Aubrey is a Miracle

A Message from Aubrey's Dad

Aubrey at the beginning

"Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now, as always, Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death." Phillipians 1:18-20

I know it has been a while since the last update, and I know that all of you have continued to keep Aubrey and our family in your thoughts and prayers.  We are sincerely grateful that you have continued to stand with us.

At this point, I feel confident in saying that Aubrey's recovery has been a miracle. She spent 11 days in the ICU and another nine days on the pediatrics ward.  There were times we thought she might die.  We had no idea what the future would hold for her if she survived.  The nights were long, lonely, and stressful.

But she woke up, had no further seizures, and improved so rapidly that within a period of two to three days, we went from considering surgical placement of a feeding tube and a month long stay in a rehab hospital to realizing that we could probably take her straight home.  She has been home now for almost three weeks, and the progress has continued to be remarkable.

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Miracles by leaps and bounds

Aubrey only required the NG feeding tube for five days before we were able to remove it.  At her first follow-up with pediatrics, she had already gained one pound of the four pounds she lost in the hospital.  Her eating and drinking continued to improve on a daily basis, and I am happy to report that she has now completely regained the weight she lost in the hospital. 

Quick improvements

She has had one visit with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy and they were anticipating that she might need outpatient therapy once every two to three weeks until the end of November.  She goes back to the therapists tomorrow, and I fully anticipate that she will not need anymore outpatient therapy at all.

[UPDATE (the following day): Aubrey just returned from three hours of therapy.  She has gained six months of gross motor skills in the last ten days.  Her fine motor skills are testing at the three-year-old level.  There is no need for further therapy as she is functioning at or above her age level.] 

Her motor skills have continued to improve to the point that she is climbing up playground equipment and chasing her sister down the sidewalk.  Her speech and vocabulary are no different than before.  I think she still has some subtle deficits in her fine motor skills but anticipate that these will continue to improve.  Her swallowing has completely normalized and we were able to stop thickening her liquids.

She had a follow-up with neurology a week ago, and they were quite pleased with her progress.  Her doctor said that the major question marks had been crossed off the list.  When I asked him to clarify, he said that when she was in the midst of this, there was question of how neurologically compromised she would eventually be.  She could have struggled like a child with severe cerebral palsy.  She could have continued to have seizures as they weaned the medications.  But instead, she only continued improving.  Aubrey is a miracle.

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The Doctors are Amazed

More improvement

Several statements from her physicians have been notable to me.  Her ICU physician told the pediatrics residents that because of all the horrible, devastating things they see happen to children in their careers, Aubrey is someone to remember, because cases like hers are what keeps you going as a pediatrician.

One of the infectious disease physicians said that she has made "a miraculous recovery."  Her attending physician on the pediatrics ward told me that he had a feeling that she would get better, but that he had no idea it would happen this quickly. 

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Believing for Continued Healing

There are three issues we continue to deal with.  First, there is still a question of some minor neuro-developmental delays, but it will take some time for us to determine if that is the case.  I anticipate that there will be little to no neuro-developmental delays based on her progress so far.  They said she has between a 5-10% lifetime risk of developing a seizure disorder because of the severity of her infection and seizures.  She will need to remain on the anti-seizure medication for at least six months to a year.  We hope that eventually she will be able to discontinue the medication and that she will remain seizure-free.

Aubrey's goes home

Second, Aubrey is extremely emotional, and we are dealing with a number of behavioral issues.  It has become quite clear that the emotions and behavior are not different from what we dealt with before.  They are simply far more intense.  Aubrey is a very good girl, but she was by far our most difficult child, and her behavior is truly testing our patience.  We are unsure how to handle it, because it could be caused by several factors: behavioral/emotional problems are common in children after encephalitis, they can also be caused by the anti-seizure medication, she is recovering from a long, traumatic hospitalization, and she is still two-years-old.

Last, we are somewhat concerned about her vision.  At times she looks a little cross-eyed and we have noticed some things that may indicate her vision has been affected.  The infection was located in an area of the brain that controls vision.  She has an appointment with an eye doctor at the end of November to help sort this out.  Even if her vision has been affected, it is very minor as she is functioning almost normally.

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A Word of Thanks

Aubrey today - a miracle

My job has been incredibly supportive in allowing me the time I needed to be with my family, and I will be going back to work soon.  My fellow residents have offered numerous times to bring meals, help with childcare, or to do anything we need.  Our church and family have been an enormous support.  When this started, I truly felt that the doors of our church had been kicked open, and people were running to our rescue.  We are so grateful.  And the enormous prayer support we have received from all over the world will never be forgotten.  Thank you for praying and for sending your comments and emails.

This may be the last update for quite a while.  We are so thankful that we have our Aubrey back.  In fact, I am thrilled to even write that sentence.  Everything about her is back: her personality, her loving attitude toward her younger brother, her playfulness, her relationship with her older sister, being a "daddy's girl," her disarming sweetness, and her intensity and passion.

We do not know how long the behavior and emotions will remain an issue but trust that God will guide us in how to handle it.  After all, he rescued our daughter from the jaws of death.  We continue to trust Him and thank you for standing with us through this time.

Grappling with God's Sovereignty: What's the Point of This?

Thank you for continuing to pray for Aubrey in line with the prayer requests of the previous post on this blog.  Many of you may be unaware of the hours that the Gallos' extended family have spent sitting with Aubrey at the hospital, babysitting James and Lilly, cleaning the house, making meals - all while praying their hearts out.

Andy's sister, Lauren, has been particularly involved, since she lives with Ashleigh and Andy.  I asked her to share some insights she's gained from this ordeal.  She has shared this excellent post on how she has wrestled with God's sovereignty through this painful experience, and I commend it to you.

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Lauren and Aubrey

God’s sovereignty has been my favorite attribute to study, ponder, and pride myself in understanding for years.  I know God controls everything, and He always orchestrates circumstances with the dual purpose of promoting His glory and my eternal good.

But recently, God apparently decided that I needed to let this truth seep a little more deeply into my heart.  Since Aubrey’s illness began, I have been thrown into a period of study and introspection that has made the truth of God’s sovereignty more beautiful than it was before.

For an already contemplative person, this turned me to a consuming search for a satisfactory reason why this happened.  In that, I’ve learned to cling to Christ, His word, and His unfailing promises.  I’ve learned that God saw the tears my family would cry, and He grieved with us; but only He has the big picture and the ability to plan every single thing for our good.

I decided to write this entry for the blog to help me make a little bit of sense out of Aubrey's illness - an illness I first considered irrational, pointless, and an unwarranted punishment.  My perspective has changed, and I hope I can accurately convey what God has so graciously taught me over the past several weeks.  I also hope it will encourage a fellow believer who is or will be going through a seemingly pointless trial.  I hope you’ll see that even if you never learn why, it’s not really pointless at all.

