Help with Karlie's Medical Needs
Donation protected
As many of you know Karlie and her family relocated to the United States three years ago this fall in order to seek more medical care for the multiple chronic illnesses Karlie faces every day.
They had exhausted the resources the Canadian health system could offer, and were hopeful for some more answers and support in the US.
Karlie has been diagnosed with and suffers from:
Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS)
Obviously healthcare in the US is exponentially more expensive and while the Clee's have insurance, the insurance itself is expensive and only covers a percentage of their medical expenses. Kevin works very hard to provide for his family and support Karlie's medical needs, but those needs are extensive.
It is always hard and uncomfortable to ask for help which is why I am doing it for them.
Karlie is the strongest person I know. I have seen first hand (since she was a teenager and very recently) the excruciating pain she faces on a daily basis, yet she still manages to remain positive and put on a brave face for her loved ones.
Karlie feels responsible for shielding others from her pain and struggles. I'd like to shed some light on a very small percentage of what she is dealing with currently so that we can come together and support her when she needs us most.
In the last few weeks Karlie has become partially paralyzed due to multiple uncontrolled seizures, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Dysautonomia. Each time she has a seizure an ambulance has to be called and she needs to be transferred to a hospital as the seizures will not stop without a specific medication.
Because of this paralysis she is bound to a wheelchair indefinitely. She is also prohibited to drive because she is epileptic.
Her safety, the kids safety, and their emotional capacity to handle everything they have been through, and continue to go through, is the main concern at this time.
Listed below are some of the things your contributions will go towards:
- Medical bills that the percentage of insurance doesn't cover including ambulance rides, hospital stays, medication, etc.
- Home oxygen concentrator
- A custom wheelchair
- Handicap rails for the house to safely use the bath, toilet, etc.
- Ramps to get in and out of the house safely
- Ride share services to get to appointments
- House cleaning services as second floor can't be accessed by Karlie
- Family counselling because chronic illness takes a huge toll on the entire family, especially children who should never have to see or go through what they have
Recently, new lesions have been found on the frontal lobe of her brain, caused by epilepsy and a lack of oxygen reaching her brain for a period of time. A neurological team is studying her brain and there is a chance she will require minimally invasive neuro surgery in the future.
What I have summarized above are her most recent struggles and it only scratches the surface of what Karlie is dealing with and has dealt with.
The fact is the Clee's are on a life long journey of managing Karlie's pain and chronic illnesses. Unfortunately there is no "cure" for most of the illnesses Karlie faces but my hope is that we can bring their family some peace by supporting them through this journey.
Lastly, if you would prefer to send money directly to the Clee's please message me for etransfer details.
On behalf of Karlie, Kevin, Jace and Landon, thank you so much for your loving support.
Organizer
Nicole Pomerleau
Organizer
Spruce Grove, AB