The Graversen Family

On Jan 8th Mel’s daughter Quinn woke up and was unable to move her body. Mel assumed she was simply getting the virus that was going around but that night she was already in so much pain they went to emergency the next day with what they thought might be appendicitis. Testing found nothing and they were sent home with what the doctors assumed was a virus.

Quinn’s pain did not subside and her physical abilities quickly declined to the point where she was no longer able to walk. Feeling concerned that their small town hospital couldn’t help, Mel took Quinn to children’s hospital which is two hours from home, only to be sent home with a constipation protocol handout.

Symptoms worsened to the point where Quinn couldn’t get out of bed, Mel called her family dr. He contacted her the next day, he asked to see her in person and they were finally heard and sent to Lions Gate hospital. The paediatric dr at Lions gate ran more tests and more blood work and opted to send them back to children’s hospital to be admitted for extensive neurological evaluation.

After what seemed like endless tests and assessments between neuro doctors, GI doctors and psych doctors they finally have some answers for Quinn but it will take another 4 weeks at minimum for recovery.

Quinn has been diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder, FND also known as Somatization. Her brain is shutting down parts of her body, and they’re not sure why. Quinn’s pain is very real but it’s not of a structural issue, or medical issue. With the help of phycologists, counsellors, physical therapy and many other support systems Mel and her family are prepared to meet Quinn at her new normal and adapt their lives to whatever that looks like.

Since January 8th Mel has been by Quinn’s side, canceling clients, and finding subs for her gymnastics classes. The emotional stress is overwhelming, and the finically stress is preventing their family from being together more often. This go fund me was set up to try and alleviate some of the financial stress on Mel and her family while they navigate the next couple of months through Quinn’s recovery.