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When Aubrey had her first seizure, I was supposed to have already left the house for work.  But God had other plans.  Instead of leaving the house at 6 a.m., I was just getting up that morning because I had gotten a cold the day before.  God’s sovereign plan kept me home so I could take care of Lilly and James while Ashleigh rushed Aubrey to the hospital.  This seemingly trivial part of His plan led to a course of events I never imagined.  A month later, I am still absorbing it all.

Just a few moments after Ashleigh left the house and the initial shock wore off, I started asking God why.  As dramatic as witnessing Aubrey’s seizure was, I was equally haunted by the image of Aubrey's mother seeing Aubrey suffer in an unexpected and horrific manner.  I don’t yet understand the love of a parent for a child, but then I started to grapple with reconciling the pain my brother and sister-in-law were currently experiencing with a commonly known Biblical truth: God the Father loves His children on earth more than a parent loves his own children.

Here began my earnest study on the sovereignty of God.  I poured over Jerry Bridges' book Trusting God, Even When Life Hurts, I searched for sermons on God’s sovereignty, and I found myself seeking God’s truth during any spare moment.

On the way to work, I was reading and searching for an answer.  During my lunch break, I’d slip away to search some more.  While I sat with Aubrey and wondered if she’d ever be the same, I was looking.  I found myself teetering emotionally, shedding more tears than I knew I could produce, and my only avenue to stability was God and His truth.

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I’ve always sought lessons, and I'm usually pretty good at applying them to my life.  This was the first time that God started to teach me the hardest lesson I’ve ever encountered: Trust God.  Know that He is good.  Know that circumstances are planned and perfectly orchestrated for the good of His children, no matter what, even when you have no clue why.

Lilly, Aubrey, and Aunt Lauren

What’s more, trust God, even if He never answers your burning desire to know why.  Do not allow your questioning to turn into accusing God and insinuating that He is not as good as He claims.

I say God started to teach me because I know this will be a continual process.  But I pray that the during the calm seasons, when I am tempted to believe that I can sustain and prosper my own life, I will not forget these scriptural truths that became alive to me in the crisis:

• God knows the tears His children will shed, and they are ever-present before Him: “Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll – are they not in your record?” – Psalm 56:8 
• God does not willingly afflict us, and He is full of compassion: “Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.”  – Lamentations 3:32-33 
• “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other.  Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.” - Ecclesiastes 7:14
• Even the terrible things were planned: “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.” - Isaiah 45:7
• All things work together for good, to make us more like Christ. - Romans 8:28. 
• I may never understand how what appears irrational, pointless, and unwarranted punishment works for good, but God says it does: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” - Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 8:28. 
• “If we are to honor God by trusting Him, and if we are to find peace for ourselves, we must come to the place where we can honestly say, ‘God, I do not have to understand. I will just trust You.” –Jerry Bridges, Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts, p. 135

And so I declare to the Lord - No matter what, I am going to trust You, even when I hurt and it all seems pointless.  I will continue to seek lessons, but if I can't see them, I will still trust You.  Thank You for preserving Aubrey, for listening to the prayers of Your saints, and working good for Your children.  We are so thankful, Father.

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I want to end by leaving you with this truth-packed song that has been my theme for the past few weeks.  I hope it touches your heart like it has mine.

Four Areas Where Aubrey is Still Struggling

It's been a few days since we updated you on Aubrey Gallo.  Andy and Ashleigh are very thankful to have her back home, but it hasn't been without its struggles.  Here are four areas where Aubrey is struggling (with some success), but she still needs your prayers...

1. Weight gain: The NG tube is no longer in Aubrey's nose, so she is now starting to eat and gaining weight - but it's a slow process that can be frustrating and requires constant attention.  For example, they have to keep an eye out for signs that liquid is getting into her windpipe, because it could cause pneumonia.
2. Motor skills: Today, Aubrey went to receive therapy, and all the therapists were shocked at her progress and that she didn't have to go to inpatient rehab.  They did tell the Gallos that Aubrey's motor skills have regressed to those of a child about six months younger than her.  But the therapists are nonetheless very encouraged at Aubrey's rapid improvement and believe she will only need to come to therapy once a week for a while.
3. Emotional volatility: Aubrey is going to do a follow-up with neurology on Tuesday.  She's showing an unusually low tolerance for a number of simple things like putting on her shirt or having her diaper changed.  It could be the anti-seizure drug that's causing this, or it could also an aftereffect of the encephalitis.  
4. Possible epilepsy/vision damage: The doctors will try to figure out whether Aubrey has epilepsy as they continue to treat her, but there is some evidence that children who go through this illness have an increased risk of epilepsy.  There's also a possibility that Aubrey's vision was damaged by the West Nile encephalitis. 

Please pray for the following:

• that Aubrey will continue to eat normally and continue to gain weight
• that her swallowing will no longer be an issue and she will continue to tolerate thin liquids
• that the emotional volatility will improve
• that she will eventually be able to come off the seizure medications, have no epilepsy, and that she will not ever have another seizure
• that her vision will heal
• that, as Andy prepares to return to work, they will successfully figure out how to deal with a child who still isn't quite the same as before.

Thank you for continuing to pray.  We know you have your own issues and concerns, but your comments, prayers, and emails are such a potent reminder that Andy and Ashleigh are not alone in this.  We'll try to put up some new photos soon.

Aubrey is Home!

After the tremendous progress that Aubrey has been making, yesterday, the doctors decided she was ready to go back home.  In fact, she only has to do outpatient care at the rehab hospital.  Praise the Lord!

It's remarkable to think that, just a week ago, the post on this blog was so dire (see "A Visit to Aubrey - Definitely Keep Praying.")  Since then, Aubrey has surpassed all of the doctors' expectations.  We believe the Lord was listening to the thousands of prayers and, in response, giving her supernatural rehab that medicine could not offer.  As a result, three weeks after nearly dying at Walter Reed Hospital, Aubrey paid a visit to our church tonight.

During the service, I went over to say hello to her.  She seemed very bashful and wary at first, which is unusual for her.  But I felt so happy to see her looking healthy, and I leaned forward and said, "Aubrey, I love you."  She looked back at me and said, "I love you."  What refreshing words to hear from a little girl who couldn't even speak this time last week.

