Child with Rare Genetic Disorder Accesses Life-Changing Care
Living with a Rare Genetic Disorder
Sage was recently diagnosed with Börjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome, or BFLS. BFLS is a rare genetic disorder that can cause developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, obesity, facial differences, and other complications. In addition to BFLS, Sage also has juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or JIA, which causes her extreme pain on a daily basis. She often ends up needing to travel from her rural hometown in Southern Utah to Salt Lake City for medical care.
From Restlessness...
Sage's mother, Natisha, has chronic health issues of her own. These conditions can be managed with medications, but the side effects combined with pain and fatigue make it nearly impossible for Natisha to both work at a job and care for Sage. She had to choose where to prioritize her limited energy, and chose caring for Sage. But this meant that driving long distances to and from medical care was putting a strain on the family's finances. Natisha became restless in a search for help - specifically transportation assistance.
...To Relief
Sage's health was reaching a critical point when Natisha found relief. And this relief came straight from angels - Mercy Medical Angels, to be exact! Mercy Medical Angels sent Natisha gas cards, which made it possible for her to afford ground transportation for Sage's medical care. Sage even got the chance to visit an aquarium after her latest round of treatments - a small but intense dose of fun that helped relieve her own stresses.
"Getting Better Every Day"
When asked how Mercy Medical Angels helped Sage, Natisha takes in a breath and lets it back out, as if she's finally able to lay down a burden. "Mercy Medical Angels helped us start up Sage's therapies and treatments again," said Natisha. "Thanks to Mercy Medical Angels sending us gas cards, my daughter is thriving and getting better every day. We appreciate all the help!"
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