Hey y’all.

I’m writing this as Addison’s aunt and Deanna’s sister-in-law, but truly more like a sister, watching someone I love walk through one of the hardest seasons a parent can face.

Addison is an incredible, bright, and resilient 12 year old kid with the biggest heart. Over the past several months, her life has changed in ways no child should ever have to experience. A painful and complex medical condition has severely limited her mobility and turned her world upside down. She is currently unable to walk or attend school and requires full-time care.

Deanna has been navigating countless appointments, tests, and treatments, all while caring for Addison and her, 8 year old sister, Abigail, who is trying to understand why life suddenly looks so different for her big sister. Clinton, their dad, has been helping as much as possible with Abigail and the around-the-clock care but is limited due to work constraints.

Deanna and Clinton recently separated but continue to work together to support their girls. Clinton’s ability to miss work is limited due to the financial impact. During any out-of-state treatment, he will need to remain home with Abigail. This will further restrict his availability to work and adds additional logistical and financial strain during an already overwhelming time.

Despite everyone’s best efforts, Addison remains in significant pain and now needs specialized, multidisciplinary care that isn’t available locally.

Her doctors are recommending evaluation and treatment through an out-of-state pediatric specialty program that addresses both the physical and neurological components of her condition. This level of care requires coordinated teams of specialists experienced in treating complex pediatric pain and mobility disorders.

They are currently exploring Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Boston Children’s Hospital, both of which specialize in treating the types of complex orthopedic, neurological, and pain-related conditions Addison is dealing with. These hospitals offer intensive inpatient treatment programs that typically last approximately 3–6 weeks, and in some cases longer, depending on a child’s individual needs and progress. This will require travel, extended stays near the hospital, and ongoing therapy during and after treatment.

At the same time, Deanna is facing the urgent reality of needing to move her family into a more accessible home. Their current split-level townhouse requires navigating stairs every day, which is no longer safe or feasible for Addison. There have already been times when Addison was in too much pain to use her usual method of getting inside, and she has had to be carried in her wheelchair up the stairs, highlighting just how urgent this situation has become.

The funds raised here will help cover:

• Travel to and from a specialty children’s hospital

• Lodging and meals during extended medical stays

• Medical bills, evaluations, and therapies not fully covered by insurance

• Mobility and medical equipment

• Costs associated with moving to a more accessible living environment

• Additional in-home support needed to care for Addison safely

Anyone who knows Deanna knows how fiercely she loves her girls and how tirelessly she advocates for them. Asking for help doesn’t come easily, but right now, support means everything for our family

Thank you for taking the time to read and for surrounding this family with so much love. Whether you’re able to donate, share, or keep them in your thoughts and prayers, every act of kindness truly matters.