Asher's Fight for Life
Donation protected
My name is Mike Meads. I'm the husband to Amanda Meads. And, we are parents to Tyler, Sam, Owen, Abby, and Asher.
Asher is the reason for setting up this account. We have been asked several times if we had one, but I've really been reluctant. Now, with the news that we got yesterday, we know that we are going to be facing some very hard times very soon.
Here's Asher's story:
I'll start with a little background information that led us to now.
Almost 6 years ago, 20-month-old Abby (our now beautiful 7-year-old little girl), appeared to be lifeless. With a blank look on her face, she was taken to the hospital. Little did they know, Abby had a stroke. After a CT, they found a "spot" on her brain and needed further testing. After an MRI/MRA, a genetic monster called an AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) was discovered. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDwaLKboSLo&sns=em) After complications with trying to get an immediate game plan locally, Amanda searched across the country, and found experts in Phoenix, AZ. After multiple life saving procedures, Abby was on her way to living a life that was almost ended. Though, she still has some intellectual struggles, seizures, and a heart defect, she is the most caring, thoughtful, and active little diva we've ever seen :). We are extremely blessed to have her in our life.
Fast forward to May of this year: We were extremely excited to find out that Amanda was pregnant. This was going to be our first child together. Because of the genetic disorder that caused Abby's problems, we saw a genetic specialist to keep a close eye on his growth. We were so happy that, at every appointment, everything looked great. We had a healthy baby boy that was growing slightly ahead of schedule. We were so happy and excited.!
At 29 weeks, we scheduled to have a 4D ultrasound to have some good pictures of Asher's little face. Little did we know, this day would rock us to our core. During the 2D ultrasound to line things up to see 4D, the tech said that she had to tell us something. She showed us a "cyst" in his brain. After further testing, they determined that the 4cm "cyst" was a result of a stroke due to the fact that he too has a large AVM like his big sister. Having one child with an AVM is rare. Having two with very similar AVM's is even more rare.
Asher's AVM is a "worst case scenario" when it comes to these malformations. His is on the "Vein of Galen" or the "Great Cerebral Vein". This is a major vessel located in the deep central part of his brain. It will more than likely be crucial that it is operated on as soon as he's born. Because of that, we will more than likely be making the trip to Phoenix, AZ for him to be born. The neuro team out there will be sending us a game plan soon for birth and surgeries immediately following.
We have no idea what we're up against with travel, stay, meals, medical bills, etc. Not to mention, we will more than likely be away from our other 4 children for who knows how long. Any help, and more importantly prayers, are greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts.
Asher is the reason for setting up this account. We have been asked several times if we had one, but I've really been reluctant. Now, with the news that we got yesterday, we know that we are going to be facing some very hard times very soon.
Here's Asher's story:
I'll start with a little background information that led us to now.
Almost 6 years ago, 20-month-old Abby (our now beautiful 7-year-old little girl), appeared to be lifeless. With a blank look on her face, she was taken to the hospital. Little did they know, Abby had a stroke. After a CT, they found a "spot" on her brain and needed further testing. After an MRI/MRA, a genetic monster called an AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) was discovered. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDwaLKboSLo&sns=em) After complications with trying to get an immediate game plan locally, Amanda searched across the country, and found experts in Phoenix, AZ. After multiple life saving procedures, Abby was on her way to living a life that was almost ended. Though, she still has some intellectual struggles, seizures, and a heart defect, she is the most caring, thoughtful, and active little diva we've ever seen :). We are extremely blessed to have her in our life.
Fast forward to May of this year: We were extremely excited to find out that Amanda was pregnant. This was going to be our first child together. Because of the genetic disorder that caused Abby's problems, we saw a genetic specialist to keep a close eye on his growth. We were so happy that, at every appointment, everything looked great. We had a healthy baby boy that was growing slightly ahead of schedule. We were so happy and excited.!
At 29 weeks, we scheduled to have a 4D ultrasound to have some good pictures of Asher's little face. Little did we know, this day would rock us to our core. During the 2D ultrasound to line things up to see 4D, the tech said that she had to tell us something. She showed us a "cyst" in his brain. After further testing, they determined that the 4cm "cyst" was a result of a stroke due to the fact that he too has a large AVM like his big sister. Having one child with an AVM is rare. Having two with very similar AVM's is even more rare.
Asher's AVM is a "worst case scenario" when it comes to these malformations. His is on the "Vein of Galen" or the "Great Cerebral Vein". This is a major vessel located in the deep central part of his brain. It will more than likely be crucial that it is operated on as soon as he's born. Because of that, we will more than likely be making the trip to Phoenix, AZ for him to be born. The neuro team out there will be sending us a game plan soon for birth and surgeries immediately following.
We have no idea what we're up against with travel, stay, meals, medical bills, etc. Not to mention, we will more than likely be away from our other 4 children for who knows how long. Any help, and more importantly prayers, are greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts.
Organizer
Mike Meads
Organizer
Springville, AL