Pray for her as you light a candle this Christmas Eve
Last Sunday, at Gracie’s belated 17th birthday party, Gracie came to me and said, “Mom, my hands feel numb and I have a pain in my neck, I think we need to go to the hospital.” Thinking that she was overreacting, I told that she should lay down, that it would pass. It was soon evident that was not the case (she started to feel numbness and paralysis in her feet), so we got in the car to go to the hospital. By the time we reached the hospital, the numbness and paralysis had reached Gracie’s waist, and she needed a wheelchair to get into the ER. But Gracie is so strong! She was telling the nurses and doctors it was okay as they poked and prodded her to find out what was wrong… she was doing better than the rest of us. As the day progressed, the paralysis had reached to her neck, and started to affect her ability to breath. Because of that, the doctors decided to intubate her so that she’d get the help breathing that she needed. Even though intubated, Gracie is awake and responsive, with the occasional smile.
Throughout Sunday and into Monday the doctors were running tests to try and figure out what was wrong, but they came back frustratingly normal. By mid-Monday, the two working diagnosis were Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Transverse Myelitis. Later that day, a second MRI seemed to indicate it was transverse myelitis, but today, based on review by the CDC, they have changed the diagnosis to Flaccid Myelitis. According to the doctor, this is only the 101st case of flaccid myelitis ever (there was a huge outbreak of it in Colorado earlier this year). Because the disease is so new, we do not know what Gracie’s recovery will be like, but no matter what happens, Gracie has a very long road ahead of her.
You’ve obviously found this web site we created for Gracie, which we will use to share updates about her progress. You can sign-up for updates so that you’ll receive emails as posts are made, and also be able to write messages back to Gracie.
As you can imagine, Bill, Emily, and I are overwhelmed with the events of the past few days. While we wished we had the time and energy to talk to each of you, it is difficult to tell and retell the events of the past few days, so please use this web site to keep updated on her progress. We may not respond to your call, texts or emails, but we do covert your prayers.
We appreciate the support of our family and friends, and know that many of you want to help. If you do, please email Paul Corr at [email protected]. While we don’t need any meals yet, we will, and we would love to have your support.
Debbie, Bill, and Emily
Comments (6)
By Deanna Zaharias — Dec 28, 2014 3:00pm You have been in my thoughts everyday.... I know everyday you will get better... Can't wait to see my beautiful Gracie with her beautiful smile soon. LOVE YOU VERY MUCH. Deanna By Andrea Caplan — Dec 28, 2014 9:00am The Caplan Family is praying and wishing positive thoughts for Gracie and you all. We are here and can help with anything. Please lean on us for support. God bless! By tracy schmidt — Dec 27, 2014 10:14am Hello I am Joie's aunt Tracy, i sat with you Debbie at the Christmas party. Just wantedto let you know we are praying for a miracle of healing, restoration, comfort and encouragement. ?? By Lori Tolcher — Dec 26, 2014 12:46am Dear Bill, Debbie, Emily and Gracie Please know our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I know you all have the strength and courage to face this challenge together. We will keep you close in our thoughts and in our hearts. Love Lori, Chris and the girls By Susan Kielhorn — Dec 25, 2014 8:26pm Bob and I send Gracie prayers, love and positive thoughts. Also for Debbie, Bill and Emily. Stay strong and know that many many people are praying for you. Reach out when you need help or just a shoulder to lean on. By Marian and Dave Winters — Dec 25, 2014 7:17pm You are continually in our thoughts and prayers. By Jennifer Harting — Dec 25, 2014 6:19pm Gracie, We love you and pray for your full recovery. Debbie, Bill, and Emily, Our prayers are with you and Gracie. Love, Jennifer, Frank, and Emma Harting By Alyce Ostler — Dec 25, 2014 4:02pm Keep smiling Gracie Praying for you Lots of love By Raia Finc — Dec 25, 2014 3:29pm We are members of the First United Methodist Church family, who moved away about a year ago, but fondly remember you and your family. We will hold you and your family in our hearts this Christmas, sending love and prayers for healing and comfort. Hugs from Minnesota, Raia, Jeff, Veronica & Omri (new addition to the family as of Sept 10) Finc By Mary Colson — Dec 25, 2014 3:08pm Dear Debbie and Bill, I am sending Gracie, you and your family all of my fervent prayers. We lit a candle for Gracie this morning when we heard the news. We plan to light a candle every night until she's back home. Sending all of you love and blessings. By Dallis Richardson — Dec 25, 2014 3:05pm Praying for God's grace upon Gracie...as are so many! I'm thankful for this website, because you are all in my mind and heart almost unceasingly. It will be a gift to follow Grace's updates; thank you. By Amy Zuchowicz — Dec 25, 2014 2:50pm Gracie is in our thoughts and prayers. Thinking of her beautiful smile and easy laugh. ?? Amy, Matt, Alegra, and Oliver By Gillian — Dec 25, 2014 2:49pm hey Gracie! your mom said to leave you a message here. I downloaded the app and everything. I love you so much and miss you too I wish I could see you and just give you a giant hug. