Hope for Melanie

This is Melanie's Story. At 24 weeks we lost her twin sister in the womb, causing Melanie lack of oxygen to her brain, fluid surrounding her heart, lungs, and under her skin. At 25 weeks, she came way too early and on top of the complications in the womb she also had a brain bleed. We were told Melanie might not make it, but she did. She had problems breathing, eating, and even with her mobility. Melanie is now 14 months 12 lbs 10 oz and has been diagnosed with Cerebral palsy. We were told there was NO treatment or way of healing her brain what so ever. Because of her brain damage Melanie has difficulty eating, seeing, talking, and moving every body part she has. She has high tone in her arms and legs and very low tone in her neck and trunk. This is why Melanie may look to some like a 3 month old. She is unable to crawl, grasp many things, or control the tightening of her limbs. She now must wear braces on her hands and legs to keep from her muscles from permanently drawing in. At four months she had a feeding tube placed because of her brain damage that causes her not to eat. Now Melanie suffers from oral aversion and severe reflux causing frequent vomiting. Because of her nutritional problems Melanie has stunted growth. On top of her motor problems she has a condition called ROP causing her poor vision and not able to focus.

Recently we have found something online called HBO treatments or Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This treatment is shown to help improve children with Cerebral Palsy or even autism. No insurance will cover this treatment because Cerebral palsy is considered a secondary condition and has not had enough time to go through the insurances and medicaid facilities. So we will be paying out of pocket for these treatments. So far she will need 20 - 40 treatments. 1 treatment a day, costing $200 a day, not including our room and travel expenses to stay where the treatments are. Melanie will be part of something that will help other children and parents to come. This treatment can heal actual brain tissue and restore some of the dormant tissue which means she may eat, talk, walk, crawl, grasp, and see. If anyone would like to make a donation to Melanie's treatments please let us know. Melanie is a miracle to our family and has over come many obstacles. God has blessed her in many ways and we hope that this treatment will provide a better quality of life for her. Any help is greatly appreciated.