Ally

Ally was diagnosed with seizures and encephalitis on July 20th while on a family vacation. Since then she has been in and out of the hospital trying to get answers as to what is going on.  Joe and Lisa have been with her in the hospital in Oakland since Aug 13th as the doctors are trying to give them answers.

As the seizures are not the main concern now, Ally has swelling in her brain around both of her hippocampus. (hippocampus is what allows you to create new memories). So we are praying that the swelling goes down and there is no damage.
She has been on anti seizure medication and two other medications to treat encephalitis, one being steroids. Steroids can take up to 12 days to see if it will work and bring down the swelling.
Ally had her 3rd spinal tap yesterday so her back was really sore last night.  The results of that test should be back next week.  They also did a blood test which showed her white blood count is coming down, Praise Jesus.  On Thursday she had an EEG that showed she still has diffused brain activity. Good news is that she has only had a few seizures in the last couple of days.  She will be having an MRI next week to see how the steroids have been working and to see if the inflammation is going down.
In the last day or two we have really been able to see Ally's personality come back a bit which has been a huge encouragement to everyone.  She has been the most courageous and brave little girl through this whole thing.  She has been such a witness to the nurses and doctors, showing them that her love for Jesus is HUGE! 

Joe and Lisa can't even express to all of the family and friends enough how much they appreciate all of you and the support you have shown them.  They know their Jesus is going to heal Ally and ask that you continue to pray believing the same thing.
Please pray for Joe, Lisa and the girls as they wait for answers. Pray for peace that surpasses all understanding. Pray for Kaitlynn and Morgan adjusting to the changes of having one parent home at a time for a while.  Pray for safe travels as they go from Oakland to home several times a week. Pray for the MRI she will have this week that it will show  the inflammation is going down or better yet that it is GONE.
I know that a lot of you have wanted to help and have been asking how.  If you are interested in helping you can email me Heather Sutton at heathrriis@sbcglobal.net.
As they going through this there are so many things that would be helpful to them.  Meals for the family that is at home, meals for the hospital as one or both will be there, gas cards, grocery cards, cash etc.  I know they will be grateful for anything but most of all grateful for all of your prayers because they know that the Lord will carry them through this and take care of their every need.
Thank you all again for your support that you have shown to the De Mont family and for your continued prayers