HUNDRED — What began as a holiday visit with family in Germany has turned into a medical emergency for a West Virginia teenager who now faces surgery and an extended recovery before she can return home.
Tationna Adams, 19, of Hundred, was visiting relatives over the holidays when she began experiencing severe seizures that led to repeated hospitalizations. Family members say Adams remains hospitalized in Germany as doctors prepare for surgery.
“She had planned a trip to spend the holiday and New Year’s with family,” relatives said. “She had a severe seizure and has been in and out of the hospital, and now she’s just in the hospital.”
Family member Emily Six said doctors determined the seizures were caused by a congenital condition involving an abnormal connection between an artery and a blood vessel in Adams’ brain.
“She’s got an artery and a blood vessel that have fused together and it keeps growing,” Six said. “She was born with it.”
According to the family, Adams will undergo surgery followed by a recovery period expected to last four to six weeks. With mounting medical and travel-related expenses, relatives have reached out to the community for support.
Family members said Adams’ grandparents, Roger and Janet, who are in Germany assisting with her care, have arranged for a donation account at First Exchange Bank in Hundred. An online fundraiser has also been established to help cover medical costs.
“She’s been incredibly brave through all of this,” a family member said. “She’s a very resilient young woman given the adversity she’s faced in her life.”
The family said Adams hopes to pursue a career in phlebotomy or nursing once she recovers and returns to the United States.
Those interested in helping can contribute through the family’s online fundraiser or by donating to the account set up in Adams’ name at First Exchange Bank locations in Hundred.