My granddaughter Karli is 5 years old and shortly after birth was diagnosed with a rare chromosome disorder from which she suffers multiple neurological conditions including microcephaly, epilepsy, cortical visual impairment and severe developmental delays. She is wheelchair bound, is on a permanent feeding tube and can not stand, walk, talk or sit up without assistance.  Despite all of these challenges she is an amazing,  sweet  little girl who enjoys music and water therapy.  Karli's parents were very young when she was born but they have both stepped up and done everything in their power to provide the love and care Karli needs to be the best she can be.   You are never prepared for the overwhelming losses that come with raising a  child with severe disabilities.  The grief,  sadness and sometimes anger at missing all the normal milestones in your child's life that you see in other children can sometimes make you feel scared and alone.  In addition to the overwhelming financial  costs it is also very difficult on relationships.  Karli's parents while dedicated to continuing to raise Karli, are separating, and Karli and her mom are starting out on their own, moving to a new home. Now more than ever they need help.  Karli  has outgrown her crib and is in a modified bunk bed but because she has very erratic movements she has injured herself numerous times.  She is in need of a bed that is padded, that she can not get out of and that will keep her safe. Karli at 5 years old weighs 33 pounds but her mom weighs less than a 100 pounds so Karli needs a bed that is designed so she can be moved in and out of the bed easily without causing injury to either one of them.  The average cost of a therapeutic bed is between $8-10,000 and insurance will not cover the cost.  We found a furniture maker who after hearing Karli's story is willing to make a bed for substantially less.  The total cost with bed and mattress is estimated to be $2,000.  Karli  and her mom are moving next week and we would like to get the bed built as soon as possible.  A picture of the bed is attached.  Any amount you are able to contribute to this bed for Karli would be very greatly appreciated or please share Karli's story with others who you think may be able to help. 

With thanks and grateful hearts to our family, friends, perfect strangers and others who have been there for Karli and her family.

Sincerely,

Karli's Grandma
Jenny Colwell