Annie Wheeler Fight Club Fund!

My name is Lance Wheeler, or "Uncle Lance" to my sweet 9-year-old niece, Annie.

On December 23rd, shortly before joining our family for the holiday weekend, Annie was helping her dad (my brother, Jason) prepare some gift baskets for members of their local church congregation. As they were leaving, Annie briefly complained of her jaw and chest hurting before collapsing, fully unconscious without a heartbeat.

My brother rushed her to the closest hospital, beat down the ER doors, and stared in shock as an incredible emergency team performed CPR on her for roughly 20 minutes before they could get her heart beating again. Shortly thereafter, she was put on a life-flight helicopter to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Upon arrival, Annie was placed on extracorporeal life support (ECMO) to help oxygenate and pump her blood, as her heart was unable to sustain life on its own. Annie is now heavily sedated and intubated, but we have seen a few special moments of her vibrant spirit fighting hard to come back to us. Most promisingly, her heart has slowly regained some function, and when her sedation has been lightened, she has been responsive to interactions with her parents and siblings.

The frightening uncertainty of Annie's unknown prognosis has caused a lot of stress, but we feel extremely grateful for the small miracles we have seen this Christmas season. We are indebted to the doctors and specialists who have worked tirelessly through their holiday weekend to keep Annie stable and as comfortable as possible.

Annie's medical emergency on Friday came on the heels of another family financial event; Annie's mother was rear-ended in a hit-and-run accident on Monday, December 19th, totaling the vehicle used to transport their family of 6.

Our family has seen an incredible outpouring of love from countless individuals. Many have asked how they can help support Annie and her family in this challenging time. After much internal dialogue, we felt setting up this fundraiser to be the easiest way for others to help.

We don't know how long Annie will need emergency medical care, but given the time of year this is taking place, Jason's family will be faced with two "out-of-pocket maximums." Additionally, they will need to manage the totaled vehicle in the coming weeks. While Jason's family does have some savings to help support some of these unexpected costs, I anticipate that the cost of longer-term care, coupled with the need to replace their family car, will quickly compound beyond their capacity.

I know Jason and his family will only reluctantly accept this communal financial support, but I also have heard from so many people that want to support them. Charity sometimes requires the tables to be turned, accepting support, rather than giving it (for once in their life!) Thank you for whatever support you feel you can give to their family as they manage this incredibly difficult season in their lives.