Jensen Gunner Ebbert, born on Nov. 2, 2019, is facing possible brain surgery after being diagnosed with meningitis and abscesses in his brain.

By rdnewsNOW staff

Community Support

Support pours in for Red Deer baby recovering from brain surgery

Dec 2, 2019 | 2:03 PM

Central Albertans have stepped up in a big way to help a young Red Deer family whose infant son is recovering from recent brain surgery.

Well over $16,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign in support of Scott and Makenna Ebbert.

Their son, Jensen Gunner Ebbert, was born on November 2.

Soon after bringing him home from the hospital, the couple noticed Jensen was twitching, which later resulted in a seizure.

After doctors examined him, they received Jensen’s preliminary lumbar results and found out he has Meningitis.

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According to the GoFundMe page, Jensen came out of surgery on Nov. 26 and is said to be doing great.

“Dr. Riva-Cambrin came and saw Scott and Makenna after and said Jensen did excellent,” wrote Spencer Beaudoin. “They took 8ml of fluid from each cyst and are sending it away for testing (he figures there’s about 100 ml of free fluid he could have taken but taking that much would cause brain collapse). He said there is a nice amount of fluid around his whole brain and the pressure is relieved.”

Beaudoin added, “They did not have to make an incision, so I guess the little guy just has two bandaids on his head where the needle went in. The fluid they removed is more of a brown color meaning it’s consistent with brain matter breakdown. If it was more green it would be infected fluid. Even though it’s not infected fluid they are still hoping to find a bug in it.”

Doctors will be monitoring the cultures for up to two weeks, and if they find any bug will send it for genetic coding test.

“The government is following Jensen’s case to help figure out where he caught this as the other two cases happened within the last three months and we all live in different parts of Alberta,” adds Beaudoin.

However, knowing Jensen’s Meningitis diagnosis gives a treatment plan, it’s hoped he can make a strong recovery.

It’s anticipated Jensen will remain in hospital for several more weeks still, meaning Scott and Makenna will not be returning to work until Jensen is more stable.