Andy and Ashleigh still request your prayers for Aubrey and their family in the following areas:

1. Aubrey's still not eating quite enough, because she's dependent upon the NG tube, which doesn't provide all the nutrients she needs.  She could probably do a lot better with eating, but the problem is that some of the food and drink is going into her windpipe.  Please pray that her throat will heal.
2. Aubrey's still on an emotional roller coaster.  She's been through a bizarre, frightening experience - especially for a two-year-old - and she needs to experience God's peace.  Pray that the Holy Spirit and His angels would comfort her and wipe away all the scary memories.
3. Andy says Lilly, Aubrey's sister, doesn't quite understand the situation (she is four, after all), and when she is a little rough with her sister, they find themselves short-tempered.  They don't want to be that way, so please pray they will have grace for all three kids.

Thank you again for all your prayers.  I'm amazed to see that there are so many of you from all over the world who are checking this website or receiving email updates.  Your prayers are drawing the body of Christ together, glorifying God, and making a difference in the Gallos' life as a family.  

We will be periodically updating these blog posts.  If you are interested in receiving updates when there is a new posting, please enter your email address in the box on the upper right side of the screen, and click on the confirmation that is sent to your email inbox.

Aubrey's Appetite Makes a Comeback

Hey everyone.  This is Andy.  I'm sure everyone saw from Joshua's earlier post that Aubrey and I stopped by our pastor's house this afternoon to pick up Lilly, who has been spending half days there with her friends. 

The doctors allowed us to take Aubrey out of the hospital for six hours today, and after picking up Lilly, we took the girls home.  Aubrey was very excited to be back. 

Lilly and Aubrey today

Aubrey was feeling a lot better today after the laxative began working.  We began seeing the positive effects soon afterward.  Keep in mind that Aubrey wouldn't even eat a cookie three days ago.  But when we got home today, she sat next to Lilly, watching a DVD, and ate some cheese, pears, and strawberries - her favorite.  This is a normal-sized meal for Aubrey.  Lilly was so happy to see Aubrey and spend some time with her, and she very sweetly shared her strawberries with Aubrey. 

Later in the day, Aubrey got more restless and uncomfortable as the laxative continued working.  Because her appetite still isn't where it needs to be, we're going to continue supplementing her diet through tube feeding.  Our prayer is that as she gets her bowels sorted out, she will continue to want to eat more and more.  

She is still needs assistance to walk, but today she walked more than she has since all this began.  With more encouraging things like this happening, we are going to ask for additional passes to come home over the weekend.  On Monday or Tuesday, the doctor will reevaluate her rehab needs based on how well she does over the weekend.  If she does well and is taking in enough food and fluids, we can take out the NG tube. 

Here are some things we're praying for:

1. that Aubrey will continue to have more of an appetite so that we can take out the NG tube
2. a good night's rest for her
3. that we will be able to take her home next week, even if she needs outpatient therapy for a while
4. continued progress towards full recovery in all areas

We are doing ecstatic back flips in our hearts.  My prayer all along has been, "Lord, I just want my daughter back."  As I see His miraculous answer to this prayer, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. 

Thank you for continuing to carry Aubrey in prayer.

Aubrey Goes for a Stroll

I just received this text from the pastor of Church of the Resurrection, where the Gallos go to church:

Andy and Aubrey just stopped by our house!  No, I'm not kidding!  Praise God!

Praise God, indeed!

Aubrey is Body-Slamming the Odds

Hey everyone, it's Andy again.  We said we wouldn't update you on Aubrey unless there was something to report - well, there's something to report.  And it's good news.

Today, it was like the light switch turned on overnight.  There was dramatic improvement from yesterday to today - and I mean, abnormally dramatic improvement.

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When Aubrey woke up this morning, Ashleigh was with her.  Aubrey immediately wanted to play with her toys.  This is the first time she has shown any interest in actually playing with something.  That was very encouraging.  It gets even better.

As you may know, she's only said four or five words up until this point, and she has only said those in broken English and when she's angry.  But this morning, as she was trying to press a button on one of the toys she was playing with, she suddenly asked, "Mommy, can you help me?"  Ashleigh did a double-take, and then it hit her - "My daughter just spoke in a full sentence." Aubrey has continued to speak in full sentences today.  We praise Jesus for this.

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Two days ago, Aubrey was upset at the sight of a spoon.  Today, she actually tried to eat.  That's major progress.  Unfortunately, after one bite, she said her tummy hurt.  We think that's a sign of constipation, and that's probably why she's been so resistant to eating.  The doctors are going to give her a laxative to help with that.  We are hoping that once this happens, she will no longer need the NG tube.

Aubrey is also starting to walk.  She needs help because she is off balance and somewhat uncoordinated, but her strength is good.  Ashleigh helped her walk around the pediatric ward today, and Aubrey was giving stickers to all the nurses.

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Aubrey, the miracle kid

The infectious disease doctors came back, and the final test from the CDC came back confirming that this is West Nile Encephalitis.  In Aubrey's age group, West Nile has only caused encephalitis in 70 children in the last ten years, so it is quite rare.

Despite the seriousness of the disease, all of the doctors are amazed at Aubrey's progress from day to day.  Even though neurology can see some signs of brain disfunction, Aubrey's speedy recovery makes them hopeful that these problems will resolve in the coming weeks.  Personally, in my work as a doctor, I treat adults with brain injuries, and the kind of progress Aubrey has already made often takes weeks or months - or it never happens at all.  

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The automatic, involuntary movements of Aubrey's mouth and extremities have nearly disappeared and are quite mild at this time.  She shows some mild incoordination with her hands and during walking.  Her agitation and behavior have improved at least 50% or more since lowering the Keppra dose.  They want to keep her on Keppra for some time to suppress seizures, and there is a chance that Aubrey could come off the Keppra in a couple months, if all goes well.

We were hoping that Aubrey could soon be admitted to a rehabilitation hospital, but if she keeps making this kind of speedy progress, she may be able to go home and just do outpatient therapy.  That would be so wonderful.

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Please keep praying for Aubrey's complete recovery.  Here are some things you can pray for:

1. pray for Aubrey to start having good bowel movements.  She is quite uncomfortable from being constipated
2. pray that she will never have another seizure
3. pray that the remaining brain dysfunction will continue to clear, as it has been over the last several days
4. pray that she will want to start eating so we can pull out the NG tube
5. pray that when we leave the hospital, she will be able to come home instead of going to the rehab hospital
6. pray that we will soon have our little girl back, completely made whole

I cannot tell you how deeply it touches our hearts to know that so many of you have visited this site repeatedly to know how you can pray for a little girl you don't know.  We see the love of Jesus in this, and we celebrate His continuing victory.  We truly are a family in Christ.

Seven Great Things That Happened with Aubrey Today

Hey everyone, this is Andy.  I wanted to share seven encouraging things that happened with Aubrey today. 

