#OURDESTINY

This brave, perfect little girl is Destiny.  She was recently diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation. Chiari Malformation is a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. It occurs when part of the skull is abnormally small, and without adequate room to correctly house the brain.  Over the last year, Destiny has faced an onslaught of testing to finally arrive at a diagnosis, and has been a light even in her darkest hour.  After months of long nights and countless doctors visits, Destiny's medical team decided to preform an emergency decompression surgery (suboccipital craniectomy with cervical laminectomy with a dural graft placement), on September 26, 2018.  This is the first of what could likely be many of these surgeries, as there is currently no cure for this disease.  The decompression surgeries provide relief from the growing pressure inside Destiny's head. 

In addition to being a full time superstar, Destiny is also about to be blessed with the arrival of a brand new sister, Quinn, expected to arrive in early December.  While this news is undoubtedly wonderful and exciting, it has also brought some struggles, too. Destiny's mom, Erica is a well known creative from Asheville, NC.  She was an active presence in the local and national fashion scene as both a makeup artist and a model.  Battling her own health for much of her life, she overcame a great deal of adversity and set her sights on forging a life long commitment to the beauty industry.  After learning of her most recent pregnancy, Erica, already trying to manifest strength for her baby that is sick here, was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum and gestational diabetes early in her pregnancy, and was classed as high risk.  In the progressing months, Erica also learned that she has a kidney disorder known as Hydronephrosis.  This would require that she would need surgeries every four weeks to place a ureteral stent in her non functioning kidney, and receive infusions three times a week in order to keep her hydrated and flushed. Running two bodies on one kidney is NO JOKE, and as Erica's condition becomes more tender by the day, it is vital that she take every measure possible to stay rested and stress free.  While we all know that isn't possible under these circumstances, a mama does what a mama has to. 

To put it plainly, this family has been through hell and back, with the promise of a return visit.  Even in this unbelievable storm, the light lives in our ability to love each other through it. Destiny's dad, Chuck, works several jobs in order to provide for his family. Even with his dedication, the weight of a chronically sick baby, a mama who's body is on it's last leg and another one to plan for...that math isn't hard to do.  There aren't enough words to speak to how remarkable this family is.  It is our wish that they can be blessed in love and embraced by a community willing to show up in their time of need. 

We send all of our love and gratitude for your generosity.  We will share updates about the family and about upcoming events where you can join in spreading love and awareness for Destiny's cause.

Sending Love.