GRACE ELIZA CLARK
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Shelby and Brian were concerned because Grace
couldn’t get comfortable since her stomach and back hurt. She had to go to the bathroom a lot more than
normal. She also had diarrhea.
Shelby took her to the doctor in Bentonville. She had an ultrasound and her blood
taken. The platelet levels were low and
there was inflammation of kidneys and intestines. After conversations with specialists, they
decided to take Grace and Shelby to Little Rock in an ambulance.
Brian was able to quickly take a bag to Shelby at the hospital. He and Ella went back to tell them
goodbye. It was an emotional time. It took Shelby 3 hours to
transport to Little Rock Children’s Hospital.
They wanted to make sure she has access to the best treatment if her
platelets or red blood cells go lower.
Shelby later said the doctors were pretty sure Grace has
HUS (Hemolytic uremic syndrome) likely borne from e.coli (at least
they’re treating her as such). It's best for her
to be in Little Rock in case it causes deeper kidney issues. They have access to dialysis
if needed. Apparently, it’s pretty
random in terms of who gets HUS and could suffer from it even if people all consumed same
food/water. Brian and Shelby caught this condition early before it took a heavier toll on Gracie's red blood
cells. Poor thing can’t get comfortable
and has had to go to the bathroom often. The IV helps to have enough fluids going through her. We’re grateful
she’s where she needs to be.
Thursday p.m.
From Brian: Our ladies have arrived in Little Rock. They’re going to repeat all of her lab work
and monitor her overnight. Paying
special attention to her urine. That’s
all we know at the moment. Think both
slept off and on the ride down.
Friday, May 22, 2020
Staci, Judd and family came to Bentonville to take
care of Ella so Brian could go to Little Rock.
Shelby really wanted him there by the time she had her port surgically
placed. Brian will leave in the morning since the Koudelka's have come to take care of Ella.
UPDATE:
The next 24 to 48 hours are crucial to determine which direction she’s going to
go. Right now she’s fairly mild, but
it’s just the beginning.
Brian requested a blessing tonight and Judd gave
him a very sweet one.
Armstrong’s are making plans to come out on
Wednesday, May 27th.
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Brian left for Little Rock as Staci and family
stayed at the home until Monday morning with Ella. They then took Ella with them until Wednesday
when the Armstrong’s came.
Brian’s text on this day was; “Grace and Shelby
will be shifting to the ICU soon in preparation for when they’ll begin
dialysis. I believe she’s almost done
receiving a blood transfusion which we pray helps. At this point she’s pretty well following the
textbook trajectory for a child with the disease. Platelets and red blood cells are dropping,
she’ll likely cease going potty in the next day or two, and then it will be
evident her kidneys need some help through dialysis. It’s likely a couple of tougher days lie
ahead. Typical dialysis length is two
weeks, but we’re hopeful her body responds well quickly. Grace slept pretty well last night which was
great. Shelby is remarkably strong, even though she
must be exhausted in every way. Every
child deserves such a mama by their side when they’re hurting. Thank you all for your love and prayers.”
Staci sent the following note out to family and
friends far and wide:
Hello Family & Friends. We’re reaching out to
you today with a small request in mind. Brian and Shelby’s oldest daughter,
Grace, was admitted to the hospital in Little Rock late this week for medical
treatment after being diagnosed with HUS (Hemolytic uremic syndrome). Our sweet
girl has already undergone a transfusion and they anticipate that dialysis will
soon follow.
Brian and Shelby have confidence that they are
where they need to be in order to receive the best treatment possible for their
little one right now. Nevertheless, we intend to join in fasting and prayer
tomorrow on their behalf and wanted to invite you to do the same, if you’re
able. We love you and appreciate your support.
Many kind and thoughtful friends sent notes of love and prayers. It was amazing how so many reached out. We are grateful.
2020.May24
Update after Grace’s bloodwork earlier from
Shelby:
All of her electrolytes, potassium,etc looks good
which is the goal after dialysis
Her kidney function numbers have improved just by a little, bit they haven’t gone up, they’ve actually gone down since this morning. So great.
She also ate a good amount of spaghetti and ice
cream and has been chatting up a storm - not sure when she’ll be tired for
sleep but it doesn’t seem like that will be anytime soon. :)
Thank you for all of your prayers and fasting in
her behalf. It’s been good to see our happy, funny girl getting back to her normal
self.
We heard from Joni Blackman also:
Gracie is on the mend. She will most likely be
in Little Rock for another 2 to 3 weeks. It was difficult seeing pictures of
this once strong-willed, energetic 3-year-old so absent of strength. We hope to
continue to see progress from here on out.
Saturday, May 30, 2020
BEST NEWS EVER! Gracie is
coming home from the hospital. (Friday
May 29, 2020 Arkansas time).
Gracie was in the hospital for HUS (Hemolytic
uremic syndrome) which affected her kidneys
and intestines. It is a dangerous cause
of e-coli and there is no cure. The
treatment is blood transfusions, platelet transfusions and kidney
dialysis. It was so difficult to watch
her lethargic state. Staci immediately
jumped on the fasting and prayer bandwagon.
She sent out the alarm to friends and family high and low. From Brian’s high school buddies to ward
members, to our friends from Naperville, to the Philippines Area Presidency and
their companions. They all sent notes of
concern and the fervent prayer. Elder
Wakolo sent correspondence to Brian at the beginning. Such faith and prayers touched heaven in a
big way.
Above is more information about
Gracie’s sickness beginnings.
She was in the hospital for 8
days. Brian and Shelby were told this
would probably take 2-3 weeks. She ended
up having:
ICU for 2 days
3 blood transfusions
2 dialysis sessions
Platelet transfusions
The Clark’s went home to having Wendy
and Lance there for 2 weeks. That will
be nice to have some extra attention for awhile.
Brian said that they felt so fortunate
but realized that there were people in the ICU with children who had been there
much longer than a few days. He also
noticed that while they were able to afford a hotel, there were people there
that wouldn’t even know where their next meal might come from. I think that will leave a lasting impact on
him and we will see where that might go.
They say challenges can come in
3’s. Our 3 is over ---- can we be done? We look at them all as mission miracles.
1.
Quinn and the Quarter – April 14, 2020
2.
Gracie and HUS – May 21, 2020
3.
May 29, 2020 Claire and the broken elbow – She took a spill last night
playing with the neighbors’ puppies. Kai
said, “How can this keep happening?” She had a teeny tiny, itty bitty
break. 4 weeks in a non-waterproof
cast.