1. For the first time since waking up from the coma, Aubrey slept all night.  Thank You, Jesus.
2. Aubrey said "mommy" several times last night when Ashleigh was there.  And you can imagine how my heart melted when she said "daddy" twice today.  Plus, while the nurse was flushing her IV line today, she got impatient and said, "All done!" to indicate it was time for the nurse to give her some space. 
3. We took Aubrey's baby doll from her today, and despite how weak she is, she got mad, stood up, and took a step (with help) to get her baby back.  Her strength continues to improve, and she is now able to sit unsupported.  She also is able to sit herself up in bed.
4. She's also starting to interact with her environment more.  This morning, she was was watching the portable DVD player and it fell over.  Rather than let it sit there, she reached out and pulled it back.  Later on, she reached over and picked up a book that was sitting next to her and held it in her lap.  These victories may sound small, but it's the first time she has shown any interest in anything around her, and it's a good sign.
5. When the doctors lowered the dosage of Keppra, she became more calm, though she still freaks out when nurses or therapists approacher her.  Despite some ongoing struggles, her pediatriac doctor said he was, quite frankly, taken aback by how much progress she was making in just two to three days (God is at work!).
6. Thank God tests showed she has no acid reflux.  Plus, the doctors are so encouraged by her progress, they don't think she will need the feeding tube for long, and therefore, they aren't going to place the tube into her abdomen.  This is great news, because it means she will probably go to the rehab hospital sooner rather than later. 
7. Aubrey allowed an NG tube (tube from her nose down into her stomach) today and has not tried to pull it out.  We are successfully feeding her through that tube for now.  The plan is to keep it in until her swallowing and aversion to food improves.  A promising sign of progress is that when Lilly was here this afternoon, she offered Aubrey a cookie.  Aubrey didn't eat it, but she didn't flip out either (she flips out anytime Ashleigh or I offer her something to eat).  She also held the cookie in her lap and held her sippy cup.  She didn't eat or drink anything, but this is a step in the right direction.

So, for the next couple days the plan is to feed her through the NG tube, continue to monitor her agitation, make adjustments to her seizure medication, work on feeding and swallowing to the point that she does not need an NG tube, and then get her to the rehabilitation hospital.

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Can you take a moment to pray for these areas:

• the agitation would continue to decline
• she will participate with her therapists
• she will tolerate the NG tube feedings
• she will start wanting to eat
• she will continue to get stronger and want to start walking

Despite the dark nightmare we've been through, we felt some more hope today, and we know that God is responding to all the prayers.  We praise Him and are grateful that He is being glorified as we come together in agreement to believe that He is our Healer.

A Positive Sign (or Two)

Hey, thank you all for continuing to pray for Aubrey.  She's still got a lot of challenges, but this email from Andy is encouraging. 

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Thank you for continuing to pray.  Our biggest challenge with Aubrey right now is that she is losing weight because she refuses to eat.  She is like an impossible, obstinate infant.  She kicks and screams any time we try to feed her.  Therefore, her doctors are considering a surgery to put a feeding tube in her stomach so she can get food in her body.  This will depend on whether the doctors discover she has acid reflux.  We don't want this to happen, because it would delay her starting physical therapy.

Here's a possible good sign though: her neurologist has noted her agitation and emotions, and he thinks it's a by-product of the anti-seizure medication she is taking.  Obstinance and agitation apparently are common side effects for kids taking the drug (Keppra), and this doctor has even seen a child go from walking to temporarily crippled as a result of taking Keppra.  So they are decreasing the drug tonight, which may make her less stubborn and more likely to eat.  Then maybe she won't have to have surgery to put in a feeding tube.

More good news: Aubrey is getting strong enough to roll over and move her body more naturally now.  She will eventually have to go to a physical therapy hospital nonetheless. 

We're encouraged by how well she's responding to Lilly, her sister, playing with her and helping her get healthier at the same time.  Lilly is able to get Aubrey to do things that nurses and doctors can't (because Aubrey can't bear to be around them; it freaks her out).  Therefore, Lilly will probably have to go to therapy with Aubrey for half of the day, once it starts.  It's a strange blessing that Lilly is part of the prescription for healing, and we pray that God will give her what she needs to help her sister.

Please also be in prayer for our family members who are up here helping us bear the load.  Ashleigh's family members have made long drives up here to come and help in so many ways, and my sister and parents are doing hospital duty and babysitting duty while trying to keep from melting under the weight of their frustrations and sadness as well.  We oftentimes forget these kinds of caretakers, and I would ask you to pray for them as well. 

Finally, for Aubrey, please pray that (1) they will be able to give Aubrey a feeding tube that does not require surgery; (2) her agitation will decrease with the decrease of Keppra; (3) she will have no acid reflux; and (4) she will have no more seizures. 

Thank you again for praying for Aubrey, our families, and us.  We are so grateful.

A Visit to Aubrey Today - Definitely Keep Praying

We visited Aubrey today, and it inspired - actually frightened - me into continuing to fervently pray.  The first thing we noticed is how much smaller she is, which is to be expected.

But what was most alarming as we got closer was the look of fear in her eyes, a fear that would sometimes turn to horror when a nurse would walk in the room.  The fear seems to be mixed with disorientation and confusion - a sense of terror.

Please understand that though this child may have left the ICU, she still needs your prayers badly.  I didn't realize that until I saw her in person.  Let's continue to have confidence in the God who made Aubrey, that He will restore her to complete health.

God, we know that with one word You can creatively heal Aubrey, just as you spoke this world into existence and have healed so many others.  Thank You, Lord.

Aubrey's Out of the Pediatric ICU

For those of you who are continuing to keep up with Aubrey's progress, thank you very much.  We believe your prayers really make a difference, so thanks for continuing to pray.  Here's an update from Andy.

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Yesterday, Aubrey moved out of the Pediatric ICU to the regular pediatric floor.  She is definitely more awake, but she is very emotionally fragile and agitated at times, especially later in the day.  

Ashleigh and I have been diligently working with her to improve her overall strength, particularly her neck and truck control, and we are seeing some small progress.  For the most part, she does not interact with us, but she does have brief periods during the day when she seems more lucid and happy and will play peek-a-boo with us for two to three minutes.  

The doctors continue to wean her seizure medications, and she has not shown more seizure activity.  That's great news.

She continues to have involuntary movements of her arms, legs, and mouth at times, and she has been grinding her teeth (especially when agitated), but we are hopeful that this will not be permanent.  She is eating more but still has not reached her calorie goal, which needs to be reached by Monday morning.  If she does not reach this goal, they may consider placing a feeding tube temporarily for nutrition and hydration.  

