Eleanor Gustafson

On February 22, 2016, Eleanor Gustafson woke up as usual, she woke up to scrambled eggs while mom was returning from an early meeting. She had a lingering cold since Valentine’s Day. Eleanor had seen doctors on two occasions for the sickness. That morning everything changed. Both of her eyes were swollen, similar to an allergic reaction or an injury followed by discoloration.

Eleanor was rushed to St. Mary’s hospital where she was diagnosed with pneumonia. We asked our priest to pray for her that afternoon. And just hours later, her breathing progressively got worse. Then we called grandma, who was an EMT at the time, and she suggested we go back to the hospital. 

Since her medical chart was still in place, St. Mary’s staff rushed her to the back. MRI scans showed that Eleanor’s heart was swollen, her esophagus had shifted, and her face became paralyzed. Staff knew they had to act fast and asked for a helicopter to transfer Eleanor (Baby Lady) to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta - Scottish Rite.

The weather conditions were poor and Eleanor had to wait for a Pediatric Intensive Care Ambulance to transfer her.  She remained in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL) Eleanor had a PICC line place at just 18 months of age. Her veins were so small they had to wait until she was stable to have surgery. She continued cancer treatments and physical therapy until the age of 4. 

Eleanor loves math, gymnastics, swimming, singing, and taking care of the animals in the family farm in Oconee County. She loves helping people, and prays for those who are ill. She remains cancer free! To keep up with Eleanor: https://www.facebook.com/BraveBabyLady