What I saw and felt when my granddaughter, Madi became ill with Traverse Myelitis Six months ago our granddaughter Madi went from a being a high-energy four year old to being partially paralyzed overnight with a rare disorder called Transverse Myelitis. The weekend prior to this, Madi and I were running in the park – she ran and ran (laughing with joy as she did). My thought was, perhaps she will be an endurance athlete when she gets older. I had no idea that days later, not years, she would have to call on her reserves and endure a battle that is tougher than any ironman event. Madi condition: Scary Moment: Initially the paralysis progressed hourly and the ER staff could not figure out what was going on. Scary days: Finally, Madi was diagnosed with TM. We learned that one-third of TM patients never improve, one-third have some life-long paralysis and one-third make a full or almost full recovery. At her worse point Madi, loss the ability to walk, use her hands and even sit up. TM is an inflammation in the spinal column and the area of Madi’s was high – there was a very real risk that she would loss the ability to breathe. For five days and nights in the Peds ICU, Jennifer (my daughter) and Perry (my son in-law) took turns lying next to Madi watching her little chest go up and down, hoping and praying that this life-giving process would continue. The good news: Madi took to the IV steroid treatment and began to improve. Scary Months: How much will Madi recover? Madi had recently come home from the hospital. She had gained the ability to walk again, but she was still weak. Omie (Sylvia) suggested dressing Madi and her sister up in dresses to cheer her up. Tears came to my eyes as a got to dance with my four-year old granddaughter. I think it was the medicine we both needed. Today, six months later Madi is just now ending her Occupational Therapy and has made an almost full recovery. Just today I saw Madi run across an open field, once again laughing with joy as she ran. Our prayers were answered. There are still many who are fighting TM. I know the pain and stock these families are feeling. Please join me and make a donation to Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association (SRNA) to help fight TM and other rare disorders.