Melissa's Smile Fund
Donation protected
My name is Melissa I was born with a rare condition called Angelman Syndrome (AS).
AS is a complex genetic disorder which affects every aspect of my life. I have delayed development, and intellectual disabilities. I am 18 years old but still have no concept of danger and don't have the skills needed to complete everyday tasks most people take for granted. I need help with eating and toileting. I need 24 hour care and will do so for the rest of my life.
I have problems with movement and balance I also have seizures (epilepsy) I have a very poor sleep pattern and can sometimes have as little as 3 hours sleep each night. The most frustrating part for me is I cannot speak.
My difficulties will likely increase as I get older and this is why my Mum and Brother have started a fund to help provide me with the necessary things I will need to help me as I grow to make my life a little easier.
The first thing everyone notices about me and, comments on, is my huge smile, this is one of the main characteristics of having Angelman syndrome, where it is a fantastic thing to have please don't imagine that because I smile all the time I don't have lots of problems to deal with and huge hurdles to overcome every day of my life.
I am fundraising as I would love to go on a really special holiday with my Mum and brother, Even though we have been through quite a lot over the last few years mum always has a smile on her face for me and Jacob even though things are not easy for her still, she tries to do the very best for us. We haven't been on holiday for many years so this would be a fantastic treat for us all.
I really appreciate any help you can offer and all donations will be gratefully accepted.
Please follow my journey with Angelman Syndrome on Twitter @melissassmile
Thank you xxxx

AS is a complex genetic disorder which affects every aspect of my life. I have delayed development, and intellectual disabilities. I am 18 years old but still have no concept of danger and don't have the skills needed to complete everyday tasks most people take for granted. I need help with eating and toileting. I need 24 hour care and will do so for the rest of my life.
I have problems with movement and balance I also have seizures (epilepsy) I have a very poor sleep pattern and can sometimes have as little as 3 hours sleep each night. The most frustrating part for me is I cannot speak.
My difficulties will likely increase as I get older and this is why my Mum and Brother have started a fund to help provide me with the necessary things I will need to help me as I grow to make my life a little easier.
The first thing everyone notices about me and, comments on, is my huge smile, this is one of the main characteristics of having Angelman syndrome, where it is a fantastic thing to have please don't imagine that because I smile all the time I don't have lots of problems to deal with and huge hurdles to overcome every day of my life.
I am fundraising as I would love to go on a really special holiday with my Mum and brother, Even though we have been through quite a lot over the last few years mum always has a smile on her face for me and Jacob even though things are not easy for her still, she tries to do the very best for us. We haven't been on holiday for many years so this would be a fantastic treat for us all.
I really appreciate any help you can offer and all donations will be gratefully accepted.
Please follow my journey with Angelman Syndrome on Twitter @melissassmile
Thank you xxxx
Organizer
Melissas Smile
Organizer
England
