February Warrior
Audrey
6-year-old Audrey experienced her first tonic clonic seizure at the age of four.
The aftermath of the seizure was frightening for her family, who found her unresponsive and vomiting, not immediately realising it was the postictal state following a seizure. A visit to the emergency department confirmed that Audrey was experiencing seizures originating from the right hemisphere of her brain, specifically the area responsible for motor and sensory functions.
This part of her brain was found to be underdeveloped, with additional mass surrounding it.
In March 2022, Audrey was diagnosed with refractory epilepsy, a challenging form of epilepsy that is resistant to treatment. Refractory epilepsy, also known as drug-resistant or intractable epilepsy, occurs when seizures are not controlled by standard anti seizure medications.
This condition often requires a complex and multi-faceted approach to treatment and management.
Audrey's condition deteriorated significantly in the latter half of 2023. She began experiencing relentless seizures daily, which led to a substantial loss of physical abilities, with over 20 seizures an hour being a common occurrence. Despite extensive efforts by her neurological team, including consultations with international experts, the cause of her severe progressive neurological disorder remains a mystery.
Audrey's medical challenges are numerous and include a severe progressive debilitating neurological disorder, permanent acquired brain injury, severe refractory epilepsy, autism, ADHD, cognitive and intellectual impairment, speech impairment, and gross motor impairment akin to a hemiplegic cerebral palsy (GMFCS III).
Earlier this year, Audrey lost the ability to walk independently and now requires specialised equipment for all aspects of her daily life. She requires 24-hour care, intensive therapy and support teams to assist her, and she has now been placed on palliative care.
There is a gofundme set up to help for those who would like to donate.