Liam specialized medical help
Donation protected
About two weeks ago my wife and I got the saddest news you could ever imagine receiving as young parents. We were informed that Liam, our happy and loving baby boy, has progressive idiopathic infantile scoliosis. Our Dr. advised us that this is very serious and untreated it would become fatal and that Liam needed immediate intervention. We weren’t prepared for this news.
Liam was born with scoliosis. We noticed the scoliosis at birth and unfortunately followed the advice from our Dr. at the time to keep a close eye on him and see if it would go away.
At about 10 months of age, Liam’s scoliosis was getting so severe we could see it through his clothing and in his back motor skills. His spine was not only curved but was also rotated causing his back to protrude on the left side of his body. Our pediatrician finally suggested we seek out specialists to work with.
One of the first we spoke with was Anat Baniel. Anat was very generous and set us up for an intensive treatment schedule with her ABM method to help his body re-align. During his week long session with ABM therapists we witnessed some amazing progress. The rigidness in Liam's spine loosened and he began to arch his back and have movement in his hips.
Even with this impressive progress our doctors have suggested that Liam get fitted and use a full body scoliosis brace (from his hips to his arm pits) beginning immediately and use it for the next 1.5 years or more. Unfortunately, bracing is known to limit movement and causes other growth, joint, muscle and muscular issues.
Liam's spine is curving towards his heart. This only happens in about 10% of scoliosis cases and Dr.’s are advising us that this will impact his cardiovascular and pulmonary system, so we are left with no choice.
Here is our challenge:
Our Insurance has denied 100% of the costs of both the bracing and the therapy. The brace manufacturer is out of network and therefore not covered. Each brace costs $5,300. Due to his age and growth speed Liam will need up to 4 braces in the next 1.5 years totaling $21,200. There is uncertainty if he’ll need additional braces after that time.
Secondarily, Liam will need physical therapy to help correct his spine and also combat the negative effects that bracing causes. We have started working with Anat Baniel and because we have seen some serious progress with her ABM therapy we feel it’s in Liam’s best interest for continued progress and to avoid additional constriction and damage. Sadly this is also not covered by insurance and because there are no ABM practitioners in our area this also means we’ll have to travel to them. These critical treatments give him the best chance and are the most expensive part of Liam’s treatment. Even with the practitioners giving us a partial scholarship, the costs for 6 months of ABM treatment and travel are approximately $32,324.
It’s very difficult for us to ask for your help and through the love and encouragement of friends we’ve come to a place of surrender and have let go of our pride in order to make this request on Liam’s behalf. Mandy and I are asking for your help in raising the necessary funds to be used directly toward Liam’s medical treatments and will be forever grateful for any contribution you are able to make.
Fund Goal and use of funds: $53,524
For now, the projected out of pocket bracing and treatment costs are projected to be $53,524 ($21,200 + $32,324) for this next phase.
In addition to these costs, there are insurance co-pay costs for Dr. visits, MRI’s and x-rays. At this point we have little certainty as to what additional funds may be required or the eventual total.
Liam’s treatments will continue for at least 1.5 years and possibly longer. We're doing our part to cover what we can and are making a conscious effort to lower our expenses as much as possible. We’ve already invested $5,000 of our own money to date to cover the unexpected out of pocket costs.
The risks to Liam’s heath has been emotionally difficult on both Mandy and me and this stress has been compounded because much of these costs necessary to give Liam the best care are not covered by insurance and are outside of what we are able cover personally.
Mandy and I greatly appreciate any financial contribution you are able to make towards this campaign so we can quickly cover the $55,000 needed to begin and cover these treatments ASAP.
We Thank You in advance!
Gratitude:
I want to acknowledge several people who have been huge blessings so far in this Journey:
Mike and Tara Rayburn for giving us the use of their house, spiritual support, and friendship while receiving treatments in NV.
Anat Baniel and the Anat Baniel Foundation for friendship, guidance, and the treatment scholarships we received last month in NV.
Scott deMoulin and Dallyce Brisbin for encouraging and supporting this fund raising effort.
Beth Misner for coming to Lubbock and giving Mandy a girl’s day out to unwind and relax.
Martin Rutte for being there at all hours of the day to lean on and share wisdom.
Kirk Pittman and Raymond Aaron for wisdom and comfort.
============================== ============================== ========
FYI:These are some of documented negative side effects to bracing.
Through the ABM therapy we will reduce or eliminate many of these problems, including:
• significant losses in breathing capacity, up to 30%
• failure of hip joints to properly form
• muscle atrophy
• limited spinal movement
• loss of mobility
• reduced quality of life
• limitations in physical activity
• decreased spinal flexibility
• pain
• psychological damage
• brace dependancy
• weaker muscles
• poor body mechanics
• reduced breathing capacity impacting cognitive skills, including memory.
