"Help Change Alex's Life"
Donation protected
As a toddler, my youngest sister, Alex, starting showing symptoms of a serious medical condition. It was only in the last couple years, after hundreds of medical visits and testing, that a diagnosis was found. Genetic screening finally uncovered that Alex has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (a genetic disorder, often hereditary).
Also known as peripheral neuropathy, it affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness, foot deformities, difficulties walking, swallowing and breathing, severe nerve pain, and decreased sensations. There is no cure but, fortunately, there are experts who specialize in CMT that can help provide treatment plans, medication, support orthopedics, etc. and potentially slow the progression of this disease.
This is why we need your help. The closest and among the most recommended specialists we have found is at the Nemour's Children's Hospital in Orlando, FL. Unfortunately, the cost to get there is significant and beyond my parents' abilities at this time.
Combined with my mother's recent Lupus diagnosis, Alex's disease progression and numerous recent hospital visits/medical tests, a week-long trip to Florida is a difficult financial feat. The $3,000 will cover gas, lodging, meals, co-pays, and some of my step-father's missed pay. Anything beyond this will go toward any treatment plans, future visits, medication, diagnostics, physical therapy, orthopedic theapy, orthopedic gear, etc.
Alex is not only my sister, but one of the coolest, kindest, strongest people I know. She endures pain and challenges on a daily basis--pain and challenges I can't even begin to understand--but still manages to maintain an incredible attitude and wonderful sense of humor. She is an intelligent, talented 16 year old with so much to offer the world that we would do anything to help her live a "normal," unhindered life. Her dream is to become a Veterinarian Tech., and we want to make this possible!
This specialist visit could not only help provide her relief, but help change her life.
The goal is to get her there by the end of May (the clinic has already contacted my family for an appointment).
No amount is too small, and if you are unable to give, please consider sharing this fund. Anything at all will help!
Thank you so much, from the bottom of my family's heart.
-Mandie
For further reading about CMT:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/charcot-marie-tooth-disease/home/ovc-20198772
https://www.cmtausa.org/

Age 5. About the time Alex started showing symptoms of CMT. Began with being only able to walk on her toes & leg pain.

Often a photographer's muse.
--Alex at age 8.

Teenage Alex. ❤
Also known as peripheral neuropathy, it affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness, foot deformities, difficulties walking, swallowing and breathing, severe nerve pain, and decreased sensations. There is no cure but, fortunately, there are experts who specialize in CMT that can help provide treatment plans, medication, support orthopedics, etc. and potentially slow the progression of this disease.
This is why we need your help. The closest and among the most recommended specialists we have found is at the Nemour's Children's Hospital in Orlando, FL. Unfortunately, the cost to get there is significant and beyond my parents' abilities at this time.
Combined with my mother's recent Lupus diagnosis, Alex's disease progression and numerous recent hospital visits/medical tests, a week-long trip to Florida is a difficult financial feat. The $3,000 will cover gas, lodging, meals, co-pays, and some of my step-father's missed pay. Anything beyond this will go toward any treatment plans, future visits, medication, diagnostics, physical therapy, orthopedic theapy, orthopedic gear, etc.
Alex is not only my sister, but one of the coolest, kindest, strongest people I know. She endures pain and challenges on a daily basis--pain and challenges I can't even begin to understand--but still manages to maintain an incredible attitude and wonderful sense of humor. She is an intelligent, talented 16 year old with so much to offer the world that we would do anything to help her live a "normal," unhindered life. Her dream is to become a Veterinarian Tech., and we want to make this possible!
This specialist visit could not only help provide her relief, but help change her life.
The goal is to get her there by the end of May (the clinic has already contacted my family for an appointment).
No amount is too small, and if you are unable to give, please consider sharing this fund. Anything at all will help!
Thank you so much, from the bottom of my family's heart.
-Mandie
For further reading about CMT:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/charcot-marie-tooth-disease/home/ovc-20198772
https://www.cmtausa.org/
Age 5. About the time Alex started showing symptoms of CMT. Began with being only able to walk on her toes & leg pain.
Often a photographer's muse.
--Alex at age 8.
Teenage Alex. ❤
Organizer and beneficiary
Mandie Breedlove Hight
Organizer
Greenville, SC
Jesse Breedlove
Beneficiary