Support Carla and Cayla's Journey to Comfort

Appeal from Sherrill Stennis

For 31 years, our dear friend Carla has been caring for her daughter, who was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at age 3. Can you imagine the devastating news about a baby who appeared to be "normal" at birth, who talked and walked along the furniture then learn that she will soon not have many of the skills she acquired as a toddler? This is a rare and devastating neurological disorder that primarily affects females. This condition has caused a progressive loss of her motor skills and language, making daily tasks that many take for granted incredibly challenging or non-existent. Our friend has taken her love and dedication very seriously and leaves not many stones unturned in her quest to create the best possible life for her daughter. The life of a Rett family is very complicated and this has been a reality for three long decades.

In addition to caring for the daughter, our friend devotedly cared for both her mother, then her father, who was bedridden, during the final two years of their lives. While this was done out of love, the continuous demands of caregiving have taken a serious toll on her physically. She has undergone 2 complicated surgeries that were caused by stress and repeated lifting and maneuvering. The constant handling has also compromised her daughter's body as well. Despite the surgeries and the ongoing strain on her body, our friend continues to care for her daughter with incredible dedication; however, it is becoming increasingly clear that she needs more support. Unfortunately, it has been very challenging to get the proper bed and lifts for her in the home since the insurance has denied many claims.

Whenever they need to leave the house, she not only has to lift and maneuver her daughter, but also her equipment (27+ lbs), in and out of their vehicle. People often don’t realize the immense physical and emotional effort that goes into planning and executing even the simplest errands when you are a full-time caregiver. The past year alone has seen them attending a combined 41 doctor’s appointments—many of which included her own, because she had to bring her daughter along due to the lack of quality help.

I am now seeking support to help alleviate some of this physical burden and improve the quality of life for my friend and her daughter in this chapter of our lives. The equipment needed to achieve this is quite expensive. A wheelchair accessible vehicle and an equipped home environment would allow her to continue caring for her daughter with the same love and dedication but with far less physical strain. It would also enable them to enjoy life’s joyous moments with more comfort and less stress. For many of us outings and vacations are a given, while for them, they are rare luxuries.

Your support would not only bring much-needed relief, sooner rather than later, but also help to reclaim some of the joys that caregiving can at times overshadow. I believe, after all these years, that this is something they truly deserve. The help that you provide would be greatly appreciated as all of us look to journey together to increase the chances for many years to come.

So please supporters, help us to help our amazing friend Carla revive that spark in the eyes and the smile on Cayla’s face.