Wilson Perry's Healing Journey

Mindy, Ryan and Wilson Perry are a loving family of 3 who are experiencing a tragic and unexpected turn of events. They contracted Covid in mid-June and all recovered; however Wilson was still running a sporadic fever. He tested positive for Strep and began a course of antibiotics. Wilson's fever of 105 persisted and was unresponsive to medication. Ryan and Mindy took him to Mission Hospital in Asheville where he was admitted to the PICU. His skin began blistering and doctors there feared that he had a staph infection. He also had fluid in his lungs and needed oxygen. As Mission was understaffed, they recommended that Wilson be transferred to the UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, where he has been since July 4.

Since being admitted to UNC's PICU, Wilson's condition has baffled doctors. His skin greatly improved, and after testing negative for Staph it was thought to have been an adverse reaction to medication, though this is still unclear. Unfortunately, as Wilson's skin improved, his lung condition worsened. An oxygen mask was no longer sufficient and he had to be intubated and placed on a ventilator. He was also given a feeding tube to ensure proper nutrition. Wilson is heavily sedated at all times to keep him from experiencing agitation which raises his blood pressure and lowers his oxygen; additionally, he is given a paralytic which immobilizes him so that his lungs can rest and take in as much oxygen as possible. His Mom, Dad and Grandparents are all there, taking shifts so that someone is always by his side. It is heartbreaking for them to see their bright, energetic boy languishing in a hospital bed. They read to him and play music and stories. They rub his feet and do PT exercises with his legs, waiting and hoping for a positive change.

As of this writing, Wilson has been placed on critical care support in the form of ECMO, a machine that takes over for the heart and lungs. Though his Doctors have finally arrived at a diagnosis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Wilson's condition remains unchanged. Today he will undergo surgery to perform a biopsy of his lung tissue. We hope and pray that this will give the answers that lead to the successful treatment that brings our beloved boy back.

Mindy and Ryan are staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill, which provides lodging and meals for free. They are extremely grateful for this. Wilson's Grandparents have lodging as well, thank goodness. I have started this Go Fund Me page to help Mindy and Ryan with lost wages. They have missed more than 2 weeks of work and, with no resolution currently in sight, are expecting to be in Chapel Hill for much longer. My hope is that we can help alleviate any financial stress that comes from this extraordinarily painful situation. If it is not possible for you to donate, please know that your prayers and positive thoughts are hugely appreciated as well! Let us all envision Wilson back to himself, running and playing and getting excited to start Kindergarten.

VENMO Option:

For anyone who wishes to donate to Mindy directly via Venmo, her handle is @Mindy-Wilson-3

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