With permission from the family I am sharing a gofundme.
Catie is the sister of a fellow mom and a good friend of mine on tumblr, @mommygoestocollege. She is only 16 years old and has been dealt a terrible hand at health which is very expensive to treat for her single parent household. Her mom has been a single parent for the last 12 years and many of us can relate to how difficult that is financially.
“Catie Larson wants to be a typical teenager doing typical teenager things. Sometimes she does just that, but most of her time and energy goes to simply trying to feel well. You see, Catie struggles with RSD/CRPS (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome), EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
EDS is an inherited connective tissue disorder. Symptoms vary widely based on which type of EDS the patient has, but in each case, they are due to faulty or reduced amounts of collagen. EDS typically affects the joints, skin, and blood vessels. The hypermobile joints typical of a person with EDS could have very well been the cause of Catie’s twisted ankle several years ago that seemed to be a trigger for RSD.
RSD/CRPS is a chronic condition characterized by severe burning pain, most often affecting one of the extremities. There are often pathological changes in the bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling, and extreme sensitivity to touch.
POTS falls under the category of Dysautonomia–an umbrella term for a number of conditions relating to autonomic neuropathy. This is a relatively new problem for Catie, but one that makes leading a normal life even more difficult. POTS can cause lightheadedness, palpitations, and tremors when standing that can lead to fainting and even seizures.
With all these conditions weighing her down, Catie only has the energy for half a day of school. Any more and fatigue sets in and POTS symptoms increase. Extra activity can put her in bed for days.
Catie has been referred to the Dysautonomia clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, but the cost is quite high and is not covered by Medicaid. The family will need travel expenses on top of the clinic fees, as well as living expenses while Catie is undergoing testing and money to pay someone to take care of the farm while they are gone. They need $1000 just to make the appointment.”
If you can’t donate that’s perfectly okay but please take the time to reblog and spread the word.
https://www.gofundme.com/catiefund
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