medical expense

Kendra is a 21 college athlete at East Tennessee State University. Kendra has a condition called schizencephaly it is a extremely rare birth defect. It involves slits or clefts in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain. Hers are located on the right side frontal lobe of the brain. it is unknown why Kendra didnt have a seizure until she was 15 years old the doctors told us she was blessed she should have been having them since birth.  She suffered her first seizure on the softball field in Mrytle Beach . The most terrifying experience as a parent not really knowing what was going on. Since that first one it has been a roller coaster of testing ,treatments and medications..
She has struggled to get through high school while continuing to play softball,the sport she loves.

Since the time of the first seizure the simple day to day living has gradually  gotten harder and harder.
Kendra is a tough girl and has never been told you cant do that you have a disability. So in her eyes the sky has been the limit...Through the years we have had several out patient and in hospital stays for testing and treatment. Traveling as far as Philadelphia to Childrens Hospital trying to find her some form of stablilty. Through all this she has kept her head held high and a smile on her face. This past year has been the hardest the medications have severe side affects that cause brain fog and memory loss...just what you need for college..it also causes fatigue that and softball dont mix either. Even though she is on several medications and is on high doses, the seizurese are still coming.

Through much thought and prayer Kendra had decided to start the process to have brain surgery . It is a long process that involes several in hospital stays for testing.Her neurologists are now all  located in Charleston at MUSC..She has had one in Greenville but they could not help with her progress any longer  sent her to MUSC for all treatment.  She has taken the semester off from school and from softball. It was a heart wrenching choice to make but at this point she felt it was the only one she could choose as her body is tired and weak and her memory loss has become a real concern.
As we start this journey we ask for first and foremost your prayers. God is in control and has his hand on Kendra I truly feel she has a divine purpose and will one day be a great spokesperson for others that face what she has.
Secondly we ask for any help you would like to give. This is a hard thing to ask for but this is more than we can handle on our own. We are facing many weeks of missed work and large expenses for treatment and travel.We love our friends and family and appreciate all that you do for us.