McKinley's "Curvy" Journey
Donation protected
First, thank you for taking the time to learn about McKinley’s story!
In August of 2012, while performing a routine 4-year well check, McKinley’s pediatrician noticed a hump in her shoulder blade. A few days later, McKinley was x-rayed and the diagnosis came; she had scoliosis. The initial thought was that the curve was caught while only at 33 degrees; therefore, allowing for a relatively non-invasive treatment plan. In September 2012, McKinley and her family were fortunate enough to be partnered with the Shriners Hospital in Greenville where additional diagnostic measures were taken. It was then that we learned that McKinley’s condition was much more advanced than originally diagnosed. Her curve was not 33 degrees; it was 70. Although beyond the normal curve range for casting, we were relieved to hear that the attending physician was willing to give casting a chance versus immediately opting for spinal surgery (could you imagine???). And so it began…in November 2012 McKinley received the first of what would be eight casts. I can still vividly remember the day the first cast was put on; you could hear her screaming from where we were waiting, “TAKE IT OFF!” She literally cried herself to sleep while we watched helplessly. The goal was that casting would prolong the need for surgery until McKinley had experienced majority of her growth spurts. This would allow for fewer follow-up procedures while also allowing her little body time to develop more fully before under-going such a serious procedure. In May 2014, after 8 casts, it was decided that the benefits of casting no longer outweighed the risks/limitations and for as long as possible, she would try bracing. Same goal…try to reach age 8 or 9 before surgery! At each follow-up appointment we have nervously awaited the word and in spring of 2015 we received it…surgery is now upon us. It amazes me that although you “prepare” yourself for three years to hear those words, they still land on ill-prepared ears! Over the last few weeks, McKinley has undergone a number of tests to ensure her body is “ready” for surgery; blood work, lung, heart, etc. Last Thursday it all became a reality…on July 30th McKinley will undergo the first of two procedures; halo gravity traction. The halo will be secured to McKinley’s head and over the course of four weeks weight will be applied in an attempt to reduce curvature and strengthen the spine prior to the actual spinal surgery, which is scheduled for August 27th. Both procedures (to include the 4 weeks in traction) will take place at the Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. That’s where you come into the picture :) …while McKinley has a place to stay during this 1 ½ month time frame; her family needs flights, a hotel room, a rental car, meals, etc. If you have the means and your heart leads you to contribute, I can promise you that her family will appreciate every penny of it!! Most importantly, I’d like to ask each of you to take a moment to pray for McKinley, her family, and the medical team that’s going to make her even more perfect!!
In August of 2012, while performing a routine 4-year well check, McKinley’s pediatrician noticed a hump in her shoulder blade. A few days later, McKinley was x-rayed and the diagnosis came; she had scoliosis. The initial thought was that the curve was caught while only at 33 degrees; therefore, allowing for a relatively non-invasive treatment plan. In September 2012, McKinley and her family were fortunate enough to be partnered with the Shriners Hospital in Greenville where additional diagnostic measures were taken. It was then that we learned that McKinley’s condition was much more advanced than originally diagnosed. Her curve was not 33 degrees; it was 70. Although beyond the normal curve range for casting, we were relieved to hear that the attending physician was willing to give casting a chance versus immediately opting for spinal surgery (could you imagine???). And so it began…in November 2012 McKinley received the first of what would be eight casts. I can still vividly remember the day the first cast was put on; you could hear her screaming from where we were waiting, “TAKE IT OFF!” She literally cried herself to sleep while we watched helplessly. The goal was that casting would prolong the need for surgery until McKinley had experienced majority of her growth spurts. This would allow for fewer follow-up procedures while also allowing her little body time to develop more fully before under-going such a serious procedure. In May 2014, after 8 casts, it was decided that the benefits of casting no longer outweighed the risks/limitations and for as long as possible, she would try bracing. Same goal…try to reach age 8 or 9 before surgery! At each follow-up appointment we have nervously awaited the word and in spring of 2015 we received it…surgery is now upon us. It amazes me that although you “prepare” yourself for three years to hear those words, they still land on ill-prepared ears! Over the last few weeks, McKinley has undergone a number of tests to ensure her body is “ready” for surgery; blood work, lung, heart, etc. Last Thursday it all became a reality…on July 30th McKinley will undergo the first of two procedures; halo gravity traction. The halo will be secured to McKinley’s head and over the course of four weeks weight will be applied in an attempt to reduce curvature and strengthen the spine prior to the actual spinal surgery, which is scheduled for August 27th. Both procedures (to include the 4 weeks in traction) will take place at the Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. That’s where you come into the picture :) …while McKinley has a place to stay during this 1 ½ month time frame; her family needs flights, a hotel room, a rental car, meals, etc. If you have the means and your heart leads you to contribute, I can promise you that her family will appreciate every penny of it!! Most importantly, I’d like to ask each of you to take a moment to pray for McKinley, her family, and the medical team that’s going to make her even more perfect!!
Organizer and beneficiary
Jessica N Hargett
Organizer
Catawba, SC
Brandi Marshall
Beneficiary