Arkansas child diagnosed with AFM disease
Austin's parents thought he just had a common cold, but the boy was soon fighting for his life.
Just like many 9 year old boys, Austin Daniels likes riding 4-wheelers and playing with his brother. But 2 years ago, Austin contracted Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) and he's still fighting to recover from the debilitating disease.
Austin told 40/29 News he doesn't remember much, but he does remember getting sick, "(I was) going home from karate practice being a bit weezy and then we went to the hospital."
"He basically acted like he had a cold just like his brother a couple of weeks before, he looked to have gotten over it," Austin's mother, Michelle Daniels said. "We had gone to the beach the weekend before and Tuesday he went in the hospital and Friday he was incubated and on life support."
Austin's condition quickly turned from bad to critical.
Daniels told 40/29 News within a few hours Austin couldn't walk, hold his head up or use his right arm. Eventually, he couldn't breathe on his own.
After spending months in the hospital Austin still faces additional surgeries and undergoes respiratory treatments 2 times a day, but he's glad to be home.
AFM is similar to Polio but there is no vaccine for the disease that has seen increases in children across the country.
"You think your child may just have a virus or a cold, but if your child suddenly can not walk, can not use their arm, they're complaining they have a stiff neck. These are things you need to worry about," said Daniels.
A benefit luncheon will be held November, 3rd at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lodge in Altus, Arkansas. The proceeds raised will go to help with medical expenses for Austin and his family.
The health department told 40/29 News 5 confirmed cases of AFM have been reported this year in Arkansas.
For more information on Acute Flaccid Myelitis you can listen to this podcast by doctors who have been treating Austin. https://myelitis.org/resources...