Cade's Bright Future - Fighting Epilepsy

Cade is the light of his parents' lives. At 7 months old, he has shown more strength and resilience than many do in a lifetime.

At 3 months old, Cade was diagnosed with epilepsy and polymicrogyria, a condition where the brain develops with too many small and abnormally folded gyri (ridges) on the surface. Cade has been diagnosed with focal seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, and a particularly severe form of epilepsy known as infantile spasms. These spasms and seizures cause profound neurological damage if left uncontrolled. At 3 months, Cade was smiling, giggling, holding his head and trunk up during tummy time, and cooing. Since the onset of his seizures, we have lost each one of these milestones. We are in a race against time to protect his developing brain and give him the best possible chance at a future filled with learning, play, and connection.

Cade has already tried a long list of anti-seizure medications - Vimpat, Lamotrigine, Keppra, Phenobarbital, Valproic Acid, and more - with little to no relief. We are now exploring next steps that could improve his prognosis: surgical intervention at the Cleveland Clinic, dietary therapy involving a medically supervised keto diet, and specialized consultations with neurology experts. For us as parents, these treatments are not just options - they are necessities.

The cost of Cade's medical care has been overwhelming. Cade has private insurance, but just in the 7 months since his birth we have accrued over $8,000 in medical debt. Because of Cade's complex medical needs, we were unable to enroll him in daycare as planned, and I did not return to work after maternity leave and currently have no income. Cade's dad works tirelessly to provide us with the things we need. And while he is averse to asking for charity, I wanted to ask for help to relieve some of the pressure on our family.

Cade's disability makes him eligible for Medicaid assistance, but he has been placed on a 2-3 year waiting list, and his needs and treatments continue to escalate. We currently pay outrageous monthly medical bills, with even more on the horizon. The ketogenic formula his doctors recommend is often not covered by insurance and is over $200 a can. Travel, lodging, and out-of-pocket fees for out-of-state care are also daunting as we approach our stay at Cleveland Clinic. We are being pushed toward overwhelming medical debt.

Every dollar raised for Cade will go directly toward his medical expenses, including neurosurgery consultations and procedures, specialized formula, ongoing seizure medications and monitoring, and other costs associated with his medical care.

Through all of theses treatments, we try to remain hopeful. We know what's possible if we can control his seizures within this first critical year of life - research shows that his chances of cognitive and developmental success increase dramatically. We keep things light and playful for Cade, and his therapists and doctors are committed to seeing him achieve as much as possible.

If you're able to donate, share, or send a prayer - thank you. You are a part of Cade's story, and we are grateful for your support.

With hope and love,

Samantha & Chris