Parents watch our kids grow and change. Children go to classes, make friends, and begin to experience a life outside of home and school. Or at least they should.   My children are friends with a boy whose childhood memories and independence have been stripped away from him.

Heath and Hunter are identical twin boys that have been a part of my children’s lives since Kindergarten. We rejoiced in our mutual children’s successes, then one day one of the boys suddenly and drastically changed.

The Heath Braun I had watched grow up had disappeared. The curious, funny and energetic boy that I had known can no longer walk, has complex anxieties, and decreasing mental capabilities.  He has become a shell of the child I had known.

Now his family can only rarely leave the confines of their home, as Heath is not able to handle the challenges he faces outside. For the nearly five years he has been sick, Heath and his family have been living with this nightmare.  After many visits to medical professionals, they have yet to find a treatment which has been effective for Heath. Heath has been diagnosed with autoimmune encephalopathy (inflammation of the brain).  Mike Braun, Heath's father, has described in his own words that "Heath's condition is as if his body is attacking his own brain.  It is has if his brain in on fire."  

The family is still trying to find a way forward, a way to restore their son’s health and quality of life.  This illness has led to mounting medical costs and debt for the Braun Family.  Much of Heath's treatments are not covered by insurance. His medical expenses are exorbitant.  Heath will need ongoing and constant care and because of this we are setting our fundraising goal high.  Any amount you can give will be appreciated and no amount is too small.

I am also asking for those in our community to share this story with others and to help support this family.  I hope that by sharing their story, and giving voice to their heartache, we may be able to help them in some way with their day to day struggles.