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and are doing well and staying strong!! I love you ???????? By Amy Andersen — Dec 25, 2014 2:39pm Gracie,Debbie, Bill and Emily. Out thoughts and prayers go out to your amazing family. All the love you have for each other will make you stronger. We love you all and are praying for a speedy recovery. Amy, Poul, Eileen, Alex and Luke Andersen
By Cathie Watson-Short — Dec 25, 2014 1:27pm Debbie my heart is so full for you right now. I lit a candle for Gracie last night at our Christmas eve mass in Saratoga and said prayers for Gracie, you, Bill and Emily. I will keep praying for you all. I haven't seen Gracie in a long time, but if I saw Gracie on the street without you, I would know exactly who she is. She looks so much like you, beautiful face, kind eyes and the same light you have. Such a beautiful young lady. Lots of love to you! By Raymond Courtney — Dec 25, 2014 1:15pm Gracie, I pray for wisdom for your doctors as they treat you and I pray for your whole family that God will give you strength and comfort and that you do not despair during this dark time. By Juanita Collins — Dec 25, 2014 12:40pm Gracie, you do not know me, but we have the same flute teacher - Linda Rouhas. And I am the head of our Prayer Chain at the Free Methodist Church on Cliff Drive. Know that we are all praying for you and believing that you are in the Lord's hands. Also know that the Lord encourages us to "abide under the shadow of His wings" (PS 17: 8). I am praying that the Lord is covering you and your whole family with His love and protection. By Sasha McGibben — Dec 25, 2014 12:34pm Sending healing prayers to Grace. A Christmas miracle coming your way!! Stay strong sweetie!! By Anika Backelin-Harrison — Dec 25, 2014 11:47am All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Gracie. I trust you will get better, and I wish you a Merry Christmas and swift recovery. By Elaine — Dec 25, 2014 11:46am All the Indiana Keenans are thinking of you and your family today. We remembered you in our prayers at Christmas Eve Midnite Mass. By Natalie Ward — Dec 25, 2014 11:30am Get better soon Gracie. Your'e a strong girl and I know you can fight through this. <3 We are keeping you in our prayers. By Jan Volbeda — Dec 25, 2014 11:19am Our constant prayers are with you! Praying for a miracle from God's healing hands! We love you all! - jan and klaas By Jeff Granger — Dec 25, 2014 11:15am We lifted up Gracie in prayer last night during our Christmas Eve service. We will continue to pray for her and for your family. May God's healing hand be upon her. Jeff and Karen Granger By Renee Chernila — Dec 25, 2014 11:12am We are sending our thoughts, love and prayers to Gracie. May God give you all strength and courage at this difficult time. You have a huge community of love and support. With love - Renee and family By The Stamps family — Dec 25, 2014 11:10am We love you Gracie! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lots of people in Tennessee are praying for you. God Bless You All! By Ruth Warkentin — last edited Dec 25, 2014 10:34am My Prayers for you, Gracie, and your whole family are unceasing...being uppermost in my mind. May God's peace and love rest upon you all as you are thrust into this very trying situation, and bring you through with renewed strength and see His mighty works. Love to you all. Ruth Warkentin By Andrea Stouffer — Dec 25, 2014 10:17am Gracie, Debbie, Bill, and Emily, you are much in our thoughts and prayers. Gracie, we are praying for your healing and strength and comfort. We pray for all of you, a Christmas miracle. With much love and embraces, Andrea & Irwin By Lynn Taylor — Dec 25, 2014 10:12am Thinking of all ofyou with prayers and love . Lynn Taylor. By Mary everett — Dec 25, 2014 9:53am Sending love, love and more love. By Grace Rachow — Dec 25, 2014 9:49am Thank you, Debbie, for this very clear account of the situation. As we walk around the neighborhood, it is clear the impact Gracie's sudden illness has had on everyone. It is as if the lights have all gone out and everyone is thinking of Gracie, and your whole family, and even those who never pray are praying for a Christmas miracle and as many miracles as it takes for Gracie to recover and heal. So be it.
