Talia's Traumatic Journey

We are Steve & Jill Rudolf, please take the time to read this . . .

Talia, our 4 year old Granddaughter is gravely ill, and her family needs your help!!!

Talia is a VERY strong, smart, funny, energetic, beautiful little girl. Her smile brings light and positive energy into every room she enters. She has fallen critically ill, and we need your help.

On August 28th, Molly & David (her parents) noticed Talia beginning to feel ill. Nothing too crazy, but a little stuffy and warm. To be safe, they gave Talia an at home Covid test. The test did come back positive. This would be Talia’s 2nd round Covid positive. Unfortunately, this time battling extremely high fevers. Talia’s temps hit as high as 105.7! Under Dr. direction, was given Tylenol and Motrin every 3-4 hours alternating. On the evening of August 31st, it seemed Talia’s temp had finally broke. Though it was low (96.9), the doctors assured it was ok and to just monitor.

On Thursday, September 1st everything changed. Talia was again feverish, and beyond out of it. Most of day, she was comatose and sleeping. Molly & David took her to the doctor. Upon examination, they determined it was most likely dehydration. They advised getting fluids into her however possible. If she did not urinate by 3 pm to call them back. She did not want to drink anything, and they tried everything, water, smoothies, Pedialyte, etc. Finally, around 2:30 pm they got her into a shower, with hopes that it would stimulate her to not only drink, but to urinate as well. Getting her ready to shower, she did have to pee.

While showering, Molly & David noticed Talia doing weird things. They described as gripping/clinching her hands, “she seemed to be looking through us”. They could not tell if she could see them. Though out of it, they determined she knew them, her name and she was also determined in Talia fashion, to stand in the shower on her own. Once out of the shower, Talia almost instantly fell asleep again. At around 9:30 pm, they agreed this was not okay and called the doctor again. He agreed and felt it was time to take the trip to the emergency room for some IV fluids.

At the hospital, got checked in and Talia was examined. The hospital doctors and nurses agreed that it seemed like classic dehydration. They told us that it would be okay, and this is something they know how to fix. They got the IV line in and began fluids. While giving Talia fluids, they saw their baby girl regaining some of her color, as well as smiles and movement.

Once the IV was complete, for a moment, it was like their little girl was back again. She opened her eyes and blew both Mom & Dad a kiss. This is when everything changed. After blowing each a kiss, Talia had a full-blown seizure. The ED immediately started working on her. While treating her, Talia seized again. At this point, Talia was intubated and sedated.

Her next stop was CT scan, and then admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Where she has been since.

Talia was tested for every known disease and sickness that exists. All came back negative. It has been determined that she is suffering from F.I.R.E.S (Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome) which they believe is stemming from an unknown auto-immune disease.

F.I.R.E.S is a 1 in 1,000,000 thing and there is very little known about how to treat or stop it.

Due to the seizures, Talia had to be put on very high dosages of sedation drugs. Thus, placing her into a medically induced coma. Unfortunately, no medication comes without risks. One often in rare cases could cause colon issues. Talia had just that happen. It started with distension in the belly which got worse. After trying to treat it twice with no success, Talia had to undergo major surgery, and have over half of her colon removed.

Talia now has a temporary ileostomy bag, which hopefully once she is better, can be reversed. However, it again is going to be major surgery.

At the moment of writing this, Talia has been in the hospital, in the PICU, in medically induced coma for 57 days. She is still having seizures and they are still trying to fix it.

Life for this wonderful young family is changing, beyond what anyone could imagine. Molly has been living in the hospital room at bedside since day 1, fighting and advocating for Talia with all her strength. This is no easy task as their 8-year old daughter is still at home trying to still live somewhat normally. Molly is doing her best to get out at least twice a week to spend time with her.

However, now it has been almost 2 full months, Talia being more susceptible to infection, and Flu, we must ALL be even more careful and conscious of who we are around. If anyone is even a little sick, although we love you, we need to keep our distance.

David has been traveling back and forth between the hospital and home. He started a new job 4 days before Talia went into the hospital. This was a job to be a long-term career where he could grow and support his family. Due to insurance reasons, David just had to resign from his job in order for Talia to keep her current insurance benefits, otherwise her health plan and coverages would change and plunge them into HUGE medical debts.

Molly & David are very proud and private people, but we are now asking for your help. While Talia’s current medical care is covered, it may change as we progress and hopefully leave the hospital and go to rehab. Also, their monthly bills and expenses are starting to pile up, and they have not worked since Talia and her family began this traumatic journey.

The future is unknown and is forever changed for this beautiful family. Talia is amazing, courageous, and still fighting. Molly & David are too. Please continue to pray for TALIA. Any help for her and her family would be greatly appreciated. God Bless you for taking the time to read her story.