Hi everyone!!

We have some VERY exciting news to share!!! After going through a full medical history pre screen and testing, Charleigh has been accepted by Duke University’s stem cell/cord blood research team!!!

As most of you know, (who knows, maybe this will get around to some people that don’t know Charleigh’s story just yet — if so, welcome and thank you!!!) Charleigh was born extremely early at just 26 weeks gestation, due to a rare & unforeseen circumstance. My umbilical cord somehow tangled and cut off her oxygen in the womb, causing brain damage. Unfortunately, this was not caught until the damage was already done. In order to have any hope in surviving, my only true option was for her to be born via emergency c-section, immediately. It was either that or to terminate my pregnancy, as I was told her future would be grim, if she even were to survive. For me, that option we never considered. At three years old she was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, due to this birth injury. Currently, Charleigh is learning to use a wheelchair to get around and a gait trainer to try to walk. She is so motivated to do all the big girl things!!! She is so so determined to be as independent as possible, physically and mentally, through all of her therapies and every day tasks. The milestones she has already hit in this life, where it seemed all odds were against her, are truly remarkable. Charleigh is such a special girl, a true blessing to us and everyone she encounters along the way.

Here is a link to look into some information about this cord blood therapy and the potential benefits this could have for Charleigh!!!

https://pediatrics.duke.edu/divisions/neonatology/research/neonatal-perinatal-research-unit-npru/treating-neonatal-brain-injury

Unfortunately, this is not covered by insurance, as it is still considered research. We are hopeful that one day this changes, so families can have access to anything that can potentially help.

The cost of this is $15,000.00, plus 4 days of travel/hotel for our family. We are hoping to fundraise for some of the expenses, as this will all be out of pocket. From her first breath we have tried to give Charleigh any and every opportunity to keep hitting milestones and reaching her full potential. I think it’s safe to say we already were blessed with the absolute happiest girl in the world. She is just so motivated to conquer all of her goals, and it would mean the world to us to help her in ways we just recently learned were even possible.

The stem cells from this cord blood therapy could potentially heal some of the damage that shows on an MRI to Charleigh’s brain. While we try our best to stay grounded and live life day by day, we still have the highest hopes for our sweet girl.

If anyone wanted to help be a part of this journey to be able to take Charleigh to Duke University early next year we would appreciate it so much!! Of course we will be sharing her journey with everyone, as well ❤️

If you are able to, please donate, share this post or both, to help us have the ability to give Charleigh this opportunity!!

If you have any suggestions on other ways to fundraise, please feel free to reach out to me directly.

Also, if you feel more comfortable with Zelle, Venmo, cash or check donations, please just reach out to me via email or private message. Email: [email redacted]

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and be a part of Charleigh’s journey!

**Please share this post with your Friends & Followers, Thank you!**

-Ashley Smith

Charleigh’s mom