Christianne's Medical Fund

I am the mother of this happy, courageous, and beautiful 12 year old girl Christianne. 

Christianne was born at 33 wks and weighed 3.3lbs.  Several major complications took place during and after birth.  Christi never gave up, despite her very stormy 10wk stay in the Neo Natal ICU, consisting of: massive internal bleeds, cardiac arrests, seizures, renal failure and jaundice which all sent her to under 2lbs.  What many people don't know is that Christi lost life for a few minutes at 3wks in the ICU,  but due to persistance from one of the doctors, she managed to resuscitate Christi who was back up and fighting for her life.   Miracle after miracle and at 2 1/2 months, I was finally able to take my baby home, however soon after, she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

Early intervention helped Christi, and the fact that she has exceeded expectations, and in light of her traumatic birth, gives me hope that she can conquer much more.  She has opened my eyes to a whole new world as she has a tremendous determination and love for life. However, while there has been improvement in some areas over time, she still has her daily challenges.

Her Cerebral Palsy has affected her motor function.   Christi's muscles are  weak and therefore she has limited strength.  Her gait is unbalanced and she is now experiencing othorpedic issues.  Lung damage along with her CP has caused both speech and respiratory problems.  She has very little breath support and tires easily, and eager as she is,  her mind wants to do things but her body just will not keep up, and therefore,  cannot take part in many activities.   Her immune system and oxygen levels are at times compromised during illness. She also gets seizures occassionally, which many times, result in emergency visits due to the increased heart rate and lack of oxygen.

Christianne needs to be put back on an intense regimen of Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy. One on one care is needed as she is not fully self sufficient and constant supervision is necessary due to her high functioning,  to avoid danger she can cause to herself.   Though somewhat delayed, her cognitive skills are quite good and conquering some of her disabilities and health issues will allow her to have a better quality of life and gain more opportunities to learn and grow.  

 Doctors have since discovered that Christianne has a heart condition known as Wolff Parkinsons White syndrom - and while doctors do not reccommend  the proceedure at this time, she still has to have lab tests and imaging every 6 months to 1 year.  High heart rate can put her at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. 

At present, I am an unemployed single parent, and due to Christi's high demands it is difficult to work full time as I am also her primary caregiver.  I cannot express enough, the joy I find raising her, and want to give her the best of care.  

I  have set up this GoFund account to try to cover costs for further testing and evalutations by specialists, much needed therapy, medications, medical and adaptive equipment, and special care.  Emergency visits as well, incur high costs.  Most of Christianne's needs are ongoing and life sustaining, and are not all covered by insurance.  I will be sure to let you know of her progress and how your contributions have helped to enhance her life. 

I want to use our experience to encourage those who have special needs children or children with disabilities to never give up, even though it can be a very difficult journey.  You are  your childs first and best advocate.  Their strength and efforts depend very much on yours.  You have been entrusted with a special and unique gift despite what others may say.  Keep strong, keep  praying and have faith always. I've experienced the miracles....so can you!

Forever grateful......
Mom