By Emily Sommermann — Dec 25, 2014 9:23am Be brave Gracie, trust in the Lord. He loves you and will not forsake you. I lift up my eyes to the hills. where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord.....Psalm 121 Love and prayers for you and your family By Lynne Daley — Dec 25, 2014 9:03am Thinking of your family and you, strong Gracie! Lynne and Helen Daley - Karen Gallivan's sister and Mom. By Tedesco Family — Dec 25, 2014 8:54am Gracie, Debbie, Bill & Emily: You are in our thoughts and prayers. You are a beautiful, strong girl and will overcome this. We're here for whatever you may need. Love, Cheryl, Dave, Colton and Faith By Claire Pendergast — Dec 25, 2014 8:06am Gracie, Debbie, Emily and Bill, We are all praying for you all and envisioning Gracie with a complete and full recovery dancing with Rudenko, singing with the Madrigals, playing her guitar and piano, walking down Newburyport Street in Boston with cute red headed boys ??, so full of life, love and heart! We love you all and are here for you in any possible way!! Gracie, you are so strong in mind and spirit!! You will overcome this and come out so much stronger on the other side!!! Sending so much love, light and healing thoughts to you all!! The Pendergasts By Linda Rouhas — Dec 25, 2014 6:09am Dearest Grace...I have been thinking about you and praying for your recovery. You are strong in heart and soul and I know that you will weather this difficulty courageously. I pray for your family to have strength and stamina in their support of you. When you listen to your music, especially piano, visualize your hands and heart creating that sound. You are loved by many, you are not alone. Thinking of you, Linda By Patti Strout — Dec 25, 2014 4:07am No words can express our love and concern for all of you.... Our candles tonight were lit with love for Grace... held high to light a path for healing and comfort. We love you. By Michelle Keenan — Dec 25, 2014 1:43am We are praying for Gracie's recovery, and for you.Debbie, and Emily!! Our constant thoughts are with you! By Guy and all of us — Dec 25, 2014 1:25am Gracie, We are missing you right now big time. I am sure it's hard to fathom what is happening. Sometimes things just really suck. Ask for what you need, whatever it is and believe that this situation is temporary, because it is. I know you ,well enough and I know your attitude is as good as it can be. You will get through it. It's a hard thing but you will. We love you , all of us .... Guy, Deanna, Zach, Jake, Allie, Brooke, Josh By Doug King — Dec 25, 2014 12:59am Thinking about you and praying for you. By Cheryl Hess — Dec 25, 2014 12:22am Bill, Debbie, Emily & Gracie. Please know that we are praying for strength, endurance, wisdom, patience and healing. Much love, the Hesses By Sharlae Jenkins — Dec 25, 2014 12:18am Dear Gracie, You are a delightful teen who is SO talented! I love seeing your smiling, beautiful face on my student picture board! I am praying for you constantly, that God will bring healing to your body, wisdom to the doctors, and comfort and strength to your sweet family. I love you dearly! By Lynn Montgomery — Dec 24, 2014 11:56pm Gracie, sweet Gracie, your smile lights up the world. A few days ago, I heard a knock on the door and answered it to find you standing there with your fabulous smile and open arms. I am holding on to that picture of you - strong and healthy lighting up the world with your incandescent soul. We hold you close in our thoughts, our hearts and our prayers. Debbie, you have always been so strong and comforting to others. Now we will comfort you in any way we can. Hannah and I are here for you and your family. God Bless you. By Kathie Mashni — Dec 24, 2014 11:49pm My thoughts and prayers are with you!
By Kelly, Ralph, and Claire — Dec 24, 2014 11:23pm Bill, Debbie, Gracie, and Emily, Our prayers are with your family during this most trying time! We are here for you all! Love, By Katie Olson — Dec 24, 2014 11:20pm Gracie, We are so proud of how brave, beautiful, and strong you are. We are praying constantly for healing, and for comfort for you and your whole family. Lots of love, Katie, Christopher, and Caroline By Connie and Bill Davis — Dec 24, 2014 10:53pm Gracie, Our family will have you in our hearts every minute to help you gain strength...We know that with so many people pulling for you, you will be back to your old self before you know it.... By josie DeVine — Dec 24, 2014 9:45pm Gracie, Our entire family is praying for you! You are a strong, caring, and positive person. We are all here for you. Love, Josie, Jeff, Blake, Bradley, & Bridget By Linda Kinney — Dec 24, 2014 9:44pm Thinking of you all and sending positive thoughts and prayers. Linda & Jon By Lisa Rector — Dec 24, 2014 9:39pm Hi Gracie and Fisher Family, I am Karen Gallivan's sister and she has told us about your health. We are saying prayers here in DE for healing, strength and your recovery. You will be in our thoughts constantly! Lisa Rector By Mary Overall — Dec 24, 2014 8:25pm Gracie, Debbie and Bill, we are all sending our positive vibes and spinning like whirling Dervishes to