They just took her back. Eleanor will be placed under anesthesia and intubated while surgeons place a halo. The halo is a metal ring that is secured to her skull and connected to a traction system. Over the next several days, the surgical team will gradually apply traction to carefully improve the alignment of her neck before surgery.
Because Eleanor has Osteogenesis Imperfecta, this part is especially nerve-wracking for us. Her bones are much more fragile than most children’s, and the team must take extraordinary precautions with every step of her care.
If all goes according to plan, her major cervical spine surgery could take place as early as Wednesday or Thursday. The goal of this surgery is to stabilize her neck, protect her spinal cord, and prevent further injury while giving her the best chance at improved comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
As her mom, I don’t know how to fully put into words what today feels like. We are incredibly grateful to have a team willing to take on a case this complex, and we are hopeful for what this surgery could mean for her future. At the same time, handing your two-year-old over for a procedure involving her skull, neck, spinal cord, and airway is terrifying.
If you pray, please pray specifically for:
🙏 Safe placement of the halo.
🙏 Protection of her skull and fragile bones during the procedure.
🙏 Protection of her spinal cord and nerves.
🙏 A smooth time under anesthesia and safe recovery afterward.
🙏 Wisdom and steady hands for every surgeon, anesthesiologist, nurse, and specialist caring for her.
🙏 That the traction successfully improves her alignment and prepares her body for surgery later this week.
🙏 Peace, comfort, and strength for Eleanor.
🙏 Strength for our family as we face one of the biggest moments of her journey so far.
Thank you for loving our girl, praying for her, sharing her story, supporting our family, and helping us get to this point. We have felt every prayer, every message, and every act of kindness.
Right now, we’re asking everyone to please stop and say a prayer for Eleanor as she is taken back.
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