Infant Bobbi from Bend is fighting for her life, as she experiences heart failure and sepsis
Claire Elmer
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — First-time mom from Bend, Amanda Grippin, is turning to the public for help as her infant daughter battles life-threatening illnesses and terrifying unknowns.
Baby Bobbi was just a month old when her mom noticed she had the sniffles. After an alarmingly fast progression, Bobbi’s symptoms worsened, and she was rushed to Saint Charles Redmond, then quickly flown to OHSU.
Bobbi’s condition continued to decline, with the infant developing sepsis and experiencing heart failure. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection.
Her mom, Amanda Grippin, spoke with KTVZ News about their experience and how the community has supported their family during this unimaginable time, “Watching her go from being a really healthy, healthy baby to…you know, really sick…especially as a first-time mom has been really hard.”
Amanda added how crucial the Central Oregon community has been, “It’s hard to watch your kid have a hard time. This community has really come together and made it as easy as it can be. We’re here, and pray for her. Prayers are the biggest thing. It’s huge for us. Prayer is huger”.
Now, at just five weeks old, infant Bobbi is on a ventilator, with fluid around her heart, lungs, and liver.
A team of doctors is working hard to determine the extent of the virus, if something larger is at play, and if Bobbi will need a heart transplant.
If you would like to help Bobbi and her family, you can email Amanda at: a_grippin@yahoo.com