Support for Melanie and Avery.

Hello,

My name is Sarah and I have started this fund in hopes that it will help my sister Melanie during this incredibly difficult time. Melanie is a single mom of three and on May 5th, after complaining of a painful and swollen arm and hand, her middle child Avery was admitted to Sick Kids with a very serious infection. After many tests it was determined that Avery has Osteomyelitis which is a bacterial infection that has spread to his bone. After having an MRI they found that the infection had also spread to his fingers. They diagnosed him with flexor tenosynovitis which is a severe bacterial infection within the closed space of the fingers. Avery has required 1 surgery already to drain part of the infection and could possibly need more surgeries during his hospital stay.

During this time his mom Melanie has been by his side the enitire time, having to leave her other 2 children at home to be cared for by family. She has been unable to work this past week and is unsure when she may be able to return to work as his treatment plan is extensive and could be another 6 weeks. Since her employer does not offer paid medical leave for a family member, she will face even more difficulty to stay financially stable. She can apply for caregiver benefits through EI but has been told it will be a min of 5-6 weeks before she can possibly receive any type of financial help.

My hope is that this fund will help her to gain some financial assistance during Avery's treatment and recovery. These funds will greatly help to cover things such as rent, utilities, other bills, groceries and meals while she is in hospital (meals are only provided to Avery).

If you are in a position to help in any way my family and I would be eternally grateful to you. If you are able to share this with your friends and family we would appreciate it more than words could ever say. I will post updates on Avery's treatment and recovery as we receive them.

Thank you!!