Hi! My name is Michelle. My son, Kyle, has a rare mitochondrial disease called MELAS, which impacts the brain and causes stroke-like symptoms, hearing loss, memory loss, encephalopathy, high lactic acid levels, and epilepsy. Unfortunately, there is no cure. Kyle suffered a stroke in September and subsequently developed aspiration pneumonia. He spent three months in the hospital under sedation and had to relearn how to walk, talk, feed himself, and use the bathroom independently.

As a single mom without support from Kyle's father, I struggle to meet his needs while maintaining my job. I have fallen behind on rent, and we face the possibility of losing our home at the end of August if I cannot catch up. Asking for help from strangers is very difficult for me, but I felt compelled to try. Thank you in advance for your kindness.