We are hoping to transition her to a pediatric inpatient rehabilitation hospital as early as Wednesday, if beds are available.

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Please join us in believing God for the following:

1. That Aubrey's mind will clear and the agitation will end
2. That she will interact with us more
3. That the involuntary movements will cease
4. That she will never have another seizure
5. That she will eat and drink enough so that she doesn't require a feeding tube
6. That there will be an available room at the inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Ashleigh and I are absolutely exhausted due to lack of sleep and working with Aubrey almost all day (my father and sister are coming to give us breaks during the day though).  Please pray that our marriage will remain strong, that our daughter Lilly will remain strong and happy, and that we will continue to put our hope and trust in the Lord.

We Have the Test Results on Aubrey

We want to start by thanking you for your prayers and support during this time.  The Gallos have received so many emails, comments, texts, and phone calls, and though they couldn't respond, they have been greatly strengthened and encouraged your words.

We do have a big update today after long discussions between the Gallos and all the members of Aubrey's medical team, and the news is mostly encouraging.  Here's Andy.

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Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your prayers.  We finally got an idea of where we stand with this illness and although we're not yet out of the woods, Aubrey's alive and recovering.

Andy and Ashleigh

First of all, the doctors think they know what happened to Aubrey.  They tested fluid from her brain yesterday, and it came back positive for West Nile, a mosquito-borne virus.  This is the most likely cause of the encephalitis, and the doctors will send another blood test to confirm.  There is no medical treatment for the symptoms, and in light of the fact that it can be lethal, we're simply grateful Aubrey survived.

The long term outcome of West Nile encephalitis is very hard to predict.  There are cases of permanent brain injury, which may include memory problems, learning disabilities, damage to vision, severe fatigue, behavioral and movement disorders, and many others.  It could be up to a year before we know what damage there may be, but we continue to be open to God's immediate intervention regardless. 

We are happy to report that the MRI is very encouraging and generally looks good.  There is one spot in her brain that still appears to be inflamed, but all other areas look normal.  We praise God for this.

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Functionally, Aubrey's having trouble swallowing liquids, but she's doing well with solid foods.  However, she only takes solid foods in small amounts right now, and this needs to increase in order to nourish her.  This will probably require physical therapy.

Aubrey still seems somewhat confused and doesn't always comprehend what's being said to her.  She is moving her arms and legs, but is too weak to support her neck and trunk.  She isn't speaking, and she's still having abnormal, involuntary movements of her mouth, tongue, arms, and legs (which could be some of the post-West Nile symptoms I mentioned above).  It is also possible that the medication could be causing this, but the neurologist doesn't think that's the case.

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We are trying our best to focus on the victories that have been happening daily.  One week ago, we didn't know if Aubrey would live to age three.  Yet by Tuesday, she came off the ventilator and was able to get all the machines removed from her body.  She hasn't had any more seizures. The MRI generally looks good.  She is alive and recognizes us - and today, she's leaving the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.  Thank You, Lord.

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Aubrey and Dad asleep last night

Aubrey potentially has a long road of recovery ahead of her, and the future is still uncertain. The past two days have been very, very difficult for Ashleigh and me, since Aubrey literally needs someone with her 24 hours a day.  When she is awake, she sometimes acts very agitated (Ashleigh had to hold her down for two hours yesterday), and it is very unnerving to see her constantly moving involuntarily.

Regardless, all our hopes, we set our hopes on the risen Christ.  He has come to our rescue and healed Aubrey in ways that the doctors couldn't.  At the same time, we are thankful for all that the medical staff has done.  God definitely used their hands, feet, and equipment to sustain Aubrey's life when it was dangling by a thread.

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We don't know how to adequately thank the hundreds of you from all over the world who have made it a priority to pray for Aubrey and our family.  You gathered around us in our darkest hour, picked up our mat, carried us to Jesus, and He has provided healing where there was hopelessness (Luke 5:17-26).

Aubrey and Lilly

For those of you who have carried us through this roller coaster week, we thank you for your prayers and speak a blessing over your life.  For those who want to keep up with Aubrey's progress as we take small steps toward healing, we will only update the blog when we have a specific request or reach a milestone.  If you want to keep up with that, it would be best for you to subscribe by email, and you can do that by subscribing in the upper right hand corner of the blog. 

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Aubrey has some ongoing needs for which you can pray, and here they are:

1. That she never have another seizure.
2. That she will have a healthy appetite.
3. That she will have a full recovery from any damage to her body.

Please also pray for continued strength for Ashleigh, Lilly, James, and me.  We know Aubrey's recovery will require a team effort as a family.  We're all going to need a lot of grace.  Although we've finally turned a major corner, we've discovered that around that corner is another long road.

So here we go.  Thanks for being here for us on the journey.

A Rough Day for Aubrey

Hopefully, later on tonight, we will post more information, but for now here's what Andy and Ashleigh have been dealing with.  In Andy's words, "We're starting to realize Aubrey has been traumatized by what she's been through over the last couple of days."  She was very difficult to deal with today, but despite her frustrations, they were able to take the drain out of her skull and do an MRI.  The results of the MRI haven't come back yet.

Please pray that God will calm Aubrey's nerves and give her peace.  Thank you.

Worn Down, but so Grateful for All the Prayer

There's more good news on Aubrey, though she's definitely facing challenges as well.  Thanks to all of you who faithfully check the website to see how you can pray.  It's not our goal to turn this into a miniature reality show, where we just solicit sympathy and stares.  We hope you'll use this website to guide your prayers for Aubrey.

Here's an update from Andy, Aubrey's dad.

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Ashleigh and Andy

Let me just say again, thank you for continuing to lift us up in prayer.  We're exhausted, and it's hard to stay focused on faith with so much stress and sleep deprivation.  You are being strong for Aubrey and our family, and it means the world to us.

On the medical side, now that Aubrey is more awake and her sleep/wake cycles are off, she remained awake most of the night last night and was very restless, sleeping about two hours the whole night.  We are hopeful that she sleeps better tonight, since the doctors removed the bolt from her head, as well as most of the IVs from her body today.

Aubrey still shows signs that she recognizes us, but she only interacts with us on a meaningful level for seconds at a time.  She's still spunky though - they placed a feeding tube in her today, and she pulled it out within two hours.  And although she's hoarse, she managed to say "mom" today while the nurses were taking IVs out of her body.

Aubrey's still on three, powerful anti-seizure medications, and neurology plans to start weaning her off of those tomorrow.  But in order to get off those medications, Aubrey has to remain seizure-free.  The doctors will also remove the drain from her skull tomorrow.

