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Ashby girl recovering from encephalitis
Published Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Photo by Photo Provided
Abbi Evavold is making a comeback after being diagnosed with a form of encephalitis
Eight-year-old Abbi Evavold of Ashby is making a courageous comeback after being diagnosed with a form of encephalitis. Ashby area residents are rallying to help Abbi and her family.
A benefit spaghetti dinner and silent auction will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Ashby Public School to help with medical expenses. A fund in Abbi’s name has been established. Checks made out to Abbi Evavold Benefit can be forwarded to the Ashby Federal Credit Union or to First State Bank of Ashby.
After she became ill in mid-September, her parents, Jeremy and Jill Evavold, rushed Abbi to a medical facility. The first diagnosis was mononucleosis.
“At first Abbi wasn’t eating, walking or talking,” said her mother Jill, head cook at Ashby Public school. “She underwent many tests to get to the bottom of things.”
Today, Abbi is again walking and has occupational, speech and physical therapy every day in Alexandria.
It’s an especially stressful time for Jill and her husband, Jeremy, who works at H&R Construction, Dalton. Abbi has an older sister and two younger sisters.
“Abbi was in the hospital for nine days, and this has been a long ordeal for the entire Evavold family,” said Lynn Jensen of Ashby Federal Credit Union who is co-chair of Saturday’s silent auction, along with Marlene Nelson. “There also are return trips to the Twin Cities. Today (Wednesday) they’re back with Abbi for a checkup at Minneapolis Children’s Hospital.”
Planning Saturday’s spaghetti dinner to help the Evavold family are members of Peace Lutheran Church, Ashby.
Abbi’s parents are pleased with the progress their daughter has made over the past several days.
“She is talking more and more every day,” Jill Evavold said. “Her appetite is coming back and it seems like every time I see her she is munching on something. We see more and more of our Abbi every day.”
The Evavolds said they feel blessed at all of the outpouring of support from people in the Ashby area.
“It’s amazing how the community comes together when needed,” she said. “This makes us stronger as a family.”
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by Brandon (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 3:39 p.m.
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Posted by duchess (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 7:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, what is encephalitis? It's not something you hear everyday.
Posted by The_Nick (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
From webMD,
What is encephalitis?
Encephalitis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the brain. Inflammation changes the normal blood flow in the brain. This can cause symptoms such as confusion, a fever, a bad headache, and a stiff neck. Sometimes it leads to symptoms like seizures and personality changes.
Encephalitis is rare, but it can be deadly. If you think you have symptoms of encephalitis, see a doctor right away.
Most people recover if they are treated promptly. But the illness can sometimes cause long-term problems, such as trouble with speech or memory.
Posted by mrnmrn1 (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
People are so quick to critic this paper. Go back to school and/or go to work. Make yourself usefull!
Posted by wendystation (anonymous) on October 31, 2008 at 1:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Learn more about the impact of encephalitis, from the people it has touched. Visit Encephalitis Global Inc. at http://www.encephalitisglobal.org, where encephalitis survivors, caregivers and loved ones share information and support, every day.
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