Carson Halterman's CF Journey

Carson is our 13 year old daughter who has been diagnosed with a rare pancreatic disease along with Cystic Fibrosis, and now chronic adrenal insufficiency, and a rare form of “chronic illness” anemia that causes a low ferritin level. The treatment for this anemia is scheduled iron infusions. As of now, we are going to San Antonio every two weeks for infusions. The CF is something she was born with that has slowly gotten worse and will continue to worsen.   The time has come for our pancreatic savior to send us to Cincinatti Children’s Hospital for a TPAIT evaluation. This is total pancreatectomy with auto islet transplant. There are very few places in the world that do this surgery on children. We had always know this was where she was headed, we just it wouldn’t be at 13. Once the evaluation is complete and she is deemed a good candidate, the lengthy and invasive procedure will be scheduled. We will be relocated to Cincinnati for at least 5 months. In additional to all this there are medical expenditures incurred from all the hospital stays, imaging, tests, surgeries, medications, at home care equipment, copays, deductibles for the new year. Carson and I are in San Antonio during our 'hospications’ (this is what Carson calls her long hospital stays).  This means travel is 2-3 times a month from Odessa to San Antonio for clinic visits and for our family, this can be a hardship.  My husband and 17 year old son are in West Texas.  I realize reaching out for help is a reach.  Please, please  know that monetary isn't the only way to help our family.  Prayers, well wishes, hugs, prayers, positive vibes, prayers, a quick text or call, prayers are all wonderfully received.

Much love and gratitude- Courtney