On January 1, 2018, Eve Oakley, beloved infant daughter of Nathan and Maryann Oakley, was admitted to Penn State Children’s Hospital (PSCH) Pediatric Intensive Care Unit with symptoms of lethargy and inability to eat. After her vitals were stable, she underwent exploratory abdominal surgery where a volvulus was found (a condition where a portion of intestine or bowel is twisted around itself, caus
ing an obstruction). Once found, a portion of her small intestine was removed, with the remaining portions brought to the skin for colostomy and recovery. Eve also developed septic shock soon after as a result of the intense abdominal surgery, and remained in critical condition with life support for about 10 days. During this time, she was extremely puffy and swollen, with low organ function requiring numerous intravenous medications to keep her vital signs stable. By day 11, her kidneys began to rally and turn the corner, which led to her puffiness and swelling to subside. In addition to the abdominal surgery, Eve and her twin sister Ella were both recently diagnosed with Retinoblastoma (a cancer that forms in the retina of the eye). Ella was first diagnosed on January 15, 2018 with bilateral Retinoblastoma – one small tumor was found in each of her eyes. Her diagnosis and treatment is taking place at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in coordination with Wills Eye Hospital. Ella began her first of six rounds of outpatient chemotherapy on January 18. Ella is currently at home and recovering from round one of chemo and its side effects. Eve was seen by an ophthalmologist at PSCH on January 17, at which the doctors at PSCH recommended transfer to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to continue her abdominal recovery and begin treatment for the retinoblastoma. On January 18, she was flown via medical transport to the CHOP and was admitted to the NICU for recovery and treatment. Her chemotherapy treatment will begin soon once she is recovered and healthy enough to begin treatment. She currently has a colostomy bag for her waste, and the treatment plan is to eventually undergo surgery to reattach both sections of the intestine, however, it is unknown when this can occur with the prospect of chemotherapy treatment. On January 23, her breathing tube was removed and she is breathing 100% on her own. Her treatment and recovery will be continuing for quite some time. As you can imagine, this has been quite a shock for the twin’s parents. They have had their hands full with medical tests, doctors, multiple hospitals, insurance, travel, and care logistics. On top of that, Maryann has not been able to return to work and Nathan has only returned part time (two to three days a week). Since both children are now being treated in Philadelphia, we felt we needed to start something to help alleviate any financial stress so they can focus on treatment and healing. Any money donated will be used for medical expenses not covered by insurance, as well as travel and hotel accommodations since both children are now being treated in Philadelphia. Please keep both Eve and Ella in your thoughts and prayers and thank you for your support. We will be posting updates via GoFundMe and Facebook. No one fights alone and we feel so fortunate to have so many help us as we Rally for Ella and Eve!
