Abigail’s Angel

Abigail was 5 when her parents began noticing a bald spot on her scalp and forehead. Doctors were puzzled for a diagnosis when they sought medical attention for it in 2017. Abigail was fortunate enough to be referred to a skilled local surgeon who clinched the diagnosis of linear scleroderma, and he operated to remove a 6x8 inch patch of skin.

 

Fast forward to 2022, and Abigail’s skin condition has begun spreading to her face and back, and may be spreading internally as well. No rheumatologist in South Carolina has the specialized experience to treat pediatric systemic scleroderma, and they are being referred to John Hopkins Scleroderma Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

 

Pediatric scleroderma is extremely rare. The prevalence of pediatric systemic scleroderma is about 1 in a million. While much rarer than childhood cancer, this autoimmune condition behaves much like a cancer: it comes from the body’s own cells, it spreads and damages the body as it spreads, quick medical treatment is important to slow the spread, and the disease itself and the medicines to help stop it are rough on the body.

 

Scleroderma is a disease of collagen overgrowth. Essentially, normal body tissues are replaced with nonfunctional scar tissue. In systemic disease, the effects are much more than cosmetic. Scarring around joints causes loss of flexibility and movement. Internal scarring of organs can cause permanent and life-threatening damage to the linings of the lungs, bowels, kidney, and heart.

 

Getting Abigail medical treatment as soon as possible is crucial. Her out-of-state care will create significant travel and medical costs. Money raised will go to the necessities of gas, medical bills, and essentials such as food and utilities. Her parents are two of the hardest-working, humblest, and funny people I know. Unfortunately, her mother has been unable to work for several years due to an unusual series of neurological problems. Her father is currently looking for a new job as his previous position at his workplace was eliminated last month.

 

This fundraiser is named “Abigail’s Angel” to honor Abigail’s exuberant love of everyone and everything regardless of whether or not they are “normal.” Her angel exemplifies her boundless love. She and her grandmother were at a dollar store, and Abigail saw this angel figurine with a missing hand and broken back. She BEGGED for it, said she wouldn’t ask for anything else if she could get it.

 

When her grandmother suggested looking for one to buy that wasn’t broken, Abigail said, "Doesn't she deserve a home? She’s beautiful and I love her. What if no one else wants her? I love her just like that."