Hello, we are the Holm family. This is all about helping our blessing and miracle girl Daisy.  After suffering with epilepsy for her first 6 years (stemming from a stroke at birth), our daughter Daisy received a rare life-changing surgery last September called a Functional Hemispherectomy.  This surgery removed much of the right hemisphere of her brain and completely disconnected it to stop the seizures from effecting the rest of her body.  The surgery was a success and has stopped her seizures, however, the side effects of the surgery left one side of her body very weak and partially paralyzed.  There is potential that much of the mobility and strength in her leg and arm will return, however to increase her chances it requires a great deal of physical and occupational therapy.  Our insurance only covers 20 sessions per year and won’t cover most of the equipment or devices that can help her.  Daisy has great potential to regain much of her gross motor skills if given the right tools and opportunities.

Daisy has 3 siblings who are very active and she would love to be able to participate in bike riding, hiking and running around like she used to do.  There are adaptive bicycles, leg braces, special shoes, and exercise equipment that would greatly aid in strengthening and improving her condition. Combined with the necessity of continued therapy sessions, beyond the few months covered by our insurance, there is a great need to give Daisy the best chance for rehabilitation.  Continuing medical costs (with the new year and a high deductible insurance plan) are preventing us from doing most of what we know could help with rehabilitation.

Daisy is one of those very sweet, special kiddos that touches the heart of everyone she meets. Her smile and laugh can light up a room.  Right now she feels confused and frustrated that she can’t do what she used to do or keep up with her siblings.  Giving Daisy the opportunities she needs and deserves would mean everything to her and us.  It could mean the difference in having a mobile life, or having a partially paralyzed, sedentary life.

Right now one of our biggest goals is to get Daisy biking. Since surgery she has been asking to ride her bike, which is saying a lot. She chooses to sit most of the day and we all work so hard to get her up and moving, but when we talk about biking she perks right up. She has a balance bike, but balancing is very challenging for her and although we will continue to work with her on balance, getting her on a bike that will allow her to grow stronger and more independent is key right now. Also, being able to go on longer family rides is so important for our whole family. An adaptive bike is way too expensive (upwards of $2000), but we have come up with a great plan that is an upright bike with a right handbrake and large stabizer wheels and the total would be about $500 and it would serve her well for at least 3 years. The second item we are trying to get is a Weehoo bike trailer so Patrick can pull her for long family rides. She would still pedal, but she will be able to rest when needed. https://rideweehoo.com This bike trailer will be something Daisy will be able to ride in until she is 10 or 11 so lots of years of use!

We are asking family, friends, and anyone who wishes to donate to this account to help us give Daisy a fighting chance to get her moving again.

Thank You so much for your gift of love to our family!  God bless you!