This March my dear friends, Tammy and Brian Shelton, were told their daughter Sarah has severe scoliosis.  The doctors recommended surgery as soon as it could be scheduled.  Sarah and her parents have struggled with this diagnosis both emotionally and financially.  Sarah has to give up her favorite sport, gymnastics, which she was getting ready to join a travelling gymnastics team in Macon this Fall, imagine the disappointment.  Anyone that knows Sarah knows she's a wonderful little girl, bright, energetic, loving and extremely athletic.  Sarah decided for herself that she wanted to join a research study/peer support to help other children with scoliosis, an example of one of many selfless acts I've witnessed by Sarah.  Tammy and Brian pour themselves into their children and this devastated the entire family.  Sarah is expected to do very well but the severity will limit her mobility and ability to play certain sports.  

In doing the right thing by Sarah, her parents have seen a second physician for his opinion.  By seeking a second opinion by a renown physician at Children's Hospital they have accrued substantial medical expenses and travel expenses even before surgery.  Surgery has been moved up from August to July 27, 2016.  They will be in St Louis 2 days prior to the surgery for testing, in hospital for 7-10 days and then they have to continue to stay in St Louis for 3 more days after being dismissed from the hospital.  A total of 12-15 days in St Louis.  Sarah will have a lengthy recovery and be homebound from school for approximately 2 months.  

Tammy and Brian are going to utilize as much support the hospital and Ronald McDonald house can provide but they will still have substantial expenses.  They are missing work, travel expenses, food expenses, hotel expenses and accruing medical expenses.  I realize we all can't donate but any support is helpful, financial, emotional and any thoughts and prayers are always welcome.  Please help make this difficult time for my dear friends a little easier.