Hi, my name is Kristi, and I’m reaching out to rally support for my incredible 17-year-old cousin, Brody. Brody’s family has always been strong and independent, never ones to ask for help, even in the toughest times. But as Brody battles epilepsy, I felt compelled to start this GoFundMe to show them love and support during this challenging journey and to give them one less thing to worry about.

At age 12, Brody was a healthy and active kid until his journey with epilepsy began unexpectedly during a family vacation in their hotel room. Brody's parents noticed that he had been in the shower for a very long time. They knocked on the door to check on him and got no response. Panicked, they ended up having to break open the locked door. They found steam pouring out, water overflowing, and Brody slumped over the bathtub’s edge after a seizure. Miraculously, by the grace of God, his head was over the side of the tub, preventing an unimaginable outcome. Two weeks later, his mom found him in a terrifying tonic-clonic seizure in the middle of the night—one of the scariest moments of her life.

Years later, Brody faces daily seizures—auras and absence seizures that can last hours—despite taking over 10 pills a day and emergency medications. His condition, intractable epilepsy, means the medications don’t work as they should. He’s had to switch to completing most schoolwork at home, he can never be left alone, and there are many days where he is not able to make it to baseball, which has been heartbreaking for him.

In December, Mayo Clinic discovered a brain abnormality, likely a birthmark, causing his seizures. The neurological team initially recommended brain surgery, a risky procedure requiring weeks in the ICU with potential vision loss and no guarantee of success. But last week, Brody received hope: a non-surgical, outpatient procedure at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota that could reduce his seizures by 40-50%. This cutting-edge treatment, not yet FDA-approved for epilepsy, isn’t covered by insurance. It costs $1,000 per session, and Brody needs five sessions over five days, totaling $5,000, plus gas, food, and lodging expenses.

With the treatment scheduled less than a week from now, let’s help Brody get this done without the stress of financial burdens. Your donation will directly fund these life-changing treatments and cover lodging for Brody and his family in Minnesota. Our goal is to raise $7,000 to cover treatments and travel expenses to give Brody a chance at fewer seizures and a brighter future.

Brody’s family has faced this battle with incredible strength, but I don’t want them to have to do it alone. Your support will show them they’re surrounded by a community that cares. This isn’t because they can’t manage—it’s simply a way to support them if you’ve been wanting to. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with your friends and family. Every dollar and every share brings us closer to helping Brody get back to being the active, joyful kid he is at heart. Thank you for your generosity! Above all, I would ask you to PRAY for Dennis, Sheri, and Brody!