Maddie's Medical Costs in Chicago

I am Jessie Harkins.  I am Tracy Shippy's older sister, and Randy's sister in law.  I am also the proud Aunt of a Super Kid, Maddie Shippy!  My niece has been through hell and back over the past 15 months.  Being nausous, vomiting, severe leg pain, body cramping, fatigue, shortness of breath, and weak, not being able to eat or drink anything for periods of time.  She has been through EVERY test imaginable under the sun!  Poked, prodded, put under anesthesia numerous times.  Only to be told each time, "Nope, all checks out.  Levels are good."  and sent home with no answers.  Over and over for a year.  Tracy and Randy knew.  They knew in their hearts that something wasnt right.  They did not give up.  As much pain and tears as Maddie was in and had to endure, she did not give up either.  Finally, this past Fall, Maddie was diagnosed with MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome).  This is a rare a painful syndrome that needs to be corrected with surgery.  At least there was finally a diagnosis!  There was a small sense a relief for the family.  With a little more testing, all would be good and Maddie would be on her way to surgery and some relief.  Then during testing, the doctors found an even more rare syndrome in Maddy.  Unrelated.  This one, called SMAS (superior mesenteric artery syndrome). 

Now with 2 major, and very rare conditions, Maddie and her parents are faced with many choices.  This surgery has to be done in Chicago.  On March 10th.  They will operate on the MALS first.  They will not know if they can operate on the SMA until they are in Maddie's chest.  IF they do just the MALS surgery, she will be in Chicago for at least a week.  IF they can do the SMA, the recovery is MUCH longer.  Could be up to 3 months. 

I am starting the fundraiser for my sister and her family.  Tracy has had to take a leave of absense from her work.  They have 3 other children at home to raise.  If you have ever stayed in a hotel in Chicago, you know the rates per night are astronomical!  I am trying to raise enough funds for Tracy and Randy to stay in Chicago with Maddie for a week.  This will cover the week they are there for the MALS surgery.  Hotel, food, gas, etc.  They will have to both be off work and likely have the little kids with them most of the time.  Tracy and her family have done so much good for so many people.  I just hate seeing them go through this.  And Maddie is the sweetest kid in the world.  She is 12 years old and has been on a feeding tube for over 2 months.  Toughing out school when she is able to.  Still pulling in straight A's!  If you feel you would like to contribute to this fund to help out my sister and her family, I would be forever greatful.  this would mean the world to them.  If you cannot or do not want to donate, thats ok too.  Maybe just keep my sweet and strong Maddie girl in your thoughts and prayers and send some positive mojo her way.  Thank you all so much for your support.  Keep staying "Maddie STRONG!"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Median_arcuate_ligament_syndrome

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/932220-overview