Help Wilson's Fight Cystic Fibrosis
I am calling on all of Wilson's Warriors, and recruiting all of you who have not yet joined our cause, to help them out. If finances are tight, I ask that you simply buy Nicole and James a cup of coffee. This may sound strange, but when you are raising two children with a chronic illness like Cystic Fibrosis, sometimes you need just that, a friend to reach out and simply buy you a cup of coffee.
Nicole and James have two girls diagnosed from birth with a progressive, genetic disease called Cystic Fibrosis. This is a chronic condition that causes thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. This thick mucus clogs the airways, traps bacteria that leads to infections, lung damage, and eventually respiratory failure. This mucus inhibits the release of digestive enzymes preventing the body from breaking down food and absorption of vital nutrients. Currently there is no cure.
Madeline and Ava Wilson wake up each morning and start their day with a 30 minute breathing treatment of three different medications and continue this three times a day. On top of that, they also take the following: 3 to 4 enzyme pills with meals and 2 to 3 with snacks, 2 Orkambi pills twice a day, 1 Vitamin D3, 1 Vitamin E, 1 Zyrtec, 1 dose of Miralax, 1 Magnesium, 1 Omeprezole/Lansaprozole,1 Ibuprofen, Flonase twice a day, and sinus rinse. This is done daily folks! When sick add in an extra breathing treatment and prebiotics.
Madeline and Ava see the CF team every three months to get blood draws, throat cultures, pulmonary function tests, annual chest x-rays, glucose tolerance tests, and a liver function panel. Bonus, parents get to sit and wait for results for several days to find out if any test results were positive. A positive result means they have to plan on a three month round of antibiotics given through an IV, then two weeks of oral antibiotics, then inhaled medication given for 30 days on and 30 days off. (This would be another breathing treatment added to their day) Once done with the rounds of antibiotics they then get a bronchoscopy. Madeline and Ava have each had to do this 2 to 3 times. Madeline has endured 5 sinus surgeries, and Ava had a 52 day NICU stay with 2 major abdominal surgeries as an infant. Part of their treatment is staying active so Madeline and Ava participate in a lot of activities such as cheerleading, basketball, softball, dance, and I am sure there is more. All of these activities are costly too, but necessary for their health.
Each medication, doctor visit, hospital stay, and test ran have an out of pocket cost and over the years medical bills have caused a financial burden. This burden adds stress to the family and doesn't even touch the emotional stress James and Nicole have endured watching their two baby girls go through this daily regimen. Madeline and Ava are also growing up and learning about the disease they have, and naturally have a lot of questions. Can you imagine explaining this to your child?
We are blessed and thankful for each day. James and Nicole's strength is something to be admired. They are active against the fight for a cure for CF and participate by doing annual fundraisers with Great Strides. They also do their own fundraising such as Golf 4 the Girls, auctions, change wars at the girl's school, waitressing at restaurants, and speak at radio-thons with Miracle for Kids and The Children's Miracle Network. Madeline and Ava have both been recognized at Miss Missouri Pageants as ambassadors for Miracle Network!
While thankful for each day, they are stressed, overwhelmed, and need our help. Asking for help is something both Nicole and James struggle with. So please help me by alleviating the one stress they have that can be removed, financial stress. Donate what you can, even if it is just the cost of a cup of coffee. I know they will be forever greatful. God Bless!