Brandi Niolon
12-22-09 Update
The Doctors have confirmed that Brandi has a severe case of ADEM. “Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is classically described as a uniphasic syndrome occurring in association with an immunization or vaccination (postvaccination encephalomyelitis) or systemic viral infection (parainfectious encephalomyelitis)” (adem.org).
This means Brandi will continue on steroids for treatment and only time with tell how far she will be able to recover. Please continue to pray and offer support in any way you can.
Recently, some members of the Mobile Soccer Family have gathered to see how we can support her and her family in the recovery process. The consensus came in the form of having a 3v3 soccer tournament on Jan. 16th (headed up by Frank Cunningham). This will be a great way to come together and raise funds for Brandi as well as remind us all of the preciousness of life. This will be a great time to celebrate as a soccer family.
Brandi is now in room 2102 at Mobile Infirmary.
12-16-09 Update
During this time of joy in this holiday season we are saddened to report that one of the most ardent supporters of the sport and the children of Mobile is having a very rough go. Many of you have heard of Brandi Niolon and of her and her family’s fight this Christmas season.
Below is a write up from Coach Mike Fricke with St Paul's School asking for support for Brandi, given all she has contributed to the children of Mobile and the sport of soccer I'm sure there is something each of us can do to help!
Brandi Niolon, is a beloved supporter of “the beautiful game” and the children of Mobile. She is a soccer coach with St. Paul's JV team, St. Luke’s, YMCA, and formerly the Mobile Soccer Club. She is a player on the Mobile adult league team TNT, she is also the registrar for SASA (the adult league). She is the referee assignor for CYO in addition she is a darn good referee who has stepped up to ref and make sure the children get to play when no one else could.
Brandi attended K-8th grades at St. Luke’s and graduated from Davidson High School in 1994. Brandi went on to the University of South Alabama and received B. A. in Criminal Justice and German as well as a Masters of Public Administration. She also recently graduated from the University of Mobile with her Masters in Elementary Education.
On November 19th, Brandi was admitted to Mobile Infirmary with a severe migraine and the doctors are still yet to conclude a prognosis. Brandi had very little to no movement and was virtually unresponsive. On Wednesday December 2nd, Brandi was started on high doses of steroids and that seemed to help, she has begun moving her right arm and is trying to communicate. Today, December 7th, Brandi will have her third MRI and will begin taking her steroids orally. She is still not eating on her own and is moving and responding very little.
The main concern at this time is to continue to show our support and prayers to Brandi and her family. No matter what the diagnosis and treatment, Brandi and her family have a long road ahead. St. Paul's School is happy to facilitate the collection of funds on behalf of Brandi and will forward them directly to the family. Although this is not a tax deductible donation, many have already offered to participate.
To help Brandi you can:
· Say a prayer
· Send her a card or flowers
· Stop by and visit her and her family
· Make a financial donation
· Simply keep her in your thoughts
For financial donations:
Make your check payable to “St. Paul’s Episcopal School” 161 Dogwood Lane, Mobile, AL. 36608, Attention: Business Office On the “for line” simply write Brandi Niolon.
You do not have to be associated with St Paul's to send a donation; the school will accept donations from anyone in the soccer community!
Brandi has been moved to room 2711 at Mobile Infirmary.
Coach Mo is planning a fundraiser in the form of a Soccerthon and possibly other things to help defray some of the costs that will be associated with her treatment and recovery.