2025
Beneficiaries
Brody Reed
Brody is a 14 y/o who loves school and hockey. On December 18th 2024 Brody was diagnosed with an ear infection and put on antibiotics. Over the next few days, he seemed to get worse rather than better. He was taken to urgent care on December 24th. They did a blood draw and thinking possible meningitis, a lumbar puncture. The doctors started an IV and transfer him to Helen Devos children's hospital.
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The first 3-4 days he was treated for meningitis but Brody continued to get worse becoming virtually unresponsive. He developed brain and spinal swelling. On the 28th, the doctors did another lumbar puncture. Brody was then diagnosed with A.D.E.M. (Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis) which is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.
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After 4 days on a steroid treatment, he finally came around enough to ask questions but had lost function to most of his body because of the swelling and the time spent in bed. On January 4, 2025 Brody was cleared to move to Mary Free Bed where he is working hard to regain his motor skills and body function back. It is estimated he will be at Mary Free Bed until the end of January. The family has lost wages due to time off and will be responsible for about 20% of the total cost of the hospital and rehab stays.
Cailen Vela
Cailen is a 6 y/o kiddo who has been battling a rare form of cancer. He has Rhabdomyosarcoma which usually has a low chance of recurrence. Unfortunately, Cailen is one of only an estimated 17 kids in the country that is going through his current treatment, dealing with a second bout of this cancer.
Because of the placement of his tumor, he is completely deaf in his left ear. He had to have his inner/outer ear and ear drum removed recently. He has a 1 1/2 y/o sister and the family is doing their best to keep things as normal as possible. Cailen gets treatment at Mott Children's in Ann Arbor. The family had to take a pay cut and change jobs to keep up with travel and treatment. This has taken a toll on their vehicles, mental health, and their finances.
Renee Risner
Renee is a single mom who has been battling brain cancer. Her latest MRI showed a new cancerous tumor. She has already suffered from some deficits in treating the other tumors.
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She is receiving treatment in both Michigan and Phoenix. At this point, she is managing the growth of the cancer. She will be participating in clinical trials, receive brain radiation and chemotherapy vs facing a 5th surgery which could result in paralysis.
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She is doing her best to remain positive and has shared her story with others. She states, " I'll keep chugging along as usual and take things as they come."
