Support for the Hennesseys

I am setting up this GoFundMe for my two nieces who are both experiencing significant health challenges. They are both booked to start specialized treatment at the end of this month in the Toronto area for treatment that is not available locally. The treatments will be spread over a period of five weeks. The total cost for transportation, accommodations, and treatment will be $20,000. Many of you have expressed a desire to help this family so I am setting up this GoFundMe for ongoing treatment costs.

Olivia has been sick since October of 2019 when life as she knew it abruptly stopped. She had overwhelming fatigue, migraines, brain fog, and sleep problems along with a variety of other debilitating symptoms. Since her illness began, she and her parents have worked with many doctors and specialists trying to get her better and determine what was affecting her health to a point that she couldn't attend school or any other part of her normal life.

Over this time, there have been a few things that seemed to help and at times she has felt an improvement in her symptoms, but when she would try to return to normal life, she would be hit hard with increased symptoms again. Finally this summer, Olivia was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) which affects the autonomic functions in her body. See the following link for more information: [https://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/page.php?ID=30]

Every case is different, but 25% of people with POTS are unable to go to work or school. Unfortunately there is no cure but we're hoping with the right treatment, Oliva will be able to make significant improvements to her quality of life. She has been very resilient and kept a positive attitude through these tough years. Many people, including doctors, have never heard of POTS, so it often takes a few years to get a diagnosis.

Unfortunately, Olivia’s younger sister, Lauren, suffered a traumatic concussion in early February of this year. Since then, she’s been unable to attend school, sports or anything else because of her symptoms. Despite working with multiple concussion specialists, Lauren’s symptoms progressively deteriated throughout the spring. In late May, the medical professionals performed more testing and it was discovered that Lauren’s neck had also been injured and required specialized treatment. We now understand that this is why her symptoms were getting worse and not better. It also brought clarity to why her symptoms were so intense.

Although Lauren has experienced some gains from neck treatments, it has become clear that she still has post-concussion syndrome (PCS) which needs to be dealt with. She may have a long road ahead of her and we want to get her the treatment she needs.

Olivia and Lauren’s parents, Dean and Rachel, are committed to doing whatever it takes to get their daughters well and back to life. This family has been through a difficult 2 years prior to February and an unimaginably difficult last six months. I am letting you know about this opportunity in case you'd like to support them as they attempt to get both Olivia and Lauren healthy.