Freddie Freeman’s 3-year-old son, Maximus, is hospitalized with a severe case of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
The Dodgers All-Star first baseman’s wife, Chelsea, revealed Thursday that their son “rapidly declined and became completely paralyzed” last Friday, though she indicated the worst of the frightening situation may be behind the family.
“We were so lucky to get him to the hospital in time for them to strengthen his lungs,” Chelsea wrote on Instagram. “Freddie was in Houston at the time and rushed to catch the first flight home. After many tests, Max is battling a severe case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. A rare neurological condition that is especially rare in children.”
“These have been the hardest and scariest days of our lives,” she continued. “Maximus is such a special boy and he has fought so hard. It will be a long road to recovery, but we are confident that he will be fully healed. We have been blown away by his progress over the last 48 hours. Maximus was taken off his breathing tube and off the ventilator yesterday, which is a huge victory for us. We believe in the power of prayer and have witnessed a miracle in his healing.”
“Please continue to keep Maximus and our family in your prayers. We truly appreciate and have felt all of your support.”
Chelsea took Maximus to the hospital after he stopped eating and drinking and became “very lethargic” on July 24. Freddie would meet them there later after the Dodgers’ game against the Giants.
At the time, the couple believed their son had developed transient synovitis following a viral infection contracted during the All-Star Game.
Freeman left the team in Houston, where the Dodgers were opening a three-game series against the Astros, last Friday to be with his ailing son.
He missed each of Los Angeles’ last five games while caring for Maximus.
