Kelsey's Medical Fund

Thank you for visiting Kelsey's GoFundMe page. My name is Jim O'Connor, I am Kelsey's grandfather and Kelsey's dad Wesley is my son. I started the campaign for Kelsey but due to the fact that I live out of state, I added Kevin Mann who is Wesley's stepfather as an account manager for this campaign so it will be easier to manage any donations received for Kelsey.

My son Wesley and his wife Amy were recently blessed with their third daughter. Kelsey was born in November of last year, three months before she was due. At birth she weighed only 1 lb. and 9 oz. and shortly after was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called MIRAGE Syndrome (Myelodysplasia, Infection, Restriction of growth, Adrenal hypoplasia, Genital phenotypes, and Enteropathy). MIRAGE Syndrome is extremely rare, there are approximately 20 children currently diagnosed in the world.


 
MIRAGE Syndrome impacts Kelsey’s health in several areas:
 
-  Kelsey’s digestive system is unable to process food on its own which makes it difficult to gain and maintain weight.
-  Kelsey’s immune system is weak, and she is at a higher risk of infection.
-  Kelsey’s Adrenal gland does not function properly – Adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.
-  Kelsey has Tracheomalacia and requires a ventilator to keep her airway from collapsing.
-  Kelsey has a Tracheostomy.
-  Kelsey has a Chiari Malformation
 
Kelsey has been in the hospital her entire life being treated by some of the best doctors in the world. Wesley and Amy (Kelsey’s parents), and their two other daughters Caitlyn and Kiley have stayed by her side the entire time.
 
Kelsey has finally become strong enough where she can soon go home with her family for the first time, however, she will require 24-hour in-home medical care, several different types of therapists to improve her abilities, safe transportation for her and her ventilator for doctor appointments and any time she travels, various medical equipment, wheel chair, wheelchair ramps into the home, backup generator so her ventilator and the home climate control work at all times, and other handicap necessities to enhance her quality of life.


 
 
Here’s where you can help!

Below is a list of immediate needs that your donations will help provide for Kelsey, making it possible for her to come home:
 
-  The family needs a minivan so that Kelsey and her family can travel to and from the hospital and other medical appointments with her medical equipment such as her ventilator.
-  An emergency backup generator for their home so Kelsey’s ventilator and climate control will always work – even during a power outage.
-  Construction of wheelchair ramps so Kelsey and her medical equipment can be taken in and out of the home when needed.
-  The A/C in the home needs repaired/replaced because Mirage syndrome makes it difficult for Kelsey to control her body temperature.
-  Handicap necessities such as a wheelchair.
-  Help with recurring miscellaneous living expenses, caregiving needs, etc…


 
PLEASE SHARE with your family and friends on social media and ask them to do the same. Any donations are greatly appreciated. We will update everyone soon.
 
 
Thank you everyone.