
Elysia Grace medical funds
Donation protected
On Friday, March 11th, Rachel noticed something wasn't right with her 5 month old, Elysia. She noticed the week prior that she was doing strange movements in her sleep but thought maybe it was just a reflex. Most everyone knows that babies makes strange movements in their sleep when they're startled. She soon realized when she saw Elysia awake and doing it, that she needed to do some research. It didn't take long before coming across an article about infant spasms and then after viewing a video, she knew this was something more serious. She and Jonny didn't waste any time. They got her to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh where they admitted her for testing. The EEG confirmed that it is IS - infant spasms. This is a very rare condition that only approximately 2,500 babies are diagnosed within the United States every year. It causes a lot of seizures that can be very damaging to the brain and development. The doctors said that it's good that they brought her in and caught it so soon because there hasn't been any brain damage due to the seizures. They have started her on a treatment plan that has a long history of being successful for this condition. They will be giving her injections of a high dose steroid for the next two to four weeks. From that point, she will have another EEG to see if the medicine has calmed down her brain activity. Then they will come up with their next action plan. This drug they are having to give her is extremely expensive. Although they have insurance, the week long hospital stay, tests, and medicine will cost a large amount out of their pockets. They've also missed a lot of work and Rachel will have to be off work for several weeks so she can keep Elysia home due to the impact the medicine has on her immune system. Any monetary donation you could give would help them immensely. If you can't donate, please just help by keeping them in your prayers. Specifically for Elysia to not have any adverse reactions to the medicine and that it would do its job by getting her brain to function as normal, as well as Elysia's immune system and that she would be protected from any sickness while its down. Also for peace for Jonathan and Rachel during this stressful time. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Rachel and Jonathan have been so blessed by everyone's prayers and support through this difficult time.






Organizer and beneficiary
Bekah Bellis Reeves
Organizer
Washington, PA
Rachel Taplin
Beneficiary