Alexis’ Story
For kids like Alexis, there should be more to childhood than just being sick.
From the moment Alexis was born, her family knew she was going to be a fighter.
Born 12 weeks premature, Alexis spent 11 weeks in the neonatal ward before her family were allowed to take her home. She was 3 days old before her mother was allowed to hold her.
Despite being reassured that everything was okay, at 6 months of age, baby Alexis stopped using her legs. After numerous therapies Alexis did not improve.
Nine days after her 2nd birthday, Alexis was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 2.
As a result of her Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Alexis experiences muscle weakness, is unable to bear weight on her legs and cannot lift her head up.
This severely impacts her respiratory system.
The weakness of Alexis’ throat muscle prevents her breathing and swallowing, meaning that she is not strong enough to cough or clear her lungs.
“It makes her cry with sickness, it just sits there and develops into pneumonia, chest infections, she’s had it all. Every time she has a cold she is in hospital. A normal healthy child takes about a week to get better when they are sick, Alexis takes about a month.”
– Kristi, Alexis’ Mother
The only way for Alexis’ sickness to be cleared from her system is through the use of a Cough Assist Machine. This machine imitates the act of a cough – a quick breath of air effectively removing secretions from the lungs.
Give the gift of childhood now
Youngcare’s new Y Kids Grant will be launching in October 2019. The Y Kids Grant will support children like Alexis, 0-17 years old, with high care needs.
This grant will provide up to $10,000 for essential equipment, home modifications or even help to support a family needing to travel to receive medical treatment.
A huge thanks to our supporters
