Support Emery's Journey to Recovery

To our dear family, friends, colleagues, and all who know and love Emery:

My 15-year-old daughter Emery, a thriving theater and dance enthusiast, now faces a life-altering challenge. On March 4th, Emery's life dramatically changed with the sudden onset of a severe stutter that lasted 16 hours the first time and 4 hours the second, resulting in two ER visits in a single week. They initially misdiagnosed her with complex migraines and sent us home, however two weeks later, during dance practice, Emery collapsed and was unable to move her legs or toes. Emery was rushed to our local ER, where they decided to transport her two hours away to the nearest Children's Hospital, and after a week-long stay at their inpatient rehab, Emery was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

When they discharged Emery, she was walking, given permission to drive (since she had just passed her written permit test) and discharged without any assistive walking devices. It became very apparent that this was not going to be the case. That night at dinner, her legs gave out and her aunt and I had to assist her to the car. Her walking from this point on has ranged from normal for a day or two, to needing assistance with a cane, to needing a wheelchair. In addition to the immobility issues, the weeks that followed have since brought on numerous other severe symptoms including:

Struggling with extreme fatigue, chronic pain, immobility, severe stuttering, absence seizures, drop episodes, temperature sensitivity, chronic headaches, migraines, involuntary movements, spasms, memory issues, brain fog, and full-body immobility lasting for hours.

Witnessing my once-vibrant daughter struggle with all of this has been heart-wrenching. Despite undergoing physical therapy twice a week and counseling every other week, Emery's symptoms continue to worsen.

Her rapidly changing quality of life has completely altered our normal day to day, and without urgent intervention, her future hangs in the balance. However, there is hope, and you can play a crucial role in her recovery.

Emery has been accepted into a specialized treatment program in California, renowned for its success in specifically treating FND. This program represents her best chance to reclaim her vibrant life. However, due to our insurance not being accepted, we cannot afford this life-changing treatment without your support. As a single mom, I have two months to raise the necessary funds, and the program requires our family to stay in California for at least one month, with the hope of extending to two months should it be deemed necessary.

This program was recommended to me by the mom of a local boy from our community who also attended this same program and has regained his ability to walk and live a normal life after 2 months working with this program. He has since gone on to earn his first and second degree black belt, and just recently won a kick a thon that a local Tae Kwon Do studio held. We believe this program can offer the same for Emery.

The cost of relocating to California for this treatment is overwhelming. The program requires significant out-of-pocket expenses, and we need to stay there for at least one month, possibly two, depending on progress.

We need your help to give Emery the chance to reclaim her vibrant life. Your contributions will directly support her treatment and therapy.

Every donation, regardless of size, will make a profound difference in Emery's recovery and my ability to provide for her.

The funds will cover:

- FND program facility fees in California

- Extended rehabilitation care

- Meals, transportation, and accommodation for our family during this period

Your generosity and support mean the world to us, and any contribution is a massive help. If you are unable to help financially, please share.

The outpouring of love and encouragement has given Emery the strength to keep fighting. Though the journey ahead may be challenging, Emery is a resilient fighter, and with your help, we are confident she will emerge stronger than ever. We continue to pray and hope for miracles.

Thank you from the depths of our hearts.

With love,

Angie