Child with Gastroparesis Receives Surgery, Thanks to Charitable Transportation
Suffering From Gastroparesis
Fiona lives in Maryland with her parents. Their lives were simple until a few years ago, when Fiona began to struggle with a rare disease.
“She suffered from chronic nausea and vomiting for three years,” said Fiona’s mother, Jessica.
Many doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong. Finally, a specialist diagnosed Fiona with gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is where the stomach doesn’t pass food correctly because the nerves and muscles are damaged. This condition is rare, affecting 50 out of 100,000 people.
Finding Care… More than 300 Miles Away
Jessica found out about a treatment for gastroparesis called a gastric electro-stimulator. This is a device that is inserted into the abdomen, with two leads connected to the stomach. It sends mild electric charges to the stomach, which helps control vomiting and other symptoms.
“We reached out to Nationwide Children’s Hospital,” said Jessica, “and we ended up qualifying.”
But one problem remained. Nationwide Children’s Hospital is in Columbus, Ohio – more than 300 miles away from their home in Maryland. Driving would exhaust their energy and resources. Flying was too expensive. How would Fiona access the care she needed?
Charitable Transportation Removes the Barrier
The distance seemed like an impossible obstacle. Mercy Medical Angels changed that, removing the barrier to Fiona’s care with charitable transportation. Fiona and her parents received flights through Mercy Medical Angels’ volunteer pilot program.
“It was a great experience,” said Jessica. “The pilot went above and beyond and was patient and helpful. Fiona enjoyed flying and giggled the whole time.”
Fiona needed a few follow-up appointments after having the surgery. Mercy Medical Angels’ volunteer pilot program came through once again, providing charitable transportation for Fiona and her parents.
“She’s Doing Amazing…”
Since receiving the care she needed, Fiona’s quality of life has dramatically improved. April 2022 marked 9 months since the surgery.
“She’s doing amazing,” said Jessica. “If it weren’t for the charitable transportation Mercy Medical Angels so generously gives, Fiona wouldn’t have been able to receive this life-changing surgery.”
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