Evan Kirkland's Medical and Recovery Expenses

Late evening on Tuesday, January 30th, Evan Kirkland, a senior at Mounds View High School suffered a grand mal seizure. He was rushed to St. John's Hospital in critical condition. Upon reaching the ER, it was found that Evan had a 105 degree fever, severe brain swelling, as well as three extremely rare blood infections; viral and bacterial meningitis and encephalitis. Had Evan not suffered a grand mal seizure when he did, it is likely the consequences would have been very dire.

In an attempt to reduce the brain swelling, caused by the infections, Evan was administered strong anti-biotic and anti-viral intravenous medicine for two weeks, bedridden in the hospital. Evan underwent an MRI in which abnormalities were found in his brain due to the swelling and infections, which had managed to cross his blood-brain barrier. Currently, Evan has a surgically implanted PICC line and continues to receive anti-biotic and anti-viral intravenous medicine at home. After finishing this round of anti-biotics and anti-virals Evan will go on to receive an MRI to see if there has been any improvements in the brain abnormalities and swelling. From there, doctors will determine further treatment plans as some with Evan's condition must be on strong anti-biotics/virals for up to a year. In the progression of this illness, Evan has lost 50 pounds.

Along with this, Evan's six IV's a day, home health care, outpatient MRI's, other supplemental medications, his entire neuro-hospital stay, and multiple doctors appointments a week, are not paid by insurance. Michelle, Evan's mom, is a single mother with no other source of income. And, along with these expenses has had to miss great portions of work.

Evan, a talented athlete known for competing in state as well as being among the top in the state for hurdles, is no longer able to compete in collegiate track and has had to forfeit his senior track season due to these severe circumstances. Additionally, Evan will be unable to return to school for his senior year.

Evan has a long road to full recovery. Please help the Kirkland family during this devastating time. Any amount is greatly appreciated, we understand some of you may be unable to donate, if you can please share this it would be extremely appreciated. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for rallying around Evan and his entire family!