Aralyn Fairbanks family

Hi, my name is Kim, Aralyn is my awesome 10 year old granddaughter.

On Christmas morning Aralyn collapsed and went into cardiac arrest she needed life saving measures to be resuscitated at St Patrick's Hospital in Missoula, Montana, where we live. It was horrific to watch. She was stabilized and transferred to Community Hospital where there was a Pediatric ICU. It was determined that she had Influenza A, Pneumonia and Sepsis resulting in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

It was a shock to us all...Aralyn and her family had each had colds in December but recovered. Aralyn was weak but we had no idea this was coming.

Aralyn is a beautiful, strong, active and chatty girl and has so many interests...I could go on and on. It's heartbreaking to see her go thru this.

So the journey began.

Due to a staff shortage at Community Hospital in Missoula it was determined that she needed to be transported to Logan Health Children's Hospital in Kalispell about 2 1/2 hours from Missoula.

She has been receiving treatment there. A slow go, but was turning the corner to recovery. They were working on weaning her from the Ventilator, intensifying Physical Therapy etc. But last week her lungs were not clearing up...after a Cat Scan and consultation with lung experts it was found that she had a surprising amount of scar tissue and damage to both lungs. So our road to recovery has taken a severe turn...

Today, January 10th she is being transported by plane to Denver Children's Hospital for lung treatment. She will have a biopsy and begin treatment. We are told this will affect the rest of her life...We do not know how long she will be hospitalized for the initial treatment. Upon her release the family will make the necessary adjustments to provide all the care she will need in the future.

Needless to say, this has been a terrifying, emotionally draining experience for our entire family.

We are on day 17 and the financial strain on this tight knit family is mounting. Between missing work, traveling expenses, daily needs and living expenses at home their financial need is growing.

The Fairbanks family, Dad Sam, Mom Hannah, sister Meridia (13) and Aralyn are an incredibly close and loving family.

So I ask for any financial help that would be on your heart to give, on their behalf. The needs are growing. Dad Sam is driving to Denver today...their only vehicle has almost 200k miles on it. Another point of stress to us all.

Our entire family thanks you for your kindness to this deserving family.