Video/Fight Of Her Life: Woman Battles Rare DiseaseBy KBJR Manager

[Guest guest]

Fight Of Her Life: Woman Battles Rare DiseaseBy KBJR Manager

http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/news/local/Fight-Of-Her-Life-Woman-Battles-R\

are-Desease-115302589.html

February 4, 2011

Updated Feb 4, 2011 at 1:13 PM CST

Grand Rapids, MN (Northland's NewsCenter) - A Grand Rapids woman is fighting to

take back her life, following a potentially deadly fungal infection that can

mimic Pneumonia.

Blastomycosis does not respond to treatments used for Pneumonia. Her family is

waging an all out war to educate others about Blasto, and the importance of

early diagnosis.

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What do I know about Blasto...I know it is evil I know it is out there...and ah

its something that everyone should be aware of.

In December, McNellis's wife was hospitalized in Grand Rapids

with what they thought was Pneumonia.

The active 26 year old mom's condition rapidly deteriorated and she was

airlifted to Essentia Health St. 's Medical Center in Duluth.

Infectious Disease expert Dr. Burke delivered the diagnoses;

Blastomycosis.

We live in an area where blastomycosis...if I may use a medical term...is

endemic...it means It's here.

Blastomycosis is caused by inhaling airborne spores into the lungs after

contaminated soil is disturbed by activities such as excavation, construction or

wood clearing.

Symptoms may include; fever, cough, cough with blood, shortness of breath,

muscle aches, Bone, Back and or Chest Pain.

Symptoms including fatigue, weight loss and skin sores may also develop.

Before contracted " Blasto " she experienced a difficult pregnancy and

required bed rest.

Four month old baby Levi was born premature.

It is possible her immune system was compromised at the time of her exposure.

People with immuno compromising conditions...such as diabetes for instance tend

to have more severe, more extensive disease...but we have had you know maybe

mildly obese people without diabetes die from this.

Dr. Burke sees about a dozen cases of Blastomycosis each year.

Anti–fungal treatment is usually continued for six months and recovery is

usually complete.

But 's case was complicated.

The Blasto attacked her brain and she was placed in a medically induced coma.

On the verge of death in December... has now begun her recovery.

The effects of Blasto have taken a significant toll on ...her family

asked us not to video tape her present condition.

But they want us to share her story.

She's a fighter, there's no doubt about that...you can see the stubbornness

....see the unhappiness when she doesn't really want to do what she needs to

do...but she is a fighter....there's no doubt.

is now a patient of Essentia's Dwan Rehabilitation Services.

It's a miracle of God... that she is here for one thing...and that she has

fought her way through the Blasto attack of her brain. The Doctors say there is

no other scientific reason for it...God Created a Miracle.

's family also credits her Essentia medical team who they say are

phenomenal...and the unending support of their community.

On Saturday a Spaghetti Fundraiser will be held for in Grand Rapids at

the Moose Club.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. until six p.m.

Tickets will be sold at the door.