Freddie Freeman, a prominent player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his wife Chelsea are facing what they describe as the “most challenging and terrifying days of our lives” this week.
They shared on Instagram the distressing news that their 3-year-old son, Max, has been diagnosed with a “severe case” of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition “not commonly seen in children.”
This illness manifests when the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves, leading to muscle weakness.
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Freddie Freeman, the National League first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, with wife Chelsea at the Red Carpet Show at L.A. Live. (Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports)
The couple shared their harrowing experience in a joint message.
“Last Friday, Max experienced a rapid decline and became fully paralyzed,” they explained. “We are incredibly lucky to have gotten him to the hospital in time for lung support. Freddie was in Houston then and took the first available flight back home…”
“These have truly been the hardest and scariest days of our lives. Maximus is an extraordinary little boy who has been fighting with all his might. This will be a long road to recovery, but we trust that he will fully heal.”
They reported that Max has shown “improvements in the last 48 hours” that left them “astounded.”
Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers runs the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Dodger Stadium on June 16, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
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They mentioned that “Maximus was taken off the ventilator yesterday, which is a remarkable victory for us.”
“We believe in the strength of prayer and are witnessing a miracle in his healing. Please keep Maximus and our family in your thoughts and prayers. We truly appreciate and feel your support.”
Max has two older brothers, Charlie and Brandon, with Brandon being just six weeks older, having been born via surrogate.
Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a double in the fourth inning during the 2024 Seoul Series game against the Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome on March 17, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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Freeman is currently in his third year with the Dodgers after spending his initial 12 seasons with the Atlanta Braves, where he clinched a World Series title in his final game in 2021. He signed a six-year contract with LA.
He is batting .288 with an .888 OPS.
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