Goal:
USD $50,000
Raised:
USD $6,725
Campaign funds will be received by Johanna Curtis
Watching their vibrant child undergo a drastic decline over the past four months has been an unimaginable journey for Jen and Kevin. This challenging path, thrust upon them without request or desire, began in February when their once perfectly healthy daughter, Amelia Curtis, embarked on a bewildering health struggle.
For the past four months, the Curtis family has been seeking answers. Mia has undergone countless tests, yet the cause of her dystonic right arm, significant speech and walking regression, and now multiple seizures or seizure-like episodes has remained elusive. Recently, the Neurology and Immunology teams provided a diagnosis: Rasmussen Encephalitis, a rare condition affecting approximately 2 out of every 10 million children under the age of 10. It manifests in frequent seizures, cognitive decline, and weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.
This diagnosis is devastating for Jen and Kevin, who simply long to see their daughter restored to health. The uncertainty is overwhelming. Currently, they plan to seek a second opinion as there is no known cure, and the only way to stop the seizures is a hemispherectomy.
Having spent time at Children's Hospital with Jen and Mia, witnessing their struggles has crushed my heart. No parent should endure such agony, feeling both helpless and hopeless. After much prayer, my husband and I felt compelled to launch this emergency medical fundraiser to alleviate some of the financial burdens. Currently, this marks Mia’s third admission to Children's Hospital, where they have been here for 12 days and counting.
While taking turns staying with Mia, Jen and Kevin shouldn't have to worry over unpaid days taken to be with Mia or other unexpected medical and hospital expenses. The Lord has blessed Miss Amelia Curtis with the best parents for her in this season, and we believe Jen and Kevin deserve this lifeline so they can cherish these moments with their precious daughter. The Lord is their provider, and we believe that He will remove this burden while Jen and Kevin focus on Mia. We also believe that Mia will be fully healed in His time.
Yet, this is just the start of a life-altering health journey. As parents, Jen and Kevin need to focus on Mia and their family, clinging to hope in the good days. While they continue seeking answers and support for Amelia's needs, they shouldn't worry about unpaid leave or unforeseen medical costs while they seek to get the best possible care for their daughter.
So please join us in supporting these loving parents as they continue to fight for healing and answers for their precious Amelia. I asked Jen in the hospital what does she need and how can we support her, and she replied: “I just need Mia to get better and to not lose my job.” These essentials should never coexist. This journey is far from over, my prayer is that you will join us in prayer over little Miss Amelia, you will help share her story, you will pray that the Good Lord will financially and emotionally sustain them throughout this entire battle and that he will ultimately HEAL their precious little girl.
“to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,”
1 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
“And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
James 5:15 ESV
My heart was touch by the story of your little girl.
Praying for your granddaughter. God Bless.
Praying for a cure. 🙏🙏🙏
God bless this dear child.
Praying for healing and strength for all the family
Praying for your sweet girl!!
Praying for you guys. We love you
Amelia and family are in our prayers.
We love you Mia girl! We love the whole Curtis family! We are here for anything you need! Prayers and well wishes
Thinking of you all!
May God heal your little Amelia and strengthen all of you through these trials!
God bless !
Praying for Amelia!
August 31st, 2024
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are blessed to share an update on Mia Curtis, our courageous 3-year-old who continues to face her battle with Rasmussen’s syndrome with unwavering faith and strength. Just 1.5 weeks ago, through the grace of God, Mia underwent a significant brain surgery to disconnect the left side of her brain and remove the affected areas.
With God’s strength, Mia is now in rehab, showing incredible determination as she works to relearn vital skills like communication, walking, and using her right arm. We have witnessed many blessings in her recovery so far—Mia can now eat on her own, a beautiful milestone as she had to relearn how to swallow. She has been able to explore the hospital, go outside in her special chair, and even take a few steps with assistance, all guided by the Lord’s hand.
Mia’s journey is still long, and her family, Jen and Kevin, are deeply grateful for the continuous outpouring of love, prayers, and support from all of you. Your generosity has been a true blessing, lifting them up in their time of need and strengthening their faith in the Lord’s plan.
We kindly ask for your continued prayers for Mia’s healing and, if it is within your means, a donation to support her ongoing recovery. Every contribution is a gift from The Lord that brings Mia one step closer to healing and gives her family the strength to continue this journey.
Thank you for your love, prayers, and support. Together, with faith and the grace of God, we are helping Mia overcome these challenges. Let’s continue to walk this path with her, united in faith and hope.
God bless you all, and thank you for being a part of #MiaStrong.
In gratitude and faith,
Alicia & Michael Curry
August 22nd, 2024
Miss Mia had her surgery today and her father posted this update to social media a few hours before completion. Again, Thank you all for your continued prayers and donations! Here is Kevin’s update:
Update: Surgery is just about done with no complications, drainage port was placed to drain fluid from her brain, swelling and bruising is to be expected in the next couple of days.
Mia did end up needing some blood but other than that the Surgery was a Homerun! Once she is out of Surgery she will be getting a CT scan and will be placed in PACU.
More updates are to follow in the new few hours..... Again thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and donations as we continue to toe the line with Rasmussen's!
We love you all and please continue to keep us in your prayers.
** This picture attached is Mia’s older brother Brady holding his sisters hand post surgery. So precious to melt your heart!
