Ella is an amazingly sweet, smart, and energetic 10-year-old, who loves math, science, soccer, her two older sisters, and her dog. One evening in October 2023, Ella’s right foot suddenly started hurting and she was unable to walk normally. When they took a closer look, her foot was slightly swollen, dark purple, ice cold and was alarmingly sensitive to touch. Anything that touched her skin sent Ella over the edge. The pain, constant and excruciating. They visited several doctors and after several tests and x-rays, nothing came back abnormal. Finally, in November 2023, they received an answer, she was diagnosed with a neurological condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

These symptoms have persisted and gotten worse over the last 16 weeks. Sleepless nights are the norm for Ella. From midnight well into the early morning hours, the pain is intense and all consuming. Another child with CRPS described the pain as being wrapped in barbed wire, set on fire, and then electrocuted at random intervals. Sleep is usually restless at best. The inability to rest has made attending school impossible. She loves her homebound teacher, but she desperately misses going to school and seeing friends. She misses just being a kid.

Physical therapy, various medications, and acupuncture have not been able to bring Ella relief. Traditional hospital treatment programs have long wait-lists and the programs can last for weeks or months. Ella’s moms have found a non-invasive, less widely researched, but emerging treatment program which has experienced much success in children with CRPS. Ella is a strong candidate for the treatment, but the provider is out-of-state and the treatment is not covered by insurance. The twelve-day treatment and accommodations (because the treatment location is several states away) will be around $6,000. As with many medical conditions, the sooner she receives treatment, the higher the chance of remission.

Please help if you can. This gift will help a little girl and her family return to a normal life.