Love for Lewiston
Donation protected
Raising funds to support Jessica and Ronnie Olstad, and their precious son, Lewiston James Olstad, who has recently been diagnosed with SMA Type 1, a terminal genetic disease. Along with your prayers, all donations on this page will be a great blessing to this family that faces new financial challenges and a difficult road ahead. Thank you!
More on their story here: www.loveforlewiston.ca
In Jessica's words from August 11, 2016:
Grab a box of tissue this one ain't easy. Our fears were confirmed today during our meeting with the Pediatric Neurologist at AB Children's Hospital.
In Winnipeg we feared this diagnosis but were led to believe it wasn't even a possibility. Today the scary diagnosis of SMA - Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 was confirmed.
So here is the crazy thing to this all. Most of you who read this will have no clue what SMA is {I put a link in my bio to read more on it} And those that have heard of it may be because you know of Ishan and Shanaya- you have donated money to help them buy a wheel chair accessible van, been to my spin fundraisers, donated cash to our baby pool and just gave b/c you knew the cause was near and dear to my heart. We felt led to journey along side a family who needed some extra care. It is so crazy for us to know so intimately how horrible and challenging this diagnosis can be. What we could have never even fathomed possible for our family is now our reality.
Lewiston has been diagnosed with SMA Type 1. His life expectancy is less than 2 years and because he has displayed signs so early on they are preparing us for less than a year.
Stop and breath here......
So for now he is stable and we hope for few good months ahead before breathing and eating become our biggest challenges. We are gonna make these months count. And we will not lose all joy because of the cards our family has been dealt. There currently is no cure for SMA.
Ronnie and I are still in shock and today I am surprisingly okay and holding it together.
We have had an over whelming response of friends and family asking how they can help. I don't want to ask for help but knowing the road ahead we will need it. So we will graciously except it.... In a couple of days something will be shared with more details on how. For now we are just trying to get our feet underneath us.
Praying for a miracle for Lewiston. We will be trusting steadily in God for peace, strength and purpose. Just b/c we didn't get the answer we wanted from all your prayers doesn't mean good can't come from this. Continue to lift us up. We will need you in days ahead.
More on their story here: www.loveforlewiston.ca
In Jessica's words from August 11, 2016:
Grab a box of tissue this one ain't easy. Our fears were confirmed today during our meeting with the Pediatric Neurologist at AB Children's Hospital.
In Winnipeg we feared this diagnosis but were led to believe it wasn't even a possibility. Today the scary diagnosis of SMA - Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 was confirmed.
So here is the crazy thing to this all. Most of you who read this will have no clue what SMA is {I put a link in my bio to read more on it} And those that have heard of it may be because you know of Ishan and Shanaya- you have donated money to help them buy a wheel chair accessible van, been to my spin fundraisers, donated cash to our baby pool and just gave b/c you knew the cause was near and dear to my heart. We felt led to journey along side a family who needed some extra care. It is so crazy for us to know so intimately how horrible and challenging this diagnosis can be. What we could have never even fathomed possible for our family is now our reality.
Lewiston has been diagnosed with SMA Type 1. His life expectancy is less than 2 years and because he has displayed signs so early on they are preparing us for less than a year.
Stop and breath here......
So for now he is stable and we hope for few good months ahead before breathing and eating become our biggest challenges. We are gonna make these months count. And we will not lose all joy because of the cards our family has been dealt. There currently is no cure for SMA.
Ronnie and I are still in shock and today I am surprisingly okay and holding it together.
We have had an over whelming response of friends and family asking how they can help. I don't want to ask for help but knowing the road ahead we will need it. So we will graciously except it.... In a couple of days something will be shared with more details on how. For now we are just trying to get our feet underneath us.
Praying for a miracle for Lewiston. We will be trusting steadily in God for peace, strength and purpose. Just b/c we didn't get the answer we wanted from all your prayers doesn't mean good can't come from this. Continue to lift us up. We will need you in days ahead.
Organizer
Carrie Whyte
Organizer
Calgary, AB
