Help Caia “Alexx” Morris-Cooper live after Covid
Donation protected
My name is Lori Anderson. This is not my story. My 13 yr old grandchild, Caia “Alexx” Morris-Cooper, was diagnosed with Covid-19 in Batesville, AR on July 3, intubated and airlifted to Children‘s Hosp in Little Rock, the only Pediatric Trauma 1 Center in our state. Alexx was intubated for 37 days. Then it was weeks of high pressure oxygen and finally allowed to leave PICU to be on the therapy floor. Then we received the education of a lifetime! Because of the prolonged intubation, Alexx cannot swallow (so can’t eat or drink) has to be fed through a gravity tube surgically inserted in the stomach, cannot talk (but can take a breath and push out a word or two) cannot sit or stand (without braces and at least 2 adults to help) can barely see, though we’re hoping it will get better. But the hardest lesson is that Alexx had a relapse when a nurse gave her a sip of water. Just a tiny sip, then choking, then infection in her lungs and pneumonia. The newest x-rays show worsening damage in the lungs and because of the Covid lung, which is fibrosis, we don’t know what the long term outcome will be.
A couple days ago Angela called and said they’d be coming home in a week or so, then the dr came in and said Friday. So we have been scrambling, medical equipment was delivered yesterday.
- We have a 3 bedroom home, full of love and multigenerational. Our daughter, Stephanie, was murdered by a stranger 4 1/2 years ago, so our son-in-law, Jeff and their 2 children, Sara 12 and Tristan 7, live with us. Angela and Alexx also live with us. Since Alexx’s dad died right after her 1st birthday (cancer) Angela has been a single mom, raising Alexx. She never left Alexx’s side the whole 4 months in Little Rock. Hearing they were finally coming home, we started to make plans.
- Realizing that there is no way all the equipment would fit in their bedroom, Jeff decided that he and Tristan would temporarily stay out in the kids playhouse it’s actually a big 10x12x8 with electricity, while we built another couple rooms. Sara moved into Angela and Alexx’s room, and moved their things into the master bedroom. With all of the equipment that is necessary, the electrical hospital bed, the lift, the wheelchair, bedside potty and all the supplies as well as a bed for Angela, there is absolutely no room.
- This is why I’m asking for everyone’s help. We realize that the best thing we could do for Alexx and Angela would be to build them their very own tiny house that would be completely handicap accessible. We have the ability and all the tools, but we need materials, concrete pad, walls, roofing, insulation, windows, cabinets, appliances, permits, septic, electrical, etc. We have used our resources for trips to LR, remodeling the bedroom, etc plus trying to revamp our van for all medical and therapy trips, plus surgeries that are in our future. I believe that this tiny home would be the very best for Alexx and Angela’s physical and emotional health. They will take a long time to heal. Covid has taken a toll on our family, I lost both my sisters to it last Sept and this January, the last of my 7 siblings. But we will survive and God willing, thrive.
- We would be so incredibly grateful for your you help, kindness and prayers. I realize that this actually my story as well as Alexx and Angela’s journey.
Organizer
Laurel Anderson
Organizer
Sidney, AR