Support the Kuravackals

On January 12, 2018, Zoë Kuravackal, a vibrant 14-year old, had a migraine . Rather than resolving, that migraine developed into a debilitating condition. The intense headache has been unrelenting every day since then and, over time, other symptoms have compounded the situation. Zoë is now feeling nauseated, struggling to eat and throwing up every day. She went from a healthy 118 to just 95 pounds. She is dizzy, light-headed and prone to fainting; her physical instability eventually led her to rely on a walker and now a wheelchair. Zoë suffers from intense joint and muscle pain, particularly in her hips, and extreme fatigue. In mid-July, Zoë began having seizures after which she falls unconscious for 3-15 minutes. These seizures happen 12 or more times a day.

Zoë's sudden decline has been bewildering and heartbreaking for the Kuravackal family and those who love them. There have been countless visits to the emergency room, her primary care physician and a bevy of specialists. Zoë has undergone a wide range of diagnostic tests and procedures: MRI, lumbar puncture, . She has been diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a form of disautonomia. Doctors have also identified sleep apnea and non-epileptic seizures. Specialists have recommended further treatment, and additional diagnoses may further explain her condition. Zoë has already traveled to Dallas to receive specialized treatment, and she has an upcoming stay at the Mayo Clinic.

Despite constant medical care since January, Zoë has only gotten worse. BUT, she is convinced of God’s love for her and she continues to courageously press on in hope everyday.

Before January, Zoë was very healthy. She earned a TaeKwonDo black belt in December, was president of her school choir, maintained high-level academic performance and enjoyed time with her peers. Now she cannot even walk; she finds it difficult to concentrate because of pain and “brain fog,” and she missed the last 5 months of 8th grade.

Options for the 2018-19 school year (Zoë's freshman year in high school) are uncertain both for her and for her mom, Kate, who may not get to return to work as a teacher. Both Kate and Justin have used most of their sick leave to care for Zoë, and it seems likely that they'll need to shift to one income so that Kate can care for Zoë at home. 

As friends of the Kuravackal family, we are raising support for medical costs and related expenses. We want to help offset the impact of this situation so they can focus on helping Zoë get better. Those who know the Kuravackals have experienced their generosity; Justin, Kate, Zoë and Nathan have been a kind example to so many, and we want to revisit that generosity on them, helping them meet this great need.

Please help us bless the Kuravackals and give Zoë the care she needs. They are grateful for the love, prayers and words of encouragement they're already receiving from throughout the world. Thank you!