"Ultra" Violet Needs Our Help!

Violet Van Gieson is a 10 year old little girl who has developed a bone infection, 
specifically, MRSA/MDRO and Acute Hematogenous Osteomyelitis.  Her
condition was first diagnosed as a sprained ankle, then a fracture, and finally a
doctor diagnosed her with a bone infection.  On July 6th she was admitted to
Franciscan Health Michigan City.  On July 7th she had her first surgery in
Michigan City.  On July 8th she was transferred via ambulance to Riley Hospital
for Children at IU Health in Indianapolis.  Violet has endured intense pain since
June 20th and she underwent 5 surgeries and 2 blood transfusions in 11 days in
an attempt to clear out the infection.  On July 17th plans were made to amputate
Violet's left leg as all other options had been exhausted.  

Luckily, the amazing surgeons at Riley decided to try one more option in an effort
to save her leg.  On July 21st they performed her sixth surgery. They performed  a muscle flap surgery, which involved using muscle and tissue from her inner and
outer thigh. This also included a bone graft.  As of right now this appears to have
been successful.  Violet will require at least another week in the hospital,
followed by rehabilitation, OT, and PT.  When she is released to come home she
will have a PICC line and can not put any weight on her leg for approximately six months.

I have known Violet and her parents, Jeremy and Angela, since Violet was a 
student in my 2nd grade classroom.  Jeremy is a LaPorte County 911 dispatcher
and a reserve Long Beach police officer, currently on leave so he can be with
Violet.  He is living in her room at the hospital.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only 1 parent can be at the hospital.  Angela remains at home. Until recently she was
employed at Planet Fitness in Michigan City.  She will be unable to work as she
will be Violet's caretaker when she returns home.  Angela also cares for her
mother who lives with them.

This family needs our help.  The bills are high, and Violet will need continuous 
therapy and surgeries as she grows because her ankle bone and growth plate
were destroyed by the infection.  Violet will also need follow up appointments at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis for quite some time.

Please help if you can, and share this post with others! If you can't help financially, the family requests that you donate blood to the American Red Cross in Violet's
name to help save lives. Prayers and good thoughts are needed and appreciated.