She is rhythmically grimacing, lip smacking, and sticking her tongue out at all times when awake.  It is too early to say, but it could be (1) an effect of the anti-seizure medications, (2) the sedative still wearing off, or (3) it could be a sign of brain damage.  She's getting an MRI tomorrow, and that will help us determine if there has been any damage to her brain.

Will you please pray for the following:

1. A good, restful night for Aubrey
2. Favorable findings on the MRI tomorrow
3. That she will remain seizure-free while being weaned from the medications
4. That she will be able to start eating tomorrow and have an appetite
5. Continued progress
6. Complete improvement of any potential brain damage

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Some of you have asked how we are doing.  

Aubrey and Dr. Dad

Last night, Ashleigh and I had a very long night.  We have to take turns watching Aubrey to make sure she doesn't pull any of the lines out or need help.  I stay up there from about 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. - and let me tell you, being there by yourself overnight is the worst.  As a dad and a doctor, it's a major challenge to keep myself from neurotically trying to diagnose each movement Aubrey makes.

It's strange because, as a rehabilitation physician, I know exactly what I would tell the parents if Aubrey were my patient ("Don't worry - she still has a lot of meds in her system, she is still in the acute period, she needs time, even if there are functional deficits she could still have complete or near complete recovery with rehabilitation.").  But saying those things to myself doesn't make me feel any better as a dad.  

It's hard to continue having faith, but I'm doing my best.  By God's grace, at least Ashleigh and I haven't been losing it at the same time, so we are able to comfort and encourage when the other has times of doubt and fear.  Thank you for the ways your emails, comments, and prayers have helped keep both of us encouraged.

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Thanks, Andy.

I am still inspired by Andy's email a few days ago when he described the kinds of prayers he's praying.  Let's keep it in mind as we continue to walk by faith in our prayers for him and his family.  As he said the other day:

I've been reading through Luke and, like the friends of the paralytic, I have continued to tear off the roof tiles to lower Aubrey's mat.  I'm shouting from the side of the road, like the blind man, for Jesus' attention.  I'm wrestling through the crowd to get Aubrey's hand to touch Jesus' robe.  I'm sending my emissaries to plead with Jesus like the Roman officer.  And I'm begging for mercy like Jairus did on behalf of his only daughter.

Amen.  Keep on praying.

The Gallos are Worn Out

Thank you to the thousands of people who have gathered in the name of Jesus to pray for Aubrey Gallo's health.  As you can see in the post, "It's Been a Really Good Day for Aubrey," we've hit a miraculous milestone and are all rejoicing in the progress she has made.

Andy and Ashleigh

We know you'll continue to pray for her needs (and they are still serious), but please take a moment to gather around Andy and Ashleigh in the spirit of Christ and pray for their strength.  For a week and a half, they have been living out of a PICU room and feeling the stress of possibly losing their daughter. 

They are exhausted, and they still aren't certain when this will end or how well Aubrey is doing (she's still on three, heavy medications that may be affecting her speech and motor skills).  Please carry them in prayer today as you have Aubrey this week.  Thank you for your continued prayers.

We will be periodically updating these blog posts.  If you are interested in receiving updates when there is a new posting, please enter your email address in the box on the upper right side of the screen, and click on the confirmation that is sent to your email inbox.

It's Been a Really Good Day for Aubrey

Thank you all for your faith, prayers, and encouragement today as Aubrey hit a big milestone and started breathing on her own.  God bless all of you who have joined together with the other parts of Christ's body to carry this little girl and her family.  Here's the full update from Andy.

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Aubrey sleeping after a long day

The extubation today was a success.  Aubrey did fantastic and breathed on her own immediately.  She still has some congestion in her upper airways and a weak cough, but it should get stronger over time.  She fell asleep immediately for about an hour after they took the ventilator out.

When she woke up, we could tell she was still very disoriented, likely due to the medication still wearing off.  However, she has shown some remarkable signs of recognition.  She clearly knows mommy and daddy, and she smiled at the bulletin board near her bed, which has pictures of her.  She laughed today which brought mommy to tears.

We brought some familiar toys, and her eyes lit up when she saw a Thomas the Tank Engine DVD.  Mommy was able to lie in bed with her and watch it.

Aubrey is not speaking yet.  She tried to say some words today, but almost no sound came out.  This should get better with time.  Physical and occupational therapy briefly evaluated her today and will be coming back on Friday as she wakes up even more.

She is still disoriented, anxious, and in pain at times, which requires pain medication and one of us to be at her side 24/7.  Fortunately, her favorite grandpa is here and is happy to sit with her so we can have a much-needed break in the evenings.

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All in all, it has been a great day.  However, Aubrey still has a long road ahead.  The bolt is still in her skull, measuring pressure, and the drain is still in place allowing spinal fluid to be released as needed.

The good news is that she is putting out less spinal fluid.  Neurosurgery wants to remove the bolt tomorrow, which will allow her to get an MRI of her brain.

Slowly, over the next couple of days, the doctors will be removing various lines and tubes from her body as she continues to stabilize.  They will test her swallowing ability, and if she does well, she can start eating if she has enough appetite.  If she does not do well with swallowing, they will have to place a feeding tube into her stomach temporarily.

The infectious disease service still has not discovered a cause, although at this point, finding a cause would not likely change anything, since she has been well taken care of and received all the medicines, antibiotics, and antivirals to cover all the possibilities.

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I should note that the prayers said on Aubrey's behalf have already availed much.  This was a very severe infection, and Aubrey was in subclinical status epilepticus (sustained seizures) for several days - I can't emphasize enough how serious that is.  She very well could have died.

I get the sense that the doctors and staff are amazed at her turnaround over the weekend and how quickly she has recovered (they were not anticipating removing the breathing tube until tomorrow or later).  One of her doctors was shocked that she never even required a blood transfusion, given the severity of her illness.

We give God the glory for all of this.

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Over the next few days, Aubrey will show us what consequences, if any, this viral infection has caused.  She may need some inpatient rehabilitation to improve her function, or she may be able to come straight home.  In any case, we are likely to be in the PICU for the remainder of the week.

Aubrey and dad

Here's how you can pray:

1. that she will not feel stressed or anxious, and that she will sleep.  My father has been praying that Jesus will appear to her in her dreams to comfort her.
2. that she will continue to put out low amounts of spinal fluid so the drain can be removed soon.
3. that she will have no more seizures as they take her off the anti-seizure medications.
4. that the infection will continue to resolve and the fevers will cease.
5. that her MRI will be uneventful and show good findings.
6. that she will be able to swallow and have enough appetite to start eating.

