Medical Care for Mac-Man
Last June Ruthanna witnessed half of her sons face drop. It was thought he had a stroke. He was only 18 months old. From that initial terrifying experience nothing has gotten easier. Through all the hospitalizations and genetic testing Mac diagnosed with ACH. Which is Alternating hemiplegia of childhood. A one in a million possibility. This neurological condition is characterized by recurrent episodes of temporary paralysis, often affecting one side of the body (hemiplegia). During some episodes, the paralysis alternates from one side of the body to the other or affects both sides. In addition to paralysis, Mac has sudden attacks of uncontrollable muscle movement of the eyes, and sleep apnea. The episodes can be triggered by almost anything, he is unable to eat, and gets severe migraines. Alternating hemiplegia of childhood also causes mild to severe cognitive problems. Which we are just starting to witness Mac display.
Mac has recently had to be transferred to Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital after influenza threatened his life. As if the flu isn’t dangerous enough for a child, Mac has on multiple occasions stopped breathing. The flu made his symptoms from AHC much worse.
I am writing all of this in hopes to enlighten those who know Ruthanna, as to what she is actually dealing with on a daily basis. She has a team for Mac consisting of an occupational therapist, speech therapist, nutritionists, a team from Seattle children’s hospital, Sacred Heart, Shriners, family and friends. I know I am forgetting some. But I am desperately asking for help for her. If there is any way you are reading this and are able to donate please do so. She has to travel to Seattle children’s hospital next week and is currently in the hospital with him again. The stress that she is under would be eased if she knew she could just focus on him, not bills. This is a life long battle she is facing and she needs her tribe to rally while she finds a new “normal.”
Please consider helping a wonderful Mother andher limited edition human. Thank you.
P.S. Mac loves anything Batman, so that is why he is “Mac-Man.”