Pennies and Prayers For Zoe Toro
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On February 6th 2019, Richie and Stephanie’s life came to a halt when Zoe began showing extreme psychiatric and neurologic changes. Hospital after hospital, doctor after doctor, test after test, no one seemed like they understood what was going on with Zoe, but my sister knew something was seriously wrong. Zoe began having a series of symptoms: major personality changes, frequent headaches, unexplained stomach pains, seizures, acute onset of OCD behaviors, attempts at harming herself, extreme aggression, severe anxiety, manic behavior, itchy rashes that covered her entire body and dilated pupils that were so large you could no longer see the blue. My sister kept advocating for her daughter and wouldn’t stop until she found answers. Finally, she found someone who recognized right away what was happening to Zoe and gave my sister hope.
Zoe began treatment with antibiotics, only to discover her body would begin rejecting them two weeks later. What they thought initially was a classic case of PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep), turned into rheumatic fever, and then progressed into something more dangerous. At this point, Zoe’s physician requested they transfer care to a specialist in DC, a world-renowned, pediatric neurologist who specializes in these types of conditions. After weeks of waiting for answers, Zoe was finally diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis; a rare disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system creates antibodies that attack the brain.
Zoe is currently taking a large dose of steroids to prevent further inflammation until she starts IVIG therapy. Some days Zoe seems perfect, other days it seems like someone or something takes over her little body. Since Zoe’s immune system is not working properly, she is now being homeschooled. If you know our Zoe, you know she is a fighter. She was born 11 weeks early and was feisty from day one. She brings a smile to anyones face and brightens the most cloudy day.
As you can imagine, this has taken a toll on my sister and Richie mentally, emotionally and financially. My sister will need to be home with Zoe for the next few months as she starts her IVIG treatments. Unfortunately, the specialist that is caring for Zoe does not take insurance and the treatments that Zoe will require are not covered due to out-of-network coverage. They have already spent thousands of dollars to get to where they are now, but they will require thousands more before this is over.
Autoimmune encephalitis is a very dangerous condition that can be fatal if not treated appropriately, so you can imagine the kind of stress that is weighing on my sisters and Richie’s mind. With the right treatment, Zoe will be back to her sweet, happy, easy-go-lucky self in no time! This condition is curable, it just takes time, patience, IVIG and a lot of faith. Your support and prayers for Zoe during this difficult time means more than you will ever know. Please consider a donation if you are able to help my sister and Richie with this huge financial burden so they are able to focus on the most important thing at this time, getting their little girl back to her healthy and happy self.
Zoe began treatment with antibiotics, only to discover her body would begin rejecting them two weeks later. What they thought initially was a classic case of PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep), turned into rheumatic fever, and then progressed into something more dangerous. At this point, Zoe’s physician requested they transfer care to a specialist in DC, a world-renowned, pediatric neurologist who specializes in these types of conditions. After weeks of waiting for answers, Zoe was finally diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis; a rare disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system creates antibodies that attack the brain.
Zoe is currently taking a large dose of steroids to prevent further inflammation until she starts IVIG therapy. Some days Zoe seems perfect, other days it seems like someone or something takes over her little body. Since Zoe’s immune system is not working properly, she is now being homeschooled. If you know our Zoe, you know she is a fighter. She was born 11 weeks early and was feisty from day one. She brings a smile to anyones face and brightens the most cloudy day.
As you can imagine, this has taken a toll on my sister and Richie mentally, emotionally and financially. My sister will need to be home with Zoe for the next few months as she starts her IVIG treatments. Unfortunately, the specialist that is caring for Zoe does not take insurance and the treatments that Zoe will require are not covered due to out-of-network coverage. They have already spent thousands of dollars to get to where they are now, but they will require thousands more before this is over.
Autoimmune encephalitis is a very dangerous condition that can be fatal if not treated appropriately, so you can imagine the kind of stress that is weighing on my sisters and Richie’s mind. With the right treatment, Zoe will be back to her sweet, happy, easy-go-lucky self in no time! This condition is curable, it just takes time, patience, IVIG and a lot of faith. Your support and prayers for Zoe during this difficult time means more than you will ever know. Please consider a donation if you are able to help my sister and Richie with this huge financial burden so they are able to focus on the most important thing at this time, getting their little girl back to her healthy and happy self.
Organizer
Taylor Newsome
Organizer
Annapolis, MD
