Hey everyone, my name is Monique Owens, and I am the Grandmother of Maggie Derby. I have started this fundraiser to help pay for a unique intensive therapy opportunity for Maggie!

Maggie Derby was born with a very rare genetic disease called CASK at 8 months old. Currently, there are less than 220 cases of CASK worldwide. This mutation has caused Maggie to have cerebellar hypoplasia and microcephaly, which causes lifelong and catastrophic developmental delays. Due to Maggie's CASK gene variant, she is still unable to sit unsupported, crawl, or stand. She is currently in PT and OT, each twice a week and sees a teacher for the hard of hearing once a month and a teacher for vision loss twice a month. While we have seen improvements in her development, month-long intensive therapy programs are vital for her progress.

Virginia Tech has a team of researchers studying CASK, and currently, the VTCR Research Clinic offers an intensive therapy program. Families have traveled worldwide for this opportunity, and we are so fortunate that it's close to home. Intensive therapies are crucial to CASK kids, and parents have noticed leaps in their development.

Maggie has a spot reserved for her from January 9th to February 3rd, 2023. Maggie, along with her mom & dad, Blythe & Chris Derby, will need to travel from Salisbury, NC to Roanoke, VA for a month. During that time, Maggie will have intensive therapy specific to her needs, four hours a day, five days a week.

This is an INCREDIBLE opportunity for Maggie and her family; however, a financial burden that they can not carry alone. Insurance does not cover any of the therapy costs so we are humbly asking for your help. Any amount that you donate will be very appreciated! We are also asking if you could share this link to friends or family to help us reach our goal. This donation will directly pay for Maggie's therapy, travel and housing for those four weeks.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your help.