LDL. Two-Year-Old Girl Battles Rare Spinal Condition After Flu Leaves Her Temporarily Paralyzed
A Georgia family is asking for prayers after their two-year-old daughter was left temporarily paralyzed following what began as a routine case of the flu.
Sarah Lopez, just 2 years old, was an active, playful toddler before her condition suddenly took a frightening turn. What initially appeared to be a common viral illness quickly escalated into a medical emergency when Sarah began losing strength in her arms and legs.
Doctors soon diagnosed her with transverse myelitis, a rare and serious neurological condition that causes inflammation of the spinal cord. The condition disrupted the communication between her brain and body, leaving her unable to move and struggling to breathe.
Within hours, Sarah’s parents watched in horror as their little girl went from walking and playing to barely being able to move at all. She was rushed to intensive care and placed on a breathing tube as doctors worked urgently to stabilize her condition.
Sarah underwent plasma exchange therapy, an aggressive treatment used to remove harmful antibodies from the blood in severe neurological cases. The procedure helped stop the inflammation from progressing further, giving her body a chance to begin healing.
By what her family calls a miracle, Sarah no longer needs intensive care and has been transferred out of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. However, her recovery is far from over.
Sarah is now in inpatient rehabilitation in Georgia, where she is learning how to move, stand, and walk again. Even the smallest actions—lifting her arms, sitting up, or taking a step—require tremendous effort. Therapists are working daily to help her regain strength and mobility.
Her parents say progress is slow but meaningful. Every small movement is a victory, and every therapy session is a step closer to getting their little girl back.
Doctors remain hopeful, but they say recovery from transverse myelitis can take time, especially in young children. Some regain full function, while others continue to need therapy and support for months or even years.
Sarah’s family is now asking for continued prayers, encouragement, and love as she fights her way forward.
“This little girl is so strong,” her parents shared. “She has already overcome so much, and we believe she has many more miracles ahead.”
As Sarah continues her journey in rehabilitation, her family and supporters remain united in faith and hope — believing that healing, step by step, is still possible. 🤍