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 27^th.

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.

️The Clark Family

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

Grace had prayers from all over the world.  This is definitely another mission miracle. 

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.