\n As many of you know\, my sister\, Katie Felton\, developed pneumnia in October 2011 and went into ARDS. \; Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung condition that prevents enough oxygen from getting to the lungs and \;into the blood. ARDS often occurs along with the failure of other organ systems\, such as the liver or \;kidneys. About a third of people with ARDS die from the disease.
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\n Many people who survive ARDS have memory loss or other quality-of-life problems after they recover. This is due to brain damage that occurred when the lungs weren'\;t working properly and the brain wasn'\;t getting enough oxygen. Katie was admitted to St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island on October 20th and placed on a ventilator. She was then transported to the ICU at UNMC in Omaha for 2 weeks. She remained hospitalized for the next 2 months at UNMC and Methodist Hospital.
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\n During the course of her recovery\, Katie began showing signs of critical illness polyneuropathy. \; Polyneuropathy is a neurological disorder that occurs when many nerves throughout the body malfunction simultaneously. \; These disorders are often symmetric and frequently affect the arms and legs\, causing weakness\, loss of sensation\, pins-and-needle sensations or burning pain.
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\n On December 23rd\, Katie returned \; to Ord under the care of my parents. \; Still unable to walk but breathing much easier\, \; Katie began her rehabilitation at the Valley County Health System Rehabilitation Department. Unfortunately\, despite the best efforts of her doctors and therapists\, she is still unable to walk and has marked physical disability.
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\n Katie is currently at Madonna Rehabilitation in Lincoln. \; Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital is one of the nation'\;s foremost facilities for medical rehabilitation and research. Specializing in traumatic brain and spinal cord injury\, Madonna offers hope and healing to thousands of patients from throughout the country each year. \; Katie has a long road ahead of her but the support from her friends and family have kept her encouraged and inspired. The outpouring of love that you have \; shown our family has been overwhelming!
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\n We are hosting a free will walk/bbq benefit on Sat. June16th\, 10am at Aubles pond. Contributions will be used to help defray the cost of Katie'\;s medical expenses. Team Katie t-shirts and bracelets will also be available for purchase. Our hope is that Katie will be able to attend this event and thank all those that have supported her and our family.
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\n Well Wishes can also be sent to:
\n Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital
\n c/o Katie Felton
\n 5401 South St.
\n rm 108
\n Lincoln Ne 68506
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\n Team Katie
\n Farrah Plate
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