Local mother searches for answers in daughter’s battle with rare disease

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local mother is turning to the community for help as she searches for answers for her young daughter’s rare medical condition.

Paige Pelletier said her two-year-old daughter, Rosemary, was diagnosed with La Crosse disease after contracting the illness when she was just six weeks old.

“My final steps are reaching out to the public, and hopefully somebody has answers. We live in Tennessee, so somewhere in the world has to have answers.”

According to Pelletier, the disease led to meningitis, seizures, brain damage, and several other serious medical complications.

“It’s from a mosquito. She got diagnosed when she was six weeks old, and this has resulted in meningitis, seizures, brain damage, and a bunch of other medical problems,” Pelletier explained.

She believes Rosemary may be the youngest person ever diagnosed with the disease.

Because of her age at diagnosis, doctors have struggled to find answers or develop an effective treatment plan.

“She was just always not a normal baby. Once this happened and we got answers for the La Crosse disease, they even tested me to see if she had gotten it while I was pregnant with her. That came back negative.”

Now two years old, Rosemary requires around the clock care. Her mother said her goal is to find answers while also raising awareness about the disease.

“Just had an appointment last week with her neurologist, and they still had several concerns with the videos and pictures I showed them. I’m hoping that by a miracle someone reaches out and says, ‘Hey, I have the answers. Come to my hospital,'” Pelletier said.

A GoFundMe titled “Support Rosemary’s Fight Against La Crosse Disease” has been established to help cover medical and travel expenses.

All donations will go toward ensuring Rosemary receives the care and treatment she needs.

If you’re interested in donating, click here.