Opal’s Journey

Opal’s Journey
   I am the youngest of 3 and I am always happy, despite the circumstances I have been dealt in my 4 years of life.  I have endured over a dozen medical procedures, three of which were life saving brain surgeries.  
  I am in many different therapies (physical, occupational, etc.), but could greatly benefit from more.  Our insurance company only allows for me to have 30 therapies a year....which only lasts me 10 weeks!  


My Medical Needs
    I have 2 extremely rare congenital chromosomal conditions called Cleidocranial Dysplasia and Dandy-Walker Malformation.  I had my first brain surgery when I was 9 weeks old.
  I developed Hydrocephalus and now have a device called a VP shunt implanted in my brain.  It keeps me alive! But can malfunction at any time. 
    I have spent tons of time in the hospital and have more doctors than I can count.   Due to some unexpected complications with multiple surgeries, I have also developed Gastroparesis.  I was also recently been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and use a breathing machine at night.
   My  parents desperately want to help me any way they can, but my needs are very expensive.
    If you could donate to aide in my care, it would truly be a blessing to my family.  Every penny counts!  

How Your Donations Will Be Used
    -Hospital Bills, Therapy, Medical Equipment, etc. = $29,000
    -Prescriptions and Co-pays = $12,800
    -Genetic Testing = $1,000
    -New Foot Orthodics/Braces = $2,400
    -Lenses for Glasses = $700
    -Center for Integrative Brain Research = $550
           *After 3 years on the wait list, Opal has been approved to see Dr. Dobyns at Seattle Children’s Hospital.  This would help with the cost of travel expenses. 

We Are Contributing Too!
  Here are a few ways we pinch pennies!  
        1. We have “stay-cations” instead of vacations
        2. All our clothes are from consignment sales, hand
             me downs or gifts.
        3. I sell all of our kids out grown clothes and toys.
        4. We skip the cable bill! Netflix only :)
        5. We get all our groceries from ALDI.
        6. We don’t eat out often and I pack our lunches.
        7. We make hand-made gifts for family and friends.

Please Share on Social Media!!!  (#opalsjourney)
Help us provide for Opal!!!


Forever grateful,
Matthew & MaireJo (Opal’s parents)

*We have also set up an account at our local bank if you would rather donate that way.
    -Traditions Bank (www.traditionsal.com)
    -(256) [phone redacted] / 1-877-446-2265
    -Just ask for Opal’s Fundraising Account