Our belief and intention is that by continuing with the ABM method that these effects can be reduced and give Liam a greater chance for improvement.
============================== ============================== ========
Liam was born with scoliosis. We noticed the scoliosis at birth and unfortunately followed the advice from our Dr. at the time to keep a close eye on him and see if it would go away.
At about 10 months of age, Liam’s scoliosis was getting so severe we could see it through his clothing and in his back motor skills. His spine was not only curved but was also rotated causing his back to protrude on the left side of his body. Our pediatrician finally suggested we seek out specialists to work with.
One of the first we spoke with was Anat Baniel. Anat was very generous and set us up for an intensive treatment schedule with her ABM method to help his body re-align. During his week long session with ABM therapists we witnessed some amazing progress. The rigidness in Liam's spine loosened and he began to arch his back and have movement in his hips.
Even with this impressive progress our doctors have suggested that Liam get fitted and use a full body scoliosis brace (from his hips to his arm pits) beginning immediately and use it for the next 1.5 years or more. Unfortunately, bracing is known to limit movement and causes other growth, joint, muscle and muscular issues.
Liam's spine is curving towards his heart. This only happens in about 10% of scoliosis cases and Dr.’s are advising us that this will impact his cardiovascular and pulmonary system, so we are left with no choice.
Here is our challenge:
Our Insurance has denied 100% of the costs of both the bracing and the therapy. The brace manufacturer is out of network and therefore not covered. Each brace costs $5,300. Due to his age and growth speed Liam will need up to 4 braces in the next 1.5 years totaling $21,200. There is uncertainty if he’ll need additional braces after that time.
Secondarily, Liam will need physical therapy to help correct his spine and also combat the negative effects that bracing causes. We have started working with Anat Baniel and because we have seen some serious progress with her ABM therapy we feel it’s in Liam’s best interest for continued progress and to avoid additional constriction and damage. Sadly this is also not covered by insurance and because there are no ABM practitioners in our area this also means we’ll have to travel to them. These critical treatments give him the best chance and are the most expensive part of Liam’s treatment. Even with the practitioners giving us a partial scholarship, the costs for 6 months of ABM treatment and travel are approximately $32,324.
It’s very difficult for us to ask for your help and through the love and encouragement of friends we’ve come to a place of surrender and have let go of our pride in order to make this request on Liam’s behalf. Mandy and I are asking for your help in raising the necessary funds to be used directly toward Liam’s medical treatments and will be forever grateful for any contribution you are able to make.
Fund Goal and use of funds: $53,524
For now, the projected out of pocket bracing and treatment costs are projected to be $53,524 ($21,200 + $32,324) for this next phase.
In addition to these costs, there are insurance co-pay costs for Dr. visits, MRI’s and x-rays. At this point we have little certainty as to what additional funds may be required or the eventual total.
Liam’s treatments will continue for at least 1.5 years and possibly longer. We're doing our part to cover what we can and are making a conscious effort to lower our expenses as much as possible. We’ve already invested $5,000 of our own money to date to cover the unexpected out of pocket costs.
The risks to Liam’s heath has been emotionally difficult on both Mandy and me and this stress has been compounded because much of these costs necessary to give Liam the best care are not covered by insurance and are outside of what we are able cover personally.
Mandy and I greatly appreciate any financial contribution you are able to make towards this campaign so we can quickly cover the $55,000 needed to begin and cover these treatments ASAP.
We Thank You in advance!
Gratitude:
I want to acknowledge several people who have been huge blessings so far in this Journey:
Mike and Tara Rayburn for giving us the use of their house, spiritual support, and friendship while receiving treatments in NV.
Anat Baniel and the Anat Baniel Foundation for friendship, guidance, and the treatment scholarships we received last month in NV.
Scott deMoulin and Dallyce Brisbin for encouraging and supporting this fund raising effort.
Beth Misner for coming to Lubbock and giving Mandy a girl’s day out to unwind and relax.
Martin Rutte for being there at all hours of the day to lean on and share wisdom.
Kirk Pittman and Raymond Aaron for wisdom and comfort.
============================== ============================== ========
FYI:These are some of documented negative side effects to bracing.
Through the ABM therapy we will reduce or eliminate many of these problems, including:
• significant losses in breathing capacity, up to 30%
• failure of hip joints to properly form
• muscle atrophy
• limited spinal movement
• loss of mobility
• reduced quality of life
• limitations in physical activity
• decreased spinal flexibility
• pain
• psychological damage
• brace dependancy
• weaker muscles
• poor body mechanics
• reduced breathing capacity impacting cognitive skills, including memory.
Our belief and intention is that by continuing with the ABM method that these effects can be reduced and give Liam a greater chance for improvement.
============================== ============================== ========
Fundraising team (3)
Justin Criner
Organizer
Lubbock, TX
Scott DeMoulin
Team member
Mandy Criner
Team member
