Freddie Freeman’s three-year-old son, Maximus, is in hospital with a severe case of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
The Dodgers’ All-Star first baseman’s wife, Chelsea, said Thursday that her son’s condition “rapidly deteriorated and he became completely paralyzed” last Friday, but suggested the worst of the frightening situation may already be over.
“We were very lucky to get him to hospital in time and to be able to strengthen his lungs.” Chelsea wrote on Instagram.“Freddie was in Houston at the time and rushed to get on the first flight home. After numerous tests, it was determined that Max is battling severe Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological condition, especially in children.”
“These have been the most difficult and terrifying days of our lives,” she continued. “Maximus is a very special boy and has fought so hard. It will be a long road to recovery but we believe he will make a full recovery. We are amazed at how much he has improved in the last 48 hours. Maximus was removed from his breathing tube yesterday and is no longer on the ventilator. This is a huge victory for us. We believe in the power of prayer and have witnessed miracles in his recovery.
“We ask for your continued prayers for Maximus and our family. We truly appreciate and feel everyone’s support.”
Chelsea took Maximus to the hospital after he stopped eating and drinking and became “very lethargic” on July 24. Freddie later met them at the hospital after the Dodgers-Giants game.
At the time, the couple believed their son had contracted a virus during the All-Star Game and developed temporary synovitis.
Freeman left the team in Houston last Friday, when the Dodgers were opening a three-game series against the Astros, to be near his ailing son.
He has missed Los Angeles’ past five games to tend to Maximus.
