Last year, after a Trumbull volleyball winter league game, I was listening to a conversation between two players on my team and Jody was explaining her schedule to leave work in the middle of the day to rush her daughter to a medical center every 3-4 weeks for an infusion which she receives through a permanent chest port at a medical facility which takes 2-3 days to compete.  She would rush back to work and relieve her associate who covered for her so Jody can continue teaching her class.  For those 3 days, she would rush back and forth to see how her daughter was progressing and back to work again.  In total shock, I began asking more questions about Jody's situation.  Here is what I learned and here is why I am raising money for this brave young lady Cami:
In 8th grade, Cami made the THS Varsity Cheer Team. She was determined and fearlessness and excelling through the tryouts. 

In her Sophomore year, she was performing in the schools pep rally she was overcome with nausea.  She finished her tumbling pass and ran off the mat during the dance portion to the closest garbage can.  Cami and the athletic trainer chalked up her nausea/dry heaving to a not eating.  Little did we know that this day would forever change her life.  Cami suffers from an undiagnosed autoimmune disease. 

Cami fights every day to function with debilitating nausea, frequent apnea spells, dysphagia (inability to swallow), drops in blood pressure, syncope (passing out),  ataxia, orthostatic intolerance, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, left side numbness and inability to sleep due to symptoms and pain.  Cami must go for frequent MRI’s to monitor the 7 brain lesions in her white matter.  Cami takes over 7 medicines a day.  Cami receives infusions via her chest port every 3-4 weeks.  This infusion takes place over 3 days.  

Cami sees the following team of specialists:  Neurologist, Cardiologist, Pulmonologist, Gastroenterologist, ENT, Genomic, Aerodigestive team and Infectious Diseases.  This team addresses the multiple symptoms she exhibits 24/7.  

Cami’s biggest wish is for a cure to this disease that has beaten her up over the last 3 years.  We are in the process of communicating with the Minnesota Mayo Clinic that specializes in rare autoimmune diseases.  Her Cardiologist from Boston Children’s Hospital also has a Dr. House like connection in Minnesota.  Unfortunately these doctors are not covered by our insurance.

What has become financially necessary for Jody and her family is a move out of their family home in Trumbull CT where they lived for over 18 years.  Cami’s mom is a teacher in Trumbull and needs your help.  This move to Cami’s grandma's house in Fairfield CT will open up equity funds to explore a cure.

Cami has also applied to the new Chasing a Cure TV show.  We need to stop using BANDAIDS to treat symptoms and get to the bottom of this disease.


Cami’s wish list:

-Adjustable queen size bed base (must sleep with chest up).
-Travel expenses to visit autoimmune specialist team in Minnesota.
-Medical expenses to visit autoimmune specialist team in Minnesota (not covered by insurance).
-Funds for prescriptions in and out of network
-Funds for hospital co-pay 
-Funds for hospital travel (NY, Boston, Yale)
-Room decor (make room more comfortable)
-Shower chair
-Vinyl records
-Art supplies (paints, canvas, easel)
-Sephora/ulta make-up (does make-up tutorials on-line for fun)
-Spaetzle maker
-Funds to sign-up for online/at home college courses (wants to be an interior designer)
-Laptop computer to take at home courses 
-Hair extensions to help with hair loss


Cami’s biggest dreams:

-To be accepted to Chasing the Cure (new TV show that helps people with undiagnosed diseases get better)
-To meet Motley Crue 
-To own a Jeep Wrangler (ride around town with the top down)

Opportunities to make a difference:
Opportunity 1:
Early January, 2020, I am riding my bicycle across the United States to raise money for Cami.  The trip will be 3500 miles starting in St. Augustine, Florida and ending in San Diego, California. That's approximately $5.75 per mile of the trip.  I'd love to have each mile sponsored to reach the $20,000 goal for Cami. That's $5.75 per mile.  Come and be part of the giving!

I'd really like to see many families, neighbors, friends and people of a caring fabric sponsor a mile to show Cami just how many people in her life care, and also a story about humanity to show how many people that don't even know Cami take an interest in her goals and her health.

Please sponsor a mile or two.  Your help is appreciated!

Opportunity 2:
The Braunagel Team is giving back to this fundraiser opportunity 15% of any real estate transaction referred to us who mentions this fundraiser.  That means if we close on a $300,000 transaction, an anticipated contribution of $1,125 to $1350 will be given to this campaign. Ten of these transactions can account for over half of the fundraising and we already have One on the books.  If you're planning a move and want to be part of this fundraising activity, or if you know someone that is, consider giving us a call and be part of this Mojo for Cami.  Call me and I'll get the process started.

Opportunity 3:
The gift of prayer is wanted and needed.  Should you not have money to sponsor or a home to buy or sell, we would love your prayers for a cure for Cami.  Our GOD works in many ways and we encourage your personal conversations with your GOD for a cure and a healthy life for Cami.