Diagnosis: Infant Botulism
Age at Diagnosis: 3 months old
Current Age: 4 1/2 years old (Ellia wanted to make sure we included the 1/2)
Ellia's story:
At 3 months old, Ellia's parents noticed Ellia's happy baby patterns had changed. She was moaning, not nursing, and very floppy. With puzzling tests and a confusing spinal tap being inconclusive, CHKD chose to admit Ellia for further observation.
After 48 hours in the hospital in a rapid decline, it became apparent to Ellia's parents, as well as the medical team, that Ellia's body was shutting down...she was dying.
CHKD's neurologist Dr. Toor took moments to assess Ellia before diagnosing her with Infant Botulism. Ellia was rushed to the pediatric ICU where she was placed in a coma and intubated to allow machines to breathe for her until the anti-toxin could be sent from California to reverse the paralytic that had taken over her body. Ellia spent 2 weeks at CHKD before the paralytic reversed and she began her road to a full recovery.
She has since shared her story with Discovery's Animal Planet on their show "Monsters Inside Me" as well as interviewed with Dr. Oz on his television show. Ellia is now a spunky little girl that shows no signs of the battle in which she fought for her life.
Her parents continue to share Ellia's (and her brother, Sammy's) story to help encourage and empower people to advocate for their loved ones and to trust your gut when things feel "off".
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The above link will take you to our CrowdRise site. To donate in honor of Ellia, please write Ellia Petersen or Mile 20 in the comments section of your donation.
Ellia Petersen
Mile 20
