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An online fundraiser is gaining strong support for an 11-year-old Coram girl, whose sudden battle with a rare autoimmune disorder has upended her life and sent her family into an unexpected medical journey.
Avery Spinelli, described by loved ones as a vibrant, horse-loving sixth grader, in a matter of weeks went from being an active pre-teen to suddenly fighting Guillain-Barré Syndrome and no learning how to get back on her feet.
The disorder, which attacks the nerves, began with weakness that quickly escalated and led to paralysis in her legs, Avery’s family wrote on a newly launched GoFundMe page. She has been out of school for two weeks.
She initially spent a week in the hospital, receiving IVIG treatments. Now, she is continuing her recovery in a rehabilitation center.
Avery’s mother, Tabitha, a nursing manager at Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson, created the fundraiser to help offset the mounting costs of her daughter’s care. Avery’s father, Joseph, is a registered nurse at Stony Brook Medicine.
The family said they are “incredibly grateful” that the paralysis stopped at Avery’s legs and that early treatment helped reverse its progression. The middle schooler is now relearning how to stand and walk, as she works to regain her independence.
Avery’s parents said her goals are simple but profound: returning to school and getting back to the barn with her pony and friends.
“The road ahead comes with unexpected medical costs, time away from work, and a few home modifications we need [at home] to make [sure] we can bring her home safely and support her recovery,” the Spinellis wrote.
The campaign raised roughly $7,500 from about 70 donors in its first day.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” the Spinelli family wrote.
Top: Facebook (inset) and GoFundMe (main)
