Charles August Carroll was born in December surrounded by those that love him. Charlie was born with more challenges than most babies. Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita - AMC
In short, AMC affects a person’s joints and muscles. Joints are stiffened and contracted, and muscles are weak or in some cases non existent/non functioning.
AMC is not Charlie’s diagnosis but rather a symptom of his diagnosis, which they may never get. Why not a diagnosis? Because like many other people with AMC, he has other non related symptoms.
Charlie’s AMC significantly affects his shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers. His hips, knees, and ankles are also effected but not as badly. Because of this they have great hope that he will walk one day. It may be later than most, and maybe with assistance, but with early and aggressive intervention the likelihood that he may be able to run and play is high. Many people with this condition are not so lucky.
Charlie’s upper limbs will always look and function differently than most. But with thousands of hours of PT/OT, along with serial splinting and eventual surgeries, there is great hope that he will be able to function independently one day.
Because AMC is a very rare disease, there aren’t many doctors who know how to treat it properly. Austin and Paige are traveling to South Florida with Charlie in January to meet with the world leading surgeon and most qualified PTs/OTs to have Charlie evaluated and create a care plan for him. They will be there for two weeks, and anticipate daily therapy along with initial splitting of his hands/wrists, and potentially the start of serial casting of his lower limbs.
So many of you have been asking for more ways to help long term. Paige and Austin have given us the “OK” to set up a fund for their family. As needs grow and change for the Carroll’s, these funds will create some freedom for the family to pay medical expenses, secure housing during trips for Charlie’s out-of-state appointments, cover childcare, buy groceries, pay for take-out, and anything else that pops up over the next few weeks/months/years. Give what you can and know that they are deeply appreciative of your support and care.
In short, AMC affects a person’s joints and muscles. Joints are stiffened and contracted, and muscles are weak or in some cases non existent/non functioning.
AMC is not Charlie’s diagnosis but rather a symptom of his diagnosis, which they may never get. Why not a diagnosis? Because like many other people with AMC, he has other non related symptoms.
Charlie’s AMC significantly affects his shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers. His hips, knees, and ankles are also effected but not as badly. Because of this they have great hope that he will walk one day. It may be later than most, and maybe with assistance, but with early and aggressive intervention the likelihood that he may be able to run and play is high. Many people with this condition are not so lucky.
Charlie’s upper limbs will always look and function differently than most. But with thousands of hours of PT/OT, along with serial splinting and eventual surgeries, there is great hope that he will be able to function independently one day.
Because AMC is a very rare disease, there aren’t many doctors who know how to treat it properly. Austin and Paige are traveling to South Florida with Charlie in January to meet with the world leading surgeon and most qualified PTs/OTs to have Charlie evaluated and create a care plan for him. They will be there for two weeks, and anticipate daily therapy along with initial splitting of his hands/wrists, and potentially the start of serial casting of his lower limbs.
So many of you have been asking for more ways to help long term. Paige and Austin have given us the “OK” to set up a fund for their family. As needs grow and change for the Carroll’s, these funds will create some freedom for the family to pay medical expenses, secure housing during trips for Charlie’s out-of-state appointments, cover childcare, buy groceries, pay for take-out, and anything else that pops up over the next few weeks/months/years. Give what you can and know that they are deeply appreciative of your support and care.
Organizer and beneficiary
Paige Carroll
Beneficiary