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Help Ricky & Michael Fight for Basic Survival!

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Our story is difficult to write in a poignant GoFundMe paragraph.  Our story is individual and united. 

     On August 23rd, 1987 - Ricky and Michael Couture entered this world.  Born with broken arms, clavicles, club feet, lima bean shaped heads.....(they shared a small space from the get go).....bones so thin and gracile they were barely viewable on x-ray and virtually no muscle mass - they survived.  As the 16th and 17th diagnosed cases of Multi-Core Myopathy, and identical twins.  We were told they would never walk - let alone survive - they persevered.  Michael and Ricky took their first steps when they were 5 years old, despite what we were told. 

     We were a triad from that moment on.  I was, and am their mother.  Our choices in life were based on an unconventional sense of hope and courage.  A promise to survive.  For 31 years, 10 months and two days - we have kept that promise.  It would take a novel to truly depict the trials, successes and pitfalls we have faced, for this time we have been gifted.  We have never given up on hope~ yet that feeling has been superseded by helplessness.  It is a hard place to be. 

     I do not want my friends who also live day by day - facing their own challenges - to worry or give more than they have.  I wish no more for anything than for Ricky and Michael to have the comfort they so deserve to continue with the ARMS needed to fight this battle.  

Ricky is facing a force that has taken his strength - his air and his quality of life. His pulmonary issues poison him daily with CO2 buildup poisoning his own body.  He has a trilogy ventilator, Beta Blocker medicine and morphine to ease the panic of suffocating - and still he fights.  I want him to have a space ~ with good clean air ~ and the creature comfort he needs and so deserves.

Love you all,

Riana
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    Organizer and beneficiary

    Nathalie Couture Desrochers
    Organizer
    Pembroke, NH
    Riana Szymkiewicz
    Beneficiary

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