Allie's Surgery

This is my warrior granddaughter, Allie. Just about the time all young girls start becoming interested in fashion, dating, driving, and being with friends, Allie started having unusual physical problems. After a frustrating four-year odyssey, she's been diagnosed with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), a connective tissue disorder. The symptoms and pain are horrific. In addition, she has Mast Cell Activation Disorder, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Fibromyalga, Dysautonomia, and Gastroparesis. Way too many things for a 17 year old to have to deal with, right? Allie is my hero and inspiration, for she deals with pain every moment of every day, and yet she still smiles and keeps fighting.

In hopes of alleviating some symptoms, Allie, now 17,  underwent a serious brain surgery in February, and part two of that plan was a back fusion. It's time for the surgery, but the costs are overwhelming.

Allie and her Mom (our daughter Angie Case Skelly) need transportation to and from Florida to NY, as well as expenses while there for two weeks, a special new mattress, and many medications (already her medications cost over $1000 a month). Her mother will not be able to work for at least 4 weeks and possibly more, and will lose this income, as she is self-employed. They have not even begun to pay the actual hospital/drs'. bills from the first surgery, and unfortunately, due to a change in insurance, they will be responsible for a good chunk of the cost of this one as well.

We hope to arrange the surgery for next month; Allie really cannot wait much longer without negative consequences.

If you spent 10 minutes with Allie, you would be blown away by her courage, her resiliance and determination. She has big plans for her life (she wants to be a pediatrician so she can help other children), and we know she can achieve them when she receives the treatments she needs. Please consider helping us help Allie! She will help change the world one day.

Thank you so much.
Diane