A toddler from Hamburg is fighting for her life, battling a rare type of meningitis.
The family of two-year-old Molly Rothermel told 69 News that the little girl is expected to soon have her feet and possibly her hands amputated after contracting meningococcal septicemia last month.
"I don't think any child should have to go through anything like that," said Rudy Arceo, Molly's grandfather.
He described the young girl as a "happy-go-lucky" child who "just kind of brings life to you."
According to family, Molly was diagnosed with the deadly infection on Nov. 24 at Lehigh Valley Hospital near Allentown, where she remains.
"She's got red and kind of purplish blotches all over her body, all the way down to her legs. She's developed blisters on her arm," said Arceo. "Her feet have no circulation."
Arceo, along with Molly's father, Nick, is a volunteer firefighter at the Port Clinton Fire Company in Schuylkill County. Normally, they are the ones helping the community, but now they're asking for the community's help.
"All we just ask for is prayers and any type of assistance," Arceo said.
The family has set up an online fundraiser to help with medical bills. Arceo said Molly's father is on leave from work in order to be by her side, and money is tight.
In addition to raising funds, the family hopes to raise awareness for the contagious illness.
According to the CDC, the bacterial infection is spread through oral secretions. Vaccines do exist, but they do not prevent all cases.
"Just be aware and be knowledgeable. Research, go online and discuss with your doctor," Arceo said. "It can hit at any point, and to see a child or anyone go through this is absolutely horrible."
from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1wudvKS
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire