Support Isaac's Journey to a Pain-Free Life

Dear Community, Friends and Family,

I am reaching out to you with a plea to help with Isaac Canales’ health problems. It all started in early November of 2021. He was rushed to Fairfax Hospital for an appendectomy, but doctors determined it was not his appendix. Months and months of testing went by in hospitals all over the area, including Inova Hospitals, Washington Children's Hospital, Reston Hospital, Kennedey Krieger Hospital, Children’s Specialized Hospital (CHOP) and John Hopkins to find a diagnosis. Isaac has seen over 40 doctors from specificality to pain doctors in the past 3 years. He has been through Upper GI Endoscopies, HIDA, Electromyography (EMG), Urodynamic (Uro Flow), Colonoscopy, CT Scan (Head or Brain), (ABD and Pelvis w Contrast), MRI (pelvis), Remove Appendix, Empty Study, Pelvis, Scrotum, Ultrasound Abdomen, Urine, Hepatobiliary Study, US Duptex Scan Art Inflow and Venous Outflow ABD Oragn, US Soft Tissue ABD, LAP APPY, XR Pelvis 1-2 Views, three rounds of 10 ML of solution (10 ML of mix of Rop 0.2% and clonidine 70mcg) shots, skin biopsies etc. The list keeps going on. He is in the 8th grade and weighs 80 lbs. Even though he has been going through this pain (like someone is stabbing him) on a daily bases, he keeps a smile on his face, and if you see him, he looks like a healthy kid. But under everything he comes home and cries in pain. It breaks my heart seeing him and not being able to help or get help for him.

We have done everything we can to reduce the discomfort, from trying holistic doctors to medical doctors and still nothing has healed his pain. Frequent doctor visits, hospital stays and treatments have often forced both of us to miss work – putting on a tremendous financial strain. Isaac’s second home has become the hospitals. We have done IB Stim, PT, Sport massage, Chiropractor, Acupuncture, Dry Needing, Nerve Block Transverse in the abdominis plane, Hypnos therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, etc. He has been through a world of tests and procedures for a young 12-year-old. The pain, however, hasn’t gone away, devastating Isaac's life and family. He has been misdiagnosed 5 times already from constipation, to amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome, to brain gut dysfunction, Complex Regional pain syndrome and chronical pain syndrome. Every time we go to the doctor, we get a different diagnosis and I have spent many days and hours doing research. I even joined Facebook members who are going through similar issues but nothing has helped. It seems that the doctors just keep guessing. Some places have even told us, “I’m sorry, we have done everything. You need to look for another solution.” As a mother, I keep looking and seeking help.

Isaac is likely a neighbor, friend, or classmate of your child. He is a caring big brother and a student at a middle school. He is recognized as a student with strong stamina, despite the pain. I know many of you have known of Isaac’s condition from the start, and I’m beyond blessed to have your support. I want to thank everyone who has been with me through this long journey with Isaac. It means more to us that words can ever explain.

With that said, we have finally found a doctor who has given us good news! Dr. William Meyers in Pennsylvania has given us a 95% chance for a 100% recovery. But unfortunately, this doctor does not work with insurance. The first visit cost us over $1,900 just to get diagnosed. It took us over six months to save for that visit just to be seen. It was worth every penny as he gave us hope. As this specialist does not work with insurance, the surgery for Isaac is going to be $25,000. This is not even including the hotel stay or the Pre-Op and Post-Op visits. I tried to work around the $25,000. I asked the doctor for a discount or payment plan, but he stated it needs to be paid up front before the surgery can be performed. After 3 years, I finally have great news that with this surgery he can be a happy kid again. We have struggled to get this diagnosis. I have tried to get banks loans but we are in too much debt due to medical bills.

I deeply believe in the kindness and generosity of our community. Your support, big or small, can make a significant impact. I am pleading with you for any kind of help. I have never felt so desperate!

Please, please consider making a donation.

Most sincerely,

The Family of Isaac Canales