A week ago, freshman Allie Endo was just a normal high school student ending her tennis season and getting ready for summer break. Before summer, she had scheduled a routine wisdom teeth extraction that went well. Then she caught the flu. Now, just days days later, her family is living a nightmare.
Tomorrow, the Willis Wildkat Band will be hosting a prayer vigil at Berton A. Yates Stadium at 6:30 p.m. in support of Allie.
“Allie tested positive for flu B yesterday morning after having her wisdom teeth removed Thursday. Both things are known to sometimes cause heart issues, and our girl was hit hard,” Allie’s mom Mandee Endo said on Facebook May 19.
After a short stay at Methodist Hospital in the Woodlands, Allie was transported to Texas Children’s Hospital with signs of a serious heart problem. She has been diagnosed with myocarditis. She was placed on a ECMO, artificial life support that takes over the functions of the heart and lungs, allowing them to rest and heal.
“I was told that Allie was about an hour or two from needing CPR which would have made her recovery much harder,” Mandee said. “That is why the decision to fly her was made, to give her the best shot. Her ECMO specialist saw she played French horn and goes ‘that is why she has such good lung capacity!’ So thanks for the extra help band directors.”
In school Allie is an outstanding student participating in honors classes and helping her peers when they need the most help from her.
“Allie always gets every concept as quickly as possible,” freshman English teacher Grant Hetherington said. “She is very smart and knowledgeable about things. She’ll even teaches me just as much as I teach her.”
Not only is Allie very helpful in class, she is also known for being outstanding in band and tennis.
“Allie has a fantastic outgoing personality and she’s very sassy,” band director Joseph Dittfurth said. “In her time with us she’s really grown into just being a part of this program. She’s just kind of a bright light here.”
Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgery, and the most common risks according to the Mayo Clinic are dry sockets or damage to nerves or nearby teeth. This complication is not something that happens often.
“I’ve gotten my wisdom teeth removed not that long ago, and after hearing this story I didn’t know that a little surgery could affect her like that,” junior Hailee Henry said. “I hope Allie gets better.”
The community has shown all of their support and respect for Allie throughout this tough situation that the family is going through.
“I’ve often wondered if we made the right decision when we left our circle in Utah to move to Houston,” Mandee said. “I know in this moment we are exactly where God meant for us to be. We feel all the love, we see our prayers in action with each passing day. Allie has the most amazing support system.”
In tennis Allie always showed her hard work and leadership while playing in a match and by helping her teammates.
“What made Allie a good friend was her dedication to just doing the best she can do,” tennis coach Lisa Parrott said. “And when she’s working on that she’s able to help those that play with or train with her to feel good about themselves as well. ”
Even in this tough time the family still has faith and is asking for prayers for their daughter.
“Allie can’t have visitors or flowers, but she can certainly have all the prayers and good vibes you’ve got to give, my Allie doddle can and will beat this.” Mandee Endo said.
