Help Alyssa Focus on Healing!

Anyone who knows Alyssa, knows how much she loves life, loves God, loves her family and friends and appreciates the small things. All of these little wins she is accomplishing everyday will help her get back to life as she knew it, but appreciating every day so much more! She is extremely competitive and there was never any doubt that she would heal quickly once safely off the ventilator. We thank God for answering our prayers, all the doctors and nurses, and of course family and friends for all the prayers, love and support. This was a true testament of God's strength and the unbelievable healing that happens when people come together to pray.

Although Alyssa is healing more and more everyday, it will be a long recovery. If you would like to help Alyssa so she can focus on healing, you can donate here. Any amount will go towards medical bills and support. Please share her story below so that more awareness can be brought to MIS-A and MIS-C (in children). Alyssa being the first case of MIS-A at Mass General shows that this is rare, but may start presenting itself more as Covid-19 is still being spread and they are identifying more and more adverse reactions and variants. If MIS-A is diagnosed early, it can be treated quickly avoiding the life threatening scare we had with Alyssa.

Alyssa's Story & Updates:

Late May, Alyssa tested positive for covid-19. Sick for about a week with mild flu like symptoms and loss of taste, she recovered well and returned to living the happy active lifestyle she was use to.

On June 24th, just a couple weeks later, Alyssa started feeling ill again, but this time it was worse. Admitted to Melrose-Wakefield hospital on June 27th testing negative for covid-19, but experiencing a high temp, stomach problems and growing weaker by the hour. Something was seriously wrong, but nobody knew what it was. By Thursday, July 1st, the decision was made to take her to Mass General by ambulance to the intensive care unit after losing sight, suffering severe inflammation, multiple days of high temperature and her body deteriorating at a frightening rate while testing negative for all possible illnesses.

Friday, July 2nd is the day that is burned into all of our memories. Alyssa was put on a life saving ventilator early in the morning as her lungs, heart and other organs began to shut down due to the severe inflammation and illness her body was bearing. Doctors still didn't know the cause and were preparing us all for the news that she may not make it through. It was unimaginable to think "our Alyssa" this strong, young, vibrant woman could be taken from us like this. Through our fear and helplessness we relied on our faith. Although we had been praying all along for healing, we took it to another level and pleaded with God to save Alyssa and made sure to spread the word so everyone knew the situation and could pray!

Matthew 18:19 NCV

“Also, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about something and pray for it, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven".

The amazing outpouring of love, prayer and support from family, our church family, friends, acquaintances and people who didn't even know Alyssa was so touching and beautiful. Thousands of people reached out to help, put her on prayer lists, prayed together for healing, gave medical advice and sent their love.

Later in the day on July 2nd doctors suspected the cause of her illness; MIS-A, a rare illness caused by covid-19, contracted a couple of weeks after actually having covid-19 and the first case at Mass General. It's when your body doesn't react well to your own covid-19 antibodies and your immune system overreacts causing mass inflammation and attacks your organs. Treated with high dose steroids to reduce the inflammation, her body started to turn in the right direction. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MIS-A CLICK HERE

On July 7th, after 5 agonizing days, Alyssa was successfully taken off the ventilator, thank God! Although very weak, she continued to heal.

After 2 days, a feeding tube was put in since Alyssa was told that it may take 4-6 weeks before she would be able to eat or drink again due to the irritation/damage caused by being on the ventilator for 5 days. Amazingly, on the 18th, just 9 days later, she was eating on her own and the feeding tube was taken out 2 days later. At a low of 85lbs, she is now starting to eat more and gain back some weight that will help her get stronger. God continues to answer our prayers and Alyssa continues to heal!

July 21st, these are happy tears!!! Alyssa was released from Mass General experiencing the sunshine for the first time in almost a month! She was admitted to Spaulding Rehab in Cambridge to heal, gain back strength and start physical therapy. Her room has the most stunning view and she is blessed to watch the sunset each night over Boston.

July 23rd, Alyssa is walking now on her own without support! She is continuing to heal and get stronger every day!

More updates to come! #ALYSSASTRONG