Team Serenity

I am Laura, Serenity’s grandmother. Serenity had not been feeling well for weeks, struggling with sinus issues and then abdominal pain. On May 8th Serenity was experiencing severe

abdominal pain and was in an out of the ER, then hospitalized on May 16th. After various

tests, she was flown to the Children’s Hospital of CO where she received the diagnosis of

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA). GPA is a rare disease, also called Wegener’s

granulomatosis. GPA causes inflammation of the blood vessels in the nose, sinuses, throat,

lungs, and kidneys It can also affect skin, eyes, ears, and heart. This autoimmune vasculitis

disease has caused bleeding in her lungs and kidneys. Although she went home after a 6 day stay at the Children’s Hospital of CO, 5 days later she had to go back, where she is at the time of this writing. She has had two blood transfusions, steroids, immunosupressive drugs, and

chemo drugs to destroy her immune system. Serenity just started kidney dialysis, which we

hope won’t be permanent.

At age 15, she is a private young lady, yet we are asking for support in prayers and finances as she and her family come to terms with this disease. Besides the flight to CO, she has

numerous life long medications, tests, and treatments to keep her feeling the best she can.

She is covered by insurance, yet as we all know that only partially helps. Serenity is a vibrant, caring, sweet and generous teenager who loves her family and dogs Tuff, Lexi and Diesel.

It has been hard for her to be apart from her husky Tuff as they are quite bonded. She has

been active in skiijoring, bikejoring, and pole vaulting. In her free time she enjoys drawing,

reading and playing games. Serenity has one older sister, a younger brother, and a baby half

sister. Her Mom has had to take leave from work and is unable to receive family medical

leave. Her stepdad has made trips to CO and missed work as well. Money raised will pay

medical bills, travel, meals, and lodging. Most of all, we ask for prayers and help spreading

the awareness of GPA.