Hope for Salem

Co-organized

Lamar Powell and 2 others are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Jonathan Adams.

Donation protected

Salem is my niece and lives with her family in North Caroline. She is fifteen, a beautiful young lady, a singer, and an aspiring actress. She is typically full of life but has had a significant setback because she has been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). It is debilitating, has no known cure and is ranked as one of the most painful diseases.

We are devastated by this news because the treatment plans available are minimal, costly, and not covered by traditional insurance. Salem's condition is worsening by the day, so time is of the essence to get her the treatment she needs to slow the progression of this horrible condition. We are asking for help because our families do not have the resources to meet this need alone. The out-of-state treatments, travel, housing, and living expenses are significant.

We would forever be grateful if you could pray, give, share and help us spread the word.

Salem's older sister wrote this excellent overview. I wanted to share it with you:

Hi, my name is Kennedy, I am 18 years old, and I have a little sister named Salem. She is 15 and truly an amazing kid. She is funny, kind, wise beyond her years, tender-hearted, and overall just pretty freakin awesome! She brings a smile to the face of anyone who meets her.

For the past two years or so, Salem has struggled with a rare, chronic disease called CRPS, or “complex regional pain syndrome”. There is very little known about this particular condition, and in turn, very few ways to treat it.

Salem used to be a gymnast. One day, she came home saying she had sprained her ankle. She has had a few sprained ankles in the past, so we thought it would be like all the others.

It was not.

To make a long story short(er), the pain in her foot became much more than just pain. See, CRPS is triggered by some trauma to the affected area (though they aren’t sure why), and in turn, makes her nerves not communicate properly, causing effects such as poor circulation, temperature changes, restricted movement of her foot and toes, and most of all, it is excruciating.

At this point, she cannot walk, she can barely move her leg, and it is spreading RAPIDLY.

What started out just in her foot has now spread to most of her leg. If we don’t do something about it soon, it will spread to her other leg and arms, and pretty soon, her whole body will be in this constant state of pain.

This disease is not only taking effect on her physical being, but she is also struggling mentally. Not being able to do the things she used to love doing, like gymnastics, rollerblading, and even just walking around the house! It has taken a toll on her.

She’s tired. She’s hurting.

I want you to understand that this isn’t just a little inconvenient prick in her side. Imagine constantly being stabbed up and down your leg, and then adding a little spice, having hot lava slowly dripping down it. Imagine your leg going completely cold as it starts to shake uncontrollably while it turns shades of purple and blue. Imagine being in pain all day, every day, and the doctors telling you they have no idea how to help you.

You got that picture? Great. Now imagine being 15.

That’s the pain I’m talking about.

After countless nights staying awake, searching for results, and praying that a door would be opened to help her, God gave us an option.

This is where you come in.

There is a clinic in Arkansas where Salem can get treatment for this condition. We have done the research, and my parents have conferenced with the doctor, and we genuinely believe this is the best chance we have right now.

The only issue is that it would cost a significant amount to accomplish this goal.

Will you please help us on this journey to get Salem treatment? We can’t stand seeing her in the pain that she is in daily. Any little bit helps!

Thank you so much; it truly means the world.

-Kennedy