Saturday, January 22, 2011

Maddie Update: An Appointment at Mayo.

Maddie December 2010
The updated news for my niece, Maddie, is hopeful. After what can easily be compared to applying to an Ivy League University, Maddie has been accepted and given an appointment at Mayo Clinic. I asked my sister, Laura, for an update, and the following is what she shared.

 "Maddie is holding her own right now - we have had some issues with severe seizures that were totally unexplained, until we realized that they appeared to come with certain antibiotics. It is unclear whether the seizures are related to infection, or the antibiotics. She is also having periods where she can't move a muscle, but is wide awake. This is pretty scary for her, but she pushes through it. Partial paralysis of her legs, arms, digestive system and elimination systems, as well as partial paralysis of her diaphragm continue, but she manages her issues with a smiling face and a cheerful attitude. She is a real inspiration to so many people, on so many levels.

 We finally have an appointment for The Mayo Clinic at the end of January, beginning of February! We pray daily that this will hold the key answers, and help her regain some of what she's lost during this ordeal. We want to thank everyone who has contributed to helping us get Maddie to Mayo - without all the love and support, I have no idea how we would ever manage to get our child the help she needs. We have been touched beyond all comprehension by the generosity and true caring that has been gifted to us."

We can't thank everyone enough for their continued outpouring of support. I wanted to share this piece of news as it fills us all with tremendous hope. Have a safe journey, you guys!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Annie - for folks that would like to keep up with Maddie's Journey, I have created this Caring Bridge journal page. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, once again, for all their generosity and support. We are so blessed by each and every one.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maddiesjourney

Rachel said...

Hey - I'm new to your blog and this post brought me to tears. My mother, who is young and fit, recently had a stroke and we're struggling for her recovery and answers as well. Thank you for sharing this story and I only wish the best for your gorgeous Maddie.
-Thank you. Rachel

Annie Howes Keepsakes said...

Hi Rachel, my heart goes out to you and your family. I wish all the best for your mother, too. My sister and Maddie leave tomorrow morning for Mayo. Hopefully, we'll all find answers to our questions and the healing can then truly begin. (((hugs)))

Liz said...

Wow good luck on everything! Is that a picture of her? She is sooo cute!

Christie said...

Annie, I just ran across your blog and I pray all goes well with Maddie, she is a beautiful girl!!

I ran across your blog looking up information on Missy's "out of the way cafe". We just went there Saturday night and loved it!!

Again, hope all goes well!!

AUDREY said...

Hi

I came across your blog by accident but my heart goes out to your niece and family. God bless you all and I send you my love and heart felt good wishes.

XXX