Solstice's strength

I have always known Solstice to be strong, I taught her to stand up for herself, to help others in need.  During her years in Leadville she watched over the handicapped kid in her class, made sure others didn't make fun of her, or hurt her.

If someone is out of line, Solstice was always the first to speak up, the first to call others out on their thinking.  She never has gotten in trouble at school, and here at home, she only really ever got in trouble for mouthing off.  Not sure where she learned that from .. ha

I have always imagined that Solstice will grow up to be a person who made serious change in the world.  Someone you'd be proud to call a friend.  An excellent student, she has always taken school so seriously.  She has not been to school in nearly 2 months. As a ski racer her entire life, now in a wheelchair because the swelling of her legs is so intense she cannot walk.  It's a hard pill to swallow for her, and for us.  We desperately need to find a specialist, but none are to be found in our area.

We have spent everything on co-pays and specialists.  Our savings is gone and we no  longer have the ability to take her to the places she needs to go for help.  As our knowledge of the disease grows, we are finding our mistakes along the way.  We are asking for help.  We have an online fundraiser going, but it has proven to not quite make the amounts required, since out of state care will not allow the use of medicaid.  I had to quit my job in order to qualify to make sure she had the care she needed, as our primary insurance company keeps denying us.

After eight days in the hospital, yesterday for the first time she asked to do something.  She didn't even turn on the television during her stay in the hospital, too sick to even watch tv is a rough state. We went to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.  She had a lot of fun, but was worn to bits by the time she got home and slept nearly 20 hours. She's awake now, and her spirits are lifted a bit by our outing, thankfully.

So, if you're reading this after the fundraiser is complete, and you'd be kind enough to donate to her cause, please email me for our address.  I have been humbled by this situation, and I no longer am bothered by asking for help.  We need your help, if you're willing to give it... I will be forever grateful.

Amanda