Please Help Support Eliana!
Eliana was born with a rare brain malformation called lissencephaly, along with microcephaly and pachygyria. These conditions cause significant developmental and physical challenges. While she has faced many obstacles with strength and a smile, the last several months have brought heartbreaking new struggles. Last fall, Eliana had trouble walking, feeding herself, and focusing. Over time, these challenges became more severe, and after many evaluations, she was admitted to the hospital for extensive testing. That is when she received the feared diagnosis of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a rare seizure disorder that is difficult to treat. Lennox-Gastaut doesn’t just cause seizures—it affects her ability to sleep and causes severe physical regression. While initially she showed some improvement with a new medication regimen, her health took a turn when she developed rhinovirus and aspiration pneumonia. This led to her most recent hospitalization on May 30, 2025. Next steps include an extended stay at Rush Hospital in Chicago (far from her home in Michigan) to re-evaluate her prognosis and treatment options. Her family and friends remain hopeful that Eliana will qualify for an inpatient rehabilitation stay at Mary Free Bed to help regain some of the strength and abilities. Her family has been deeply touched by the outpouring of love, prayers, and offers to help. So many have already shown love and support through gifting meals and their time to help care for Eliana’s two younger sisters so her parents, Mike and Trisha, can focus on Eliana’s health. With this recent diagnosis though, there are some growing financial needs between hospital stays, travel expenses, meals away from home, and lost time from work for her parents. Any contribution—no matter the size—will mean the world to Eliana and her family and will go directly toward her care and her family’s needs during this challenging season. The Bolthouse Family is truly grateful from all your support and thanks everyone for standing with Eliana and continuing to offer up prayers for her health.
