Our beautiful sister has had a challenging last few months that has led to the diagnosis of Rasmussen’s encephalitis (RE).

RE is a very rare, chronic inflammatory neurological disease that usually affects only one hemisphere (half) of the brain. It has features of an autoimmune disease in which immune system cells enter the brain and cause damage. RE is characterized by frequent and severe seizures, progressive loss of neurological functions including motor skills, speech, and eventual paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparesis), inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), and mental deterioration.

With this diagnosis an abundant of costs follows. In particular a guide dog.

Ayrlie has already lost normal function in the left side of her body and has been recommended a guide dog for stability and future seizure awareness.

We have decided to kick start some fundraising for Ayrlie’s guide dog to put some relief of the financial hardship that has come along with this diagnosis.