Anne and Caroline

A little background on our sister (Anne) and her daughter (Caroline). Anne adopted Caroline at age 2 as a single mom, and Caroline just turned 18. She was born with cleft lip/palate and has had 10 surgeries with another big one coming up this year where they will break her upper jaw. Through the years, Caroline has been diagnosed with autism, epilepsy, a congenital heart condition, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and a condition with her feet that required surgery. Four years ago, she was also diagnosed with a benign pituitary (brain) tumor that required brain MRIs every few months under anesthesia. They have been through years of tests, therapy, EEGs, EKGs, CT scans, labs, etc. with an extensive team of specialists. Caroline has bravely endured so much medically, but the past few years have been especially difficult.

Being home through Covid was hard on us all, and upon returning to school, Caroline started having frequent convulsive seizures. EMS was called to the school many times which has made it impossible for her to continue in person. She now has tutors coming to the home, and as a senior, she has missed most of high school.

Despite the challenges, Anne has helped create an amazing life for the two of them. Caroline is a multi-sport Special Olympics athlete and has won gold medals in the Illinois state games in rhythmic gymnastics. She also became a Special Olympics Global Messenger and participated in Equine Therapy.

Unfortunately, due to several setbacks over the last few years, Caroline is no longer able to participate in most of these activities. Caroline has always been incredibly social and engaging, and she loves meeting people. However, being so isolated for a few years has exacerbated her neurological issues to the point that she has been in the hospital four times in the past year and has had eight ER visits (with the last visit she was in the ER for several days).

Anne worked full time as an HR manager but lost her job at the beginning of Covid. It has been impossible to work these past few years with all these issues, and Anne is also now on crutches pending a hip replacement herself. Their life looks completely different now, not just financially. Caroline has withdrawn more and has not been able to participate in many activities or school. Anne is working hard with their medical team on Caroline’s current treatment plan.

It took a lot for me to convince my sister to let me put this information out because she is very private and has always found a way to manage, but this is no longer the case. I have witnessed the two of them doing everything within their power to stay positive and fight through these difficult times. They have a strong faith that God will guide their steps and give them strength. They are grateful every day for each other and for how much God has blessed them. Anne has taught Caroline to believe that, “we can do hard things,” and that God has a plan for them to make an impact in this world.

Despite their best efforts and system support, Anne and Caroline are very much in need of help with living and medical expenses, with more upcoming surgeries and ongoing treatments. There are resources that Anne has been applying for, but they take several months, if not years, and there are urgent immediate needs for the two of them that we are trying to help with. Thank you for any assistance. God Bless!