Most of all, we are praying that our Aubrey will be fully restored.  We realize that God works in various ways and that He could bring full healing, partial healing, or He could allow her to have brain damage as a result of this infection.  We are trying to prepare for all outcomes, as we know that God is good and can work in all situations for our good and His glory, but we are still asking for full healing (as did everyone who approached Jesus for healing in the gospels - hello!).

Thank you so much for your prayers, support, and emails.  We receive all the comments in our inbox, and Joshua forwards us many emails each day.  We read every one.  We truly feel part of the worldwide body of Christ.  Thank you for fighting on Aubrey's behalf.

Aubrey Laughed at Mommy Today

What a breath of fresh air.  I just got this quick text from Andy:

Extubation was successful . . . she is disoriented, hoarse, but recognizes us and laughed at mommy today.  She hasn't spoken yet.  She is still coming out of the sedation from the Pentobarbital [a very, very powerful sedative].  Full update tonight.

Thank You Jesus.  Thank You for that laugh, for the ongoing healing, for Your love in painful circumstances.  Thank You for Your children who are linking arms in faith, continuing to believe for Aubrey.

Here's a song that spoke to Andy the other night before he went to sleep.  Thanks to the commenter who sent it along.



Amen.

Please Pray - Aubrey is Being Extubated This Morning

Aubrey needs your prayers of faith this morning.  She is being extubated - that is, she's having the ventilator taken out of her airway.  This sounds simple, but it's a risky procedure that requires an entire emergency medical team to be in the room.  There's no way to know how Aubrey will respond.  She could begin breathing on her own or she could begin to suffocate. 

She had a rough night, due to the fact that she is much more awake and is now vomiting, which is complicated by having a ventilator down her throat, as you can imagine. 

Please pray in faith that she will be extubated smoothly, recover from the sedation, and have no brain damage.  Thank you. 

An Encouragement from Andy

Andy sent this email to me yesterday, describing where his faith is.  I found it pretty inspiring.  He said,

I've been reading through Luke and, like the friends of the paralytic, I have continued to tear off the roof tiles to lower Aubrey's mat.  I'm shouting from the side of the road, like the blind man, for Jesus' attention.  I'm wrestling through the crowd to get Aubrey's hand to touch Jesus' robe.  I'm sending my emissaries to plead with Jesus like the Roman officer.  And I'm begging for mercy like Jairus did on behalf of his only daughter.

Amen, Andy!  We are joining you in a chorus of prayer.

We will have an update on Aubrey's medical condition later in the day.  Until then, when you think about her, raise your voice from the side of the road and, with Andy, let's shout to Jesus, believing He will have mercy on Aubrey.

We will be periodically updating these blog posts.  If you are interested in receiving updates when there is a new posting, please enter your email address in the box on the upper right side of the screen, and click on the confirmation that is sent to your email inbox.

Aubrey's Eyes Opened Up!

Aubrey's already waking up!  We apologize for the angle of the video, but it's worth it to crane your neck to see Aubrey's eyes opening up.

Keep on lifting her up in prayer.  And thank God she's awake without seizures.  This is encouraging.

Aubrey Will Be Waking Up on Wednesday

If all goes as planned, Aubrey will wake up from the medically-induced coma on Wednesday.  This is good news, because it will finally give doctors an idea of how she's doing.

Very likely, Aubrey's last memory is being at home with her family.  When she wakes up, she will be in an unfamiliar room with lots of beeping noises, medical personnel, wires, and tubes (some of which are lodged in her skull).  Doctors expect the experience to be very disorienting for a two-year-old who has no idea what has happened to her.

Therefore, when Aubrey wakes up on Wednesday, Andy and Ashleigh ask that only immediate family members visit for a few days after that.  Please feel free to call and schedule a visit before Wednesday morning - it will be appreciated.  Even if you can't come, please keep commenting on the website, emailing, and texting.  The comments to the website go straight to Andy and Ashleigh's email, and they read every one of them.

We are praying that Aubrey will wake up on Wednesday, recognize her mom and dad, and start getting back to being a healthy two-year-old.  Thank you for joining us in faith.

We will be periodically updating these blog posts.  If you are interested in receiving updates when there is a new posting, please enter your email address in the box on the upper right side of the screen, and click on the confirmation that is sent to your email inbox.

A Glimpse of Hope

The outpouring of prayer and support for Aubrey is overwhelming - and needed.  Every single prayer is appreciated, and we believe that God is using it to weave the fabric of healing that Aubrey needs.

Here's another update from Andy.

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Thanks again for all the prayer and support you're giving Aubrey and our family as we continue to keep watch over her and believe for God's best.

The day began with good news: Aubrey had a good night (think "boring is good").  The doctors eliminated one of her four seizure medications today, and she had no seizure activity throughout the day.  That's good.

We bought her some headphones and she's listening to her favorite music - "Orchestra!!!" - as she calls it.  I hope she's enjoying it.

Princess Aubrey

We were also blessed that the 15-year-old daughter of Aubrey's neurologist used her own money to buy Aubrey a princess crown and a stuffed animal (you can see them in the picture to your right).  I know, it's both touching and heart-wrenching at the same time.  You can imagine how we're feeling as her mom and dad.

Aubrey still has an enormous amount of spinal fluid that's draining out of her skull.  That means that swelling might still be an issue, but neurosurgery wants to begin trying to wean her off the drain tomorrow to see if it causes pressure in her head.  Hopefully, it won't.

As the doctors eliminate her sedating medications, it will start to wake her up a bit.  In fact, we saw some movement from her during the day.  She even grasped our hands.  I know that's probably a reflex, but it was just good to see her move.

This evening, Aubrey's arms and hands began moving, and her brain waves began to jump on the EEG monitor.  My heart started racing, because I was terrified that she was having a seizure (this could cause brain damage).  But when the neurologist came and reviewed the EEG, he said it didn't appear to be a seizure.  He couldn't be certain though.  So either Aubrey was showing signs of waking up, or she was possibly having a seizure.  We don't know.

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Here's how you can pray for Aubrey:

1. Pray for a continued absence of seizures.
2. Pray that the excess fluid will stop building up in her skull so we can take the drain out.

Aubrey and Lilly

Please also pray for Lilly, Aubrey's older sister.  She's starting to show signs of stress.  We're going to try to develop a more normal routine to help her relax, but it makes me hurt to see her carrying the burden of Aubrey's illness.

Thank you for believing for Aubrey and for praying for our family.  You are carrying us in faith.  We need you, and we are grateful for you.

Andy

We will be periodically updating these blog posts.  If you are interested in receiving updates when there is a new posting, please enter your email address in the box on the upper right side of the screen, and click on the confirmation that is sent to your email inbox.

