Blake is a 9 year old child with Down syndrome. Blake has been through so much in his 9 years on this earth yet always seems to have a contagious smile on his face. Blake has gone in for routine x-rays on his neck every since his first surgery at age one. Recently, the doctor asked to do another set with a hyper and lower extension of the neck. After receiving the results the doctor referred him to a neurologist due to the x-rays showing a increased Atlanto axial instability. This instability is extremely dangerous involving the c-1 and c-2 on the spine. It is something that happens in individuals with Down syndrome but only in 10%. It affects the entire body. Blake has already begun showing signs in the legs, preventing him from being able to walk no more than a very short distance before having to be picked up and carried. The doctors believe that Blake’s underactive thyroid is also from the instability. If Atlanto axial is allowed to continue creating a gap it will put an end to Blake’s contagious smile by taking his life. Kristie is getting every opinion possible and will NOT stop at anything to get the best care for Blake. Recently Kristie came in contact with a doctor in Philadelphia that has agreed to take a look at Blake and give his opinion as he has done complicated and also life-saving surgeries like this before. Without hesitation, the appointment was set for Jan 3rd in Philadelphia. Blake continues to get care at U of M and second opinions at Children's Hospital. This has taken such a huge toll on the Lang family and Blake’s 10 year old brother has taken the news very hard. Kristie is a single mom to Brandon (10 year old) and Brianna her 15 year old daughter. Blake has gone from being an active, happy, little boy to having that all taken away from him. He had started playing soccer in the Special Olympics and loved it so much but everything was halted to a stop once the last x-rays came back. Blake can no longer play on the playground at recess or wrestle with his best friend and brother. It is very hard for Blake since he doesn’t understand why. With the instability, a slight push or fall can cost him his life. He has to be watched and cared for as he is a hyper 9 year old boy that always wants to play.

I am praying for everyone to come together to help raise money for this family and help Kristie financially with the expenses of getting Blake back and forth to Philadelphia, hotel costs and food for her and her children. Kristie has had to take a lot of time off work already and will need to in the future due to the trips involved for Blake’s surgery and recovery. Currently they live in a single wide mobile home with two very small bedrooms which the children share and Kristie sleeps on the couch.  She supports her children by working a part time job making $10/hour so that she can also be home to take care of Blake.  She receives help from Blake's social security which is about $524 a month and $300 child support from the boys' father.  As you can imagine, funds are already very tight within the household and there isn't any extra left over for medical expenses. 
Please think about helping Kristie and her children by donating. You will not only be saving Blake’s life but also his siblings' and mother's as well financially and emotionally.