Support the Gray Family's Medical Journey

Please join me in supporting Lea and Matt Gray as they navigate caring for their beautiful sons, Thomas and Jackson, both of whom have been diagnosed with lifelong autoimmune conditions.

Since July 2022, the Grays have been on a relentless journey to find answers and treatment for their 6-year-old son, Thomas. After two bouts of COVID within six months and a 10-day course of antibiotics for strep throat, Thomas woke up one morning as a completely different child. He became unable to tolerate the feel of his clothes, constantly screaming and crying. His symptoms escalated to intense hyperactivity, emotional rages, food refusals, obsessions, hoarding, insomnia, and an overwhelming need to be near his parents at all times.

Initially diagnosed with PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections), Lea fought tirelessly to uncover the correct diagnosis and treatment for Thomas. In January 2023, he underwent a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy to help prevent recurring strep infections. For a few months, this seemed to help, but after another round of illness, Thomas’s symptoms relapsed dramatically, leading him to attempts of self-harm.

Desperate for help, the Grays traveled to Washington, D.C., in July 2023 to meet with a specialist neurologist. She recommended IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin therapy), a complex and costly treatment that involves infusing human-donated immune cells. Unfortunately, due to insurance complications, this doctor does not accept insurance, forcing the Grays to pay thousands out of pocket for Thomas's evaluation and subsequent IVIG treatment. Thankfully, the treatment significantly improved his condition, but his progress would only last several months.

In December 2023, Jackson underwent tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy to reduce the risk of bringing home infections. The family had to limit their exposure to public places, resulting in significant isolation as they navigated these challenges.

In January 2024, Thomas finally got an appointment with VCU Immunology to restart IVIG. Despite continued insurance denials related to the PANDAS diagnosis, Lea pushed for further testing, which revealed hypogammaglobulinemia, an immune deficiency indicating his immune system struggles to produce a strong antibody response to any illness. Suspecting an autoimmune component, they pursued additional diagnostics with the encouragement of their pediatrician and other healthcare providers.

In February 2024, they traveled to another specialist neurologist in Missouri for a more extensive evaluation. Following this, Thomas underwent a battery of tests, ultimately confirming brain inflammation and the presence of auto-antibodies indicative of autoimmune encephalitis—an insurance-recognized diagnosis. He continues to receive low-dose IVIG every four weeks at VCU and recently had a port-a-cath placed to ease the trauma of IV placements. They are awaiting insurance authorization in order to transition to high dose IVIG in the home. Although the IVIG has made a remarkable difference in Thomas’s life, allowing him to attend Kindergarten without support, he still faces challenges with OCD, food restrictions, sensory issues and anxiety.

Unfortunately, on September 8th, the family received another life-altering diagnosis. Jackson, 8, was taken to urgent care with vomiting, severe fatigue, and weight loss. He was found to be in diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate hospitalization. Jackson left the hospital 3 days later, with a new diagnosis of insulin-dependent Type 1 Diabetes, an autoimmune disorder. He has since been readmitted for neurological changes associated with atypical Mycoplasma Pneumonia, but is now back home and being followed by a neurologist as well.

The Grays have conquered so much, but they still have a very long road ahead. Both boys require ongoing medical interventions and close monitoring for their autoimmune conditions. They have also faced significant lifestyle changes, including the overwhelming logistics of managing Jackson's diabetes and addressing both boys’ extreme picky eating.

I am asking for your financial support to help alleviate the Grays' mounting expenses—medical bills, insulin and diabetic supplies, groceries for their different dietary needs, travel costs, therapy services, toy bribes for medical procedures and missed work/school due to illnesses and appointments.

Please join me in supporting the Gray family by helping relieve their financial burden, so they can focus more of their attention on their precious children and the well-being of their family.

Thank you for your kindness and support.