Please Keep Fighting for Aubrey

Thank you so much for all the prayer support for Aubrey Gallo.  The response to this website has been overwhelming - it has received 3,563 visits since we started it yesterday (and quite a few visits are from Germany, not to mention those in Mozambique, South Korea, and Barbados).

What an awesome reminder that we are part of Christ's worldwide body - a family who takes care of those in need.  May God bless all of you for continuing to keep watch over this precious girl through your prayers.

Here's an email from Andy, Aubrey's dad, to all of you who are praying.

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Again, I want to thank all of you for your prayers and for your interest in how Aubrey is doing.  It's hard to say where we are at this point.  The good news is that last night was the best night Aubrey has had since coming to the Pediatric ICU.  We still don't know the cause of the encephalitis, so the doctors continue to run tests.

Aubrey is on four medications to suppress her seizures and keep her in a medical coma.  The doctors lowered one of the medications today to see how she would respond, and she didn't have a full-blown seizure.  That's good.  This could be a good sign that she's going to stop having seizures - so to find out if she's finished with the seizures, the doctors are going to lower the anti-seizure medications even more.  We pray that she doesn't begin having more seizures when they lower the medication.

The drain in Aubrey's skull is pulling out high amounts of fluid.  This is not good, because it probably means that we have to keep the drain there longer than we would like.  Otherwise her brain will have serious swelling issues, and swelling can cause brain damage.

Ideally, the doctors want to wean Aubrey off the seizure medications, remove the drain from her skull, and then get her off the ventilator.  At a minimum, it would take a week to do all of that.  If she doesn't respond well to the weaning, we may be back at square one.  That would be frustrating.

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Here's how you can pray for Aubrey:

1. Pray that she will have no seizure activity when the doctors lower her medication.
2. Pray for the infection and swelling to cease so the drain can be removed from her skull.
3. Pray for reversal of any brain damage.
4. Pray that her older sister, Lilly, will not feel lonely or stressed.
5. Pray that we will remain strong and full of faith in God.

Thank you to all who attended the prayer vigil today, in person or in spirit.  I heard it was powerful, and Ashleigh left encouraged.  Thank you to those who don't even know us (and in countries we have never visited) but are standing with us in prayer.

Thank you to those who the Lord has woken from sleep with Aubrey in mind to pray.  Thank you for calling, emailing, bringing meals, sitting, and crying with us.  We desperately appreciate your support and prayers.

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If you have any encouraging scriptures God has put on your heart as you have been praying for Aubrey, please feel free to include them in the comments section.  We are standing on the Word of God and believing Him to speak health into Aubrey's body.

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Fighting for Aubrey

We just had a prayer meeting in Arlington with many dear friends from Church of the Resurrection.  Ashleigh, her sister, and her sister-in-law were able to be there.  We gathered around Ashleigh and strengthened her in prayer and then we fought for Aubrey in prayer.

The presence of the Lord was strong, and our hearts grew in faith as people read scriptures to help guide our prayers.  One of the verses was 2 Corinthians 4:7-9:

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

As a body of believers, we are willing to keep fighting until the battle is done, to be in this for the long haul.  We won't give up.  We'll keep looking to God for direction and we're going to "kick at the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight" (Bruce Cockburn).

Keep on praying, friends.

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Aubrey is Stable, but She's in Critical Condition

We want to thank all of you for taking the time to check out Aubrey's site.  Within twelve hours of putting it up, the site received 1,760 visits from all over the globe (thanks to those of you in Tunisia who are praying!).

Here's today's update on Aubrey from her dad, Andy, who is a doctor at the hospital where Aubrey is being treated.

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Andy and Ashleigh

Let me begin by thanking you for all your prayers.  They mean so much to us, and I will provide some specific ways you can pray for Aubrey later on.   But first, let me tell you where we are medically and then I will talk about how we're doing emotionally.

Aubrey is still in critical condition but has been more stable for the last 24 hours.  She has a drain placed in her brain because of the swelling and pressure, and it is working well to keep the pressure low enough.  Unfortunately, though, she has developed pneumonia and is on antibiotics to treat it.

She remains on high doses of anti-seizure and sedatives to almost completely eliminate all brain activity, allowing the brain much-needed rest.  She is still on a ventilator and is now being fed through her veins, and we hope to start feeding her through a tube into her stomach in the next couple of days.

The pediatric infectious disease service has been placing calls to experts all over the country to assist with the case.  We still do not have a specific cause but, at this point, we believe it's viral encephalitis.  We're still sending tests out to try to nail it down.

We are hoping she will remain stable, have no more seizures, and be able to come off the ventilator.  But if she keeps having seizures, we're back to square one.  We'll have to put her under even deeper sedation to keep the seizures from happening.  That would be frustrating.

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Many have asked how Ashleigh and I are doing.  Frankly, we are not doing well.  But please know that we appreciate all the visitors and people who have come to pray with us.  We have received and read all of your much-appreciated emails, and I hope you'll accept my apologies as we cannot answer all of them personally at this time.

Andy and Aubrey

As for me, I have peace most of the time, although I have my moments.  As a rehabilitation physician, I am more troubled by the possible prospects for the future.  I understand all of the possible implications of the potential brain damage Aubrey has experienced, and I am fearful for the outcome.

Ashleigh is more affected by the present.  It is very hard for her to be away from the hospital, even to sleep or nurse our four-month-old baby, James.  She shared with me today that the house feels empty without our loudest and most rambunctious child running around and causing general mischief.  That is the hardest for her to handle right now.

I especially hurt for our older daughter, Lilly, who is four and a half years old.  Every day, Lilly asks to see Aubrey in the hospital, but for now, she's taking Aubrey's absence quite well.  We prayed together at the bedside for a short time today, and Lilly is content that Aubrey is sleeping, and with Jesus' help, Aubrey will get better.

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Here are the things you can pray for right now to support Aubrey:

• resolution of the pneumonia
• stability for the next 24-48 hours
• complete resolution of the brain infection - there is no way to treat it medically, so it is up to Jesus and her immune system to fight it
• reduction of the brain swelling to the point that a ventricular drain is no longer necessary
• that all seizure activity will be eliminated so that as we wean the sedation, the EEG remains normal; and
• a complete reversal of any brain damage that has taken place.

For myself and Ashleigh, please pray that we remain strong, hopeful, and trusting in the goodness of the Lord.  Again, thank you all so much for your prayers and support.  We can't wait to see Aubrey dancing and running in church again soon.

We will be periodically updating these blog posts.  If you are interested in receiving updates when there is a new posting, please enter your email address in the box on the upper right side of the screen, and click on the confirmation that is sent to your email inbox.