Cami’s Bee-ating AFM

At two-and-a-half years old, Cambria Tate (Cami) was diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). Her parents vividly remember the onset of the illness. As Cami recovered from a respiratory infection, she suddenly was unable to support herself when standing. Her parents rushed her to the hospital where they received the tragic diagnosis of AFM.

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is a condition that results in devastating weakness due to damage in the central nervous system. Since 2014, the number of AFM cases in the US has increased with little evidence for a specific cause. AFM often follows a cold or other viral infection. Although these minor illnesses are relatively common for toddlers, they can precede rare but more devastating illnesses like AFM without warning.

Shortly after her diagnosis, Cami was placed in a medically-induced coma while doctors worked tirelessly to monitor her treatment. Since AFM prevalence has only recently increased, research is still in process about treatments and outcomes. Through months in the Pediatric ICU, Cami repeatedly faced death.  Early on, she battled one of the most severe effects of AFM: respiratory failure. The damage to her spinal cord was so severe, doctors thought she would be quadriplegic and ventilator-dependent for life.

Surviving the onset of AFM is miraculous, but recovery is a further uncertain process. Two years later, Cami continues to work toward full recovery. Already surpassing expectations, she is able to breathe independently and has regained some use of her limbs. Her family continues to trust in God’s plan for her recovery and cherish every moment with their sweet little girl.

They celebrate this year with a bee-autiful cake from Icing Smiles. The Sugar Angel responsible for the charming bumblebee cake is Susan Carberry of the Cake Cottage in Murietta, CA (https://www.facebook.com/thecakecottage/). Cami was delighted by the cake!

More information about AFM from the CDC can be found at the following link (https://www.cdc.gov/acute-flaccid-myelitis/index.html).

This post was written with smiles and love by Icing Smiles blogger Molly Sargen.