- K
- A
Otis was born with Hydrocephalus, a congenital defect which causes spinal fluid to build up in his brain. Despite doctors telling us he would be a vegetable, he has defied the odds and grown into an extremely gifted and special 9 year old.
This past summer, Otis got very sick. After several stays in the hospital and 2 surgeries on his shunt, it was determined that in addition to Hydrocephalus, he also has a rare neurological disorder called Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and abdominal migraines. This disorder causes him to have bouts of very severe head and stomach pain, as well as chronic vomiting. On a good day, he will only vomit twice, on a bad day, he will vomit upwards of 30 times. It is heartbreaking to see him in such misery and not know how to help.
Thankfully, most of the medical bills have been covered, but this ordeal has take its toll on our family. Chris works extremely hard to support us, but there are only so many hours in a day that a guy can work! I am fortunate enough to have a job that allows me to be flexible and be with Otis whenever I need to be. However, not working means not getting paid. We have been blessed to get in with a CVS specialist at The Cleveland Clinic and we pray he has some answers for us; however, with this journey comes more expenses. Hotel bills, gas, food, as well as more time off work will all add up quickly. Additionally, part of this doctor's treatment plan includes a heavy dose of supplements which are not covered by insurance and cost around $300 per month.
In all of Otis's 9 years, I have never asked for help. Many people have had it put on their hearts to reach out and offer help, but I have never stepped out and asked for it. I lost my home, my car, my good credit... all to make certain he had the care and therapies he needed. I would do it all over again just to see him become the amazing little man he has grown into.
Otis has touched a lot of people in his short life. Once you meet him, you never forget him. He is always the first one to offer an encouraging word, tell you you're beautiful, or ask for a hug. It is because of HIM that I am swallowing my pride asking for help. I am not asking for a lot, just enough to get us on our way with this specialist and treatment plan. If your day has ever been made better by reading something hilarious he has said or if you have ever been encouraged by hearing his story, I ask you to consider donating to this cause. I believe that there is complete healing in store for Otis, but in the meantime, my heart longs to see him find some relief. We covet your prayers more than anything right now and thank you for the love and support you all have already shown us!
This past summer, Otis got very sick. After several stays in the hospital and 2 surgeries on his shunt, it was determined that in addition to Hydrocephalus, he also has a rare neurological disorder called Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and abdominal migraines. This disorder causes him to have bouts of very severe head and stomach pain, as well as chronic vomiting. On a good day, he will only vomit twice, on a bad day, he will vomit upwards of 30 times. It is heartbreaking to see him in such misery and not know how to help.
Thankfully, most of the medical bills have been covered, but this ordeal has take its toll on our family. Chris works extremely hard to support us, but there are only so many hours in a day that a guy can work! I am fortunate enough to have a job that allows me to be flexible and be with Otis whenever I need to be. However, not working means not getting paid. We have been blessed to get in with a CVS specialist at The Cleveland Clinic and we pray he has some answers for us; however, with this journey comes more expenses. Hotel bills, gas, food, as well as more time off work will all add up quickly. Additionally, part of this doctor's treatment plan includes a heavy dose of supplements which are not covered by insurance and cost around $300 per month.
In all of Otis's 9 years, I have never asked for help. Many people have had it put on their hearts to reach out and offer help, but I have never stepped out and asked for it. I lost my home, my car, my good credit... all to make certain he had the care and therapies he needed. I would do it all over again just to see him become the amazing little man he has grown into.
Otis has touched a lot of people in his short life. Once you meet him, you never forget him. He is always the first one to offer an encouraging word, tell you you're beautiful, or ask for a hug. It is because of HIM that I am swallowing my pride asking for help. I am not asking for a lot, just enough to get us on our way with this specialist and treatment plan. If your day has ever been made better by reading something hilarious he has said or if you have ever been encouraged by hearing his story, I ask you to consider donating to this cause. I believe that there is complete healing in store for Otis, but in the meantime, my heart longs to see him find some relief. We covet your prayers more than anything right now and thank you for the love and support you all have already shown us!