Help for Preston’s Medical Expenses & Recovery

Our family’s worst nightmare became a reality this week.

The purpose of this GoFund Me is to raise funds for the medical expenses for my nephew Preston, who is currently on day 5 in the hospital. After about a week of being sick, trips to the doctor and 3 ER visits the decision was made to transport him by ambulance to the Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte where he was admitted into the ICU with extremely low vitals. 

Once he arrived, the medical staff responded quickly, being 99% sure what they were dealing with. A few more tests would confirm a diagnosis of MIS-C. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. This specifically attacks school age children 4-8 weeks post Covid. The education on this condition is severely lacking, as most doctors offices and even ERs don’t know about it. It’s not until people are so low they make it to the ICU, that there is enough knowledge to treat. 

We are fortunate that Levine is so close to us and very good at what they do and have basically perfected the treatment protocol for this horrible condition as they have had around 100 cases in the last 2 years. The care that he has received from the team of nurses and doctors at Levine has been nothing short of miraculous. 

Preston has since been able to transition out of the ICU, but still has a long road ahead of him. We are not yet sure how long he will remain in the hospital or what his care will look like after he is released. We do know that there will be many follow ups and Cardiologist appointments at least for the next 6 months. 

Even with insurance, hospital stays and ER visits are expensive, not to mention food, gas, and other supplies. In addition, Preston’s Mom, Allison, is staying with him at the hospital full time and will also be continuing to care for him full time once they are able to return home. Preston’s Dad, Ryan, has also spent a lot of time at the hospital as well throughout this journey. We are very grateful that the hospital has allowed them both to be there to support him when he needs it the most. 

We have been hesitant to post anything about this publicly because if you know my sister, you know she’s relatively private and extra attention honestly isn’t her thing. After a very long talk “Big Sister Talk” with her today, a lot of arm twisting and not taking no for an answer, I’ve been given permission to share this journey.

Please consider donating and sharing to help relieve the financial stress of this nightmare. We also ask that you help create awareness of this awful illness…because all Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Caregivers, etc, need to know that MIS-C exists and what to look for. 

Our entire family appreciates your love, support, and prayers through this unbelievable time.

XOXO, 

Ashley Schmiedl