August 14th, 2024
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We want to share an important and emotional update about our brave little Mia Curtis. Our 3-year-old warrior is preparing to face a critical milestone in her journey against Rasmussen’s encephalitis. On Wednesday, August 21st, Mia will undergo a left hemispherectomy, a significant and complex surgical procedure.
Understanding the Surgery
A left hemispherectomy involves the removal and disconnection of the left side of Mia’s brain. This surgery is intended to stop the spread of the disease that has been affecting her brain and causing severe seizures. While this procedure is a profound step, it is necessary to give Mia the best chance at a healthier future and to help manage her symptoms more effectively. The surgery will be a tremendous challenge for Mia, her family, and her medical team.
The Road Ahead
Mia’s condition has progressively worsened over the past few months, impacting her ability to walk and perform daily activities. Her parents, Jen and Kevin Curtis, are navigating this difficult time with incredible courage and resilience. They are deeply touched by the overwhelming support and kindness they have received from all of you. Your messages, prayers, and support have been a beacon of hope for them during this incredibly challenging period.
A Note of Gratitude
Jen and Kevin are profoundly grateful for the generosity and compassion shown by everyone who has reached out to support them. They did not expect such an outpouring of kindness when the fundraiser was first created, and it has truly been a source of strength and comfort. Your support has been a powerful reminder that Mia and her family are not alone in this fight.
The Power of Community
As Mia faces this critical surgery, we ask you to continue sending your love, thoughts, and prayers. The strength of your support and the power of your positive thoughts are deeply appreciated. They provide comfort and hope to Mia and her family, reminding them that they are surrounded by a caring and compassionate community.
Thank you for being a part of Mia’s journey and for standing with her family during this pivotal time. Your continued support means the world to them and is helping to light the way through this challenging chapter.
July 23rd, 2024
July 22, 2024, marked another challenging day in Amelia's journey. She struggled with walking, often falling, and felt weakness and pain in her knee. Despite wearing a brace, her efforts to walk were in vain.
The quest for a second opinion has been tough, with insurance issues at Cleveland Clinic adding to the frustration. After persistent efforts and unpleasant exchanges, we secured an appointment at Cleveland Clinic for July 29, 2024, to discuss the next steps.
Amelia's condition worsened on July 23, 2024, as she lost the ability to walk entirely. She now experiences small seizures, each lasting less than a minute. The medical team is providing her with medication, and if there's no improvement, we might have to make a difficult trip to Cleveland.
Amidst the challenges, Amelia's spirit remains unbroken. We continue to hope and pray for her recovery and ask for your support and positive thoughts.
*attached you will find a recent photo of an outing with Mia on a good day*
June 26th, 2024
This morning, Miss Mia was readmitted to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She has been stable and enjoying life, so this has come as a complete shock and frustration for her parents. Currently, the Cleveland Clinic has received her files and is actively reviewing her case for a second opinion. During this review, it came to their attention that Children's Hospital lost a crucial test containing her spinal fluid. This test was taken during an inpatient lumbar puncture (Mia's 5th puncture now) but was never sent to the Mayo Clinic for processing.
As you can imagine, this is immensely frustrating, causing Jen to miss a minimum of 3 days of pay due to their error.
But this is exactly why we created this fund for them. We trust that the Lord will sustain them financially and emotionally throughout this entire journey! Please PRAY for Mia as she undergoes another anesthetic procedure, that the doctors will securely DELIVER her fluids for the necessary testing for a proper diagnosis. Also, pray for Kevin and Jen - for God’s peace and comfort to surround them amidst this uncertainty, for a deeper hope in what’s to come, and for divine healing according to His will. Pray for wisdom and knowledge for Mia's doctors and nurses, and for guidance and provision through these circumstances.
Finally, please pray over this fundraiser. Pray that the Lord will continue to financially bless and sustain the Curtis family throughout this entire journey!
Thank you so much! Prayer is POWERFUL, and we deeply appreciate each one of you praying for Mia and the entire Curtis family!
June 5th, 2024
Y'all are so generous! Thank you so much for your continued love and support for the Curtis Family!
I spoke with Jen today; she informed me that Mia did have a seizure while with her sitter. They managed it at home and are keeping a closer eye on her. Jen requests prayers that her seizure medication continues to work to prevent further seizures. They are grateful they could manage it at home, but as a mother, it's tough to handle.
This Friday, Mia will undergo a PET scan to check for hot spots on her brain due to seizures and seizure-like tendencies. Please pray for a successful outpatient procedure and that it provides answers.
Jen and Kevin have accepted a referral from the Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion for Mia. Currently, they are waiting for them to gather and review all of her medical records. Once completed, they will reach out with the next steps.
Please pray for wisdom and guidance as they continue this health journey, seeking healing options for their precious little girl. Thank you again for your continued love and support for the Curtis Family!
June 2nd, 2024
First, thank you to all who have prayed and/or given! It is such a blessing to the Curtis Family, more than you will ever know!
Yesterday, Miss Mia was able to go home with her family! Thank you, Jesus! She still has a long road ahead, as they will be having an upcoming outpatient PET scan. But at least she is home with both parents and her brothers.
Your continuous prayers and financial contributions are such a huge blessing and answer to prayer. May the Good Lord continue to financially and emotionally sustain Jen and Kevin through this health journey with their daughter, Mia.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
Colossians 4:2 ESV
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