Team Nas!

My boys are my life! Now, imagine your child becoming ill, weak, or sick for no apparent reason out of the clear blue, in pain, entire body breaking out in rashes and unable to move his body. As a mother, your natural instinct is to protect yours by any means necessary, but in this situation there is absolutely nothing you can do but stand by with your heart full of hurt and worry and watch him suffer. This is the pain I've been suffering through, "fear of the unknown".     About Nas........... Determination, strength, athleticism, and affability are all traits that come to mind when people who have met Nas hear his name. A four sport high school athlete, Nas had his sights set on continuing his football career in college. A few months ago, despite his strength, Nas began not feeling well. At first, he brushed it off as a bad night’s sleep or the result of a stressful day at school. After a while, he and his Mom became worried and started consulting doctors. Numerous tests were performed and different medications were prescribed and then changed (again and again), but there were no answers and Nas received no relief.    On April 23, 2017, Nas mentioned to his Mom that he had a headache, and shortly after had a seizure. He was immediately taken to Children’s Hospital of Buffalo where he had another seizure. Initially, doctors were stumped. After a week of sporadic seizures, an array of other symptoms, a multitude of tests, and teams of doctors collaborating, it was determined that Nas was suffering from Lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body.  Although a diagnosis has been determined, Nas remains in the hospital as doctors continue to monitor his symptoms and figure out what combinations of medications will work best for him. He is also receiving therapy to regain the use of his left arm and leg. (The therapists have come up with a bunch of sports related exercises to “get him back in the game”!!) He will need treatments and medications for the rest of his life. Nas’s network of family and friends have been hugely supportive and will remain by his side as he fights this. Any support that you might be able to offer would be greatly appreciated. This support will ensure that Nas can afford the medical costs and necessary treatments to keep him healthy and allow him to continue onto his next journey – college!   I thank everyone for all the love and support you've shown during this difficult period in our lives. Your thoughts, prayers, calls, and visits are definitely making this difficult time more bearable.