of two people allowed to stay with Ryan. Since Shelly is self-employed, her work is on hold as well. Shelly is stubborn and won't ask for help, so the goal of this GoFundMe is to help her anyway - help with paying bills, providing meals and coffee in the hospital, helping provide for Ryan's siblings while they're at home, and - the big one - providing a CHRISTMAS for Ryan and her siblings, since they all deserve a great one after this is over. 

Quite simply, Ryan is the best. Shelly is the best. Their family - they're the best, and they don't deserve this. I know times are hard, but if you can find it in your heart to give, I know Shelly appreciates anything and everything. Alternatively - even if you just share this link, that is equally appreciated too. 

If you'd rather donate directly to Shelly, please contact me and I can assist. 
If you'd rather purchase an item for the kiddos, again - please contact me and I can assist.