Dear Community,

I’m reaching out on behalf of my son, in the hope of securing the medical care he so urgently needs.

Branden has been living with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), a rare and severe form of epilepsy, since he was ten years old. Over the years, doctors have exhausted nearly every available treatment to manage his seizures. He has a VNS implant and was the first patient in Idaho prescribed Epidiolex (CBD oil), yet nothing has brought lasting relief.

He suffers seizures every day, with only rare moments of reprieve. These episodes have caused numerous injuries, including a devastating incident that fractured his ethmoid bone and required metal plates in his forehead. He’s also endured multiple hospitalizations and medically induced comas.

Now, for the first time in a long time, we have hope. Branden is scheduled for an evaluation at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona this September. To proceed, the clinic requires a $5,000 deposit, with the first appointment estimated at $758. My plan is to fly down with him, stay one night to give him time to rest, and return the next day.

As a parent, it’s not easy to ask for help—but a friend gently reminded me, “This is for him, not for you.” That gave me the strength to reach out.

We’ve set up a GoFundMe to help cover these medical expenses. For anyone who prefers other methods, I’m also sharing my Venmo info here: https://venmo.com/u/kaligurl7

Any contribution—no matter the amount—means the world to us. And if you’re unable to give financially, your prayers are equally valuable and deeply appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for your kindness and support.

With gratitude,

Donna