Dodgers star Freddie Freeman and wife Chelsea give heartbreaking update on son Max, 3, after he was rushed to hospital with full body paralysis: 'Scariest days of our lives'

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman and his wife Chelsea provided an update on their son Maximus' condition after revealing that he was hospitalized.

In a previous Instagram story, Chelsea shared that Max was brought to the hospital after suffering undisclosed issues since the All-Star break. She added that Freddie met the family and spent the night in the emergency room after a game against the San Francisco Giants.

On Thursday, the couple collaboratively posted a picture of Max with a prolonged update on his health and recovery. They also revealed the diagnosis and urged their followers to keep them in their prayers.

'Last Friday, Max rapidly declined and went into full body paralysis,' they wrote. We are very fortunate to have gotten him to the hospital in time so they could reinforce his lungs.' 

'Freddie was in Houston at the time and rushed to the first flight back home. After many tests, Max is battling a severe case of Guillain-Barré syndrome. A rare neurological condition that is especially rare in children.'

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is triggered by an acute bacterial or viral infection and attacks the nerves. Symptoms of GBS begin with weakness and tingling in the lower body. As the infection works its way up, paralysis may occur - as it did with Maximus. 

The condition has less than 20,000 cases in the United States every year and can be cured with blood treatments.  

'These have been the hardest and scariest days of our lives. Maximus is such a special boy and he has been fighting SO hard,' they added. 'This is going to be a journey to recover, but we have faith that he will be completely healed. We have been blown away by his improvements in the last 48 hours.' 

'Maximus was excavated from his breathing tube and taken off of the ventilator yesterday, which is a huge win for us. We believe in the power of prayer and we have been witnessing a miracle in his recovery.' 

'Please continue to cover Maximus and our family in your prayers. We really appreciate and have felt all of your support.' 

With Freddie away to be with his family, the Dodgers are holding their top spot down in the National League West. The team holds a 63-46 record and will remain on the road through August 4 when they wrap up their series with the Oakland Athletics.