Macey’s Story

Site created on December 2, 2018

The entire Halulko and extended family has felt so supported by all of the love, prayers, thoughts and check-ins on sweet Macey as she recovers. While we will continue to update social media, emails and texts as able, it made sense to post daily highlights here to keep everyone looped in. Please know that your communication and encouragement is beyond appreciated and welcomed, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 



As a recap to Macey’s story; on Wednesday November 28th leading into Thursday November 29th she started showing signs of an upper respiratory infection. Overnight on Thursday her cough and congestion worsened; on Friday, Katybeth brought Macey to be checked at her Pediatrician and was sent home on a steroid medication, treatment for supposed Croup. Katybeth noticed she was still struggling to breathe and rushed Macey to the ER at Munson in Traverse City, MI. Macey’s respiratory status worsened to the point that she emergently required a breathing tube and pediatric ventilator to survive. She was airlifted to DeVos Childrens hospital Pediatric ICU in Grand Rapids where she continues to receive treatment around the clock.  The medical providers worked so hard to stabilize Macey after the transfer and ultimately found that even the ventilator was not enough to expand her lungs to continue to give her life. ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-in short, a machine acting as her lungs and allowing them to rest) was the only next step and necessary intervention -  at moments the team didn’t even think she was stable enough for the transition to that. Thankfully by early Saturday morning she had been transitioned to ECMO successfully. 


Macey has had chest tubes placed both in her left and right lungs to drain all the fluid surrounding the lungs and allow them to fully expand again. Chest percussive therapy has been started to loosen all of the mucus that is building in her lungs. Throughout this critical time, Macey has been medically sedated (in a coma) to allow for rest, comfort and her safety. She is connected to multiple tubes, drains, life support and it is so crucial that everything stays just so. We know that Macey’s body is fighting 3-4 viruses and 1 bacteria at this point, and we learned today that her likely diagnosis is Sepsis, basically that the infection that has spread throughout her entire body that started with the respiratory illness. Macey is such a feisty little girl and showing positive signs of fighting the infection and is tolerating all the interventions as well as can be - for that we are so grateful.


We are also praising God that Macey has such an incredible medical team at DeVos and both Katybeth and Caleb feel very well cared for and included on all decisions. We absolutely feel God’s hand and loving presence and trust He is all-knowing and is the true healer of Macey’s illness. 


There is so much uncertainty at this point but we are celebrating  each small victory while remaining aware of the reality of this unimaginable situation for our sweet girl. We anticipate a long road and pray for patience from this point on. We trust God to guide each step forward and are hopeful for more steps in the right direction. We pray earnestly for a full recovery and seeing sweet Macey her active and spunky little self again one day soon. Until then, all of the prayers and love are welcomed and we are so grateful for the support we feel. 

Newest Update

February 15, 2019

Journal entry by Katybeth Halulko —

Today went wonderful! Macey was so brave during the IV for sedation. The MRI went very fast and she perked up quickly afterwards. Could not have gone smoother! The doctor we met with said it’s protocol to follow up and discuss details of the MRI with the neurologist in a couple weeks at their satalite Traverse City location but he saw nothing of concern and does not see why Macey should not have a fully normal and healthy life!! (We knew that already but it was still so good to hear) 

Walking into the hospital was just plain hard and really familiar. And amidst all the dark feelings we have associated with that place, we truly love devos and have so much gratitude.  It will always be bitter for how it started,l and sweet for how it ended... we love and are thankful to the staff we got to know well, for the teams that kept her alive and cared for our needs so intentionally. There will always be a beauty for what was given back to us and the bonds formed in our hearts yet we are so thankful that door is closing now. It’s slamming shut and with tears of joy we walk away. Thanks all for helping us get through this final step. We love you all!
Read More of the journal titled "February 15, 2019"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Macey Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Macey's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for Macey

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Load more comments
Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top