Billings Family Fundraising for 20-Month-Old Fighting Blood Infection

 

Billings, MT—In downtown Billings, a heartwarming scene unfolded as the community gathered to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. 

Among the celebratory floats, one stood out as it carried a message of hope and support for a 20-month-old child battling a severe blood infection.

A poignant sign held by the Billings family read, "Aaniyah and her big fight to live," drawing attention to the struggle of their youngest member, Aaniyah Raeleah Georgie Busch.

 Amanda Boyer, accompanied by her family, marched in the parade with a determined spirit, rallying for help to save her granddaughter's life.

Describing her granddaughter, Boyer shared, "Her Lakota name is Little Hummingbird Girl. 

(Aaniyah) is in ICU and she is fighting for her life." Aaniyah's health crisis began unexpectedly with a swollen arm that escalated into a life-threatening situation. 

Doctors discovered a rare blood infection that had also affected her lungs, leading to her urgent transfer to a hospital in Denver.

Boyer revealed the gravity of the situation, mentioning, "What Denver said was that she is the youngest that they have seen with this blood infection. 

It was necrotizing vasculitis. They don't know how it got in; she had a skinned knee, but it went staph sepsis and then it's in her lung right now."

In an effort to cover the mounting medical expenses, Boyer and her family have initiated a fundraising campaign. 

Grateful for the unwavering support from their community, Boyer expressed her resilience in the face of challenges. Having overcome personal struggles in the past, she emphasized the strength found in unity and compassion within their close-knit community.

Boyer, a proud graduate of the Yellowstone County Treatment Court in 2021, has since built a thriving business with Big Sky Acai food truck, symbolizing her journey of perseverance and success. 

During the parade, the family was joined by other food trucks like the Fry Bread House and Alfons Flaming Grill, standing in solidarity with Aaniyah's fight for survival.

As the day's festivities unfolded, the community's outpouring of support was further manifested when Señor Salazar's food truck owner reached out to Boyer, reinforcing the powerful bond of solidarity and empathy prevailing in Billings.