Young Girl Suffered More Than 100 Seizures Per Day Except When She Watched Mr. Rogers

May 09, 2019 by apost team

It seems like everyone loves the iconic Mister Rogers. But few love and appreciate more than Beth Usher.

Although Beth was once a completely normal little girl, that all changed when she suffered a seizure while on a playground when she was only five years old. The once healthy young child was catapulted into a world of scary medical diagnoses and procedures as she continued to experience up to 100 seizures per day.

After much testing, doctors finally figured out that Beth was suffering from Rasmussen’s encephalitis, an inflammatory disorder that necessitated that half of her brain be removed. Fortunately for Beth, she was being treated by the well-renowned brain surgeon, Ben Carson, practicing at John Hopkins University.

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Speaking to NBC Charlotte, Beth explained that she discovered that watching "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" seemed to calm her brain circuits and keep the seizures at bay. This discovery was made on accident when Beth's mother was forced to prop Beth and her brother, Brian, in front of the popular children's television program so that she could get herself ready each day.

Beth's mother took this as a sign and wrote to Fred Rogers, hoping for a picture or autograph. However, Rogers instead decided to call Beth just prior to her surgery to wish her good luck. Beth said that she immediately felt at ease once she heard his voice on the other line, going so far as to confide in him her thoughts about the surgery that she had not even told her parents.

On the way to Baltimore for the surgery, Beth spent the seven-hour drive listening to Mister Rogers on tape, knowing that it would calm her nerves. Although the surgery was a success, Beth was in a coma for six weeks after the procedure so that her brain could properly heal.

It is no surprise that one of her visitors at the hospital was Rogers himself. He even brought his special dolls to visit with Beth, proving that he really did make the personal connection with the sweet girl. Beth ultimately recovered and went on to live a healthy life. Along the way, she has never forgotten the kindness and generosity of this kind man.

This touching story deserves to be heard by everyone. After you watch the video of Mister Rogers and his new friend, be sure to spread the love to others. What a hero!