help you keep up your strength. You have so much good energy coming your way. All of my love, Mary. By Virginia Lordan — Dec 24, 2014 8:24pm Dear Fisher and Wieder Family, I know Gracie is strong and brave and I pray she will have fast upward progress. Starting soon. My heart is there in Santa Barbara. Thinking of you all. By Taisa — Dec 24, 2014 8:00pm Dear Gracie, Debbie, Emily, and Bill, I've been praying nonstop with my family and church community! We all love you so much and have faith that God can perform a medical miracle and restore Gracie to full health! By Mary C u ar — Dec 24, 2014 7:59pm Bill, Debbie, Grace and Emliy, I am shocked and concerned. I hope you will let me know if there is anything we can do. Drive Dottie, bring meals take dogs for walks anything that comes up. We are here for you. Love Mary and Chuck By Don — Dec 24, 2014 7:49pm Hi Gracie, this is your guitar teacher Don Lappin:) Your dad just let me know what happened. I am thinking of you and am praying that you have a very fast recovery. Don By Mari Mender — Dec 24, 2014 7:10pm Dan, Mari, Brian, McKenna, Grace & Karly send our love to you on Christmas Eve. We will light a candle for you tonight Gracie and pray for your recovery. In the spirit of peace and love we are sending you and your family our prayers. We are here for you Debbie and Bill. Love, The Mender Family By Bart Corr — Dec 24, 2014 7:02pm This is Julia, Gracie I hope you feel better. I'm thinking about you all the time. I will try to get my whole church to pray for you. You can get through this,just like I did with my heart surgeries. I love you?? By Bart Corr — Dec 24, 2014 7:02pm This is Julia, Gracie I hope you feel better. I'm thinking about you all the time. I will try to get my whole church to pray for you. You can get through this,just like I did with my heart surgeries. I love you?? By arlene Martin — Dec 24, 2014 6:55pm May God's light surround this child of God and bless her with strength to conquer this challenge...and may this family know that they are loved and supported by the prayers and good wishes of us all. By alexa avila — Dec 24, 2014 6:10pm We are praying and sending our love to you, Gracie. We are lighting a candle for you tonight and praying for your continued strength. By Elaine Morello — Dec 24, 2014 5:45pm Sending love to Gracie, Emily, Debbie and Bill, and keeping Gracie in our prayers daily. Love, Elaine, Alberto & Alessio
By Bradford Brown — Dec 24, 2014 5:38pm Bradford, Meghan, Justin and Colette, along with Sharon, Michaela, and Kieran, have you and Gracie in our hearts thoughts and prayers. Please if you need anything at all just let us know. We will light candles for Gracie every day until she is better and returns home. All our love. By Joy Maddison — Dec 24, 2014 5:15pm Prayer to you and family hope for a quick recovery love you all By Lisa & Aubrielle Martin and family. — Dec 24, 2014 5:13pm Our family will continue to pray for Gracie and your whole family until Gracie is well and at home with you. Prayers coming in from Spain, Turkey, Dominican Republic and all over the U.S. for Gracie. God Bless..always. By Heather, Keith, Jack and Wil ... Hudson Crummer Family — Dec 24, 2014 5:10pm WE are sending our love and prayers to Gracie and all of you.. Peace. xoxo By The Bird Family — Dec 24, 2014 5:03pm Thinking of you and sending our love and all best wishes. We are here for you if we can help in any way. Gracie is strong! By The Oakley Family — Dec 24, 2014 4:51pm We will continue to pray for your whole family. Sending you all tons of love and positive thoughts!! By Sue and Norm Rush — Dec 24, 2014 4:43pm We are thinking of you and your family, Gracie. We are praying for an accurate diagnosis and a quick and complete recovery. By the Richerts — Dec 24, 2014 4:42pm Praying for Gracie! Love you guys! By Amy Saldamando — Dec 24, 2014 4:29pm Thinking of you all and hoping for the very best. By Lori Fisher — Dec 24, 2014 4:09pm Our prayers, love, hugs and everything we have in us is headed to our beautiful Gracie! By Bill, Karen, Will, Robbie, Stephen, Katie, Branden, and Andrew Gallivan — Dec 24, 2014 4:09pm WE LOVE YOU, Fisher Family and are supporting you 100% Our thoughts and prayers for strength and recovery are constant. We even have Stephen saying prayers and lighting candles all over Europe!! Olga is doing the same for you in Mexico. You are not alone!! By Jessica Stamps — Dec 24, 2014 4:06pm Love you all!! Thinking of you & praying constantly!!
Debbie, Bill, Emily, We are a world away from you but have been thinking of you and Gracie often since we heard the news. I haven't seen Gracie since she was about 11, when we were about to leave for Maryland. I believe that you came to the park near my mom's after Gracie's play practice and Gracie was so tall and beautiful and good with my younger kids. Flaccid myelitis is a new diagnosis to me, but I did work with some other myelitis and GBS patients years ago at the V.A. and know that recovery can happen. We are praying for all of you. I have no doubt that you have to strength and faith to get through this. Love and prayers-- Tamara and Famiy