Help Charlie Heal

Today, I'm making an enormous departure from the usual fare at La Maison Boheme.  Instead, I want to write about my son, Charlie.  Many of you are already acquainted with this teeny little super guy, but for those of you who don't know him... meet Charlie.

Charlie had a very rough start in life.  About 12 hours after he was born, he began having seizures. An MRI revealed he had suffered an in-utero stroke affecting the right side of his brain. More tests revealed other health issues including a heart murmur, an enlarged PFO (a hole in the heart), a narrow aorta, kidney problems, and a condition called Craniosynostosis.  In his first few days of life, we were surrounded by specialists and doctors who used scary words like Cerebral Palsy, Hemiplegia, Paralysis, Epilepsy, mental retardation, repeat stroke, etc. Charlie is 8 months old today and I'm celebrating.  I'm celebrating because while many of these prognoses are still on the table, Charlie is well on his way to surmounting the challenges of his stroke.  He is healing.  And I believe that he is getting better because of the love of friends, family and a wide community of support.

Charlie's friends and supporters have found all sorts of creative ways to help him heal and I have been amazed, humbled and thrilled by their efforts. They have created a medical fund, a blog called Help Charlie Heal, and this video to help spread the word about his story.




Even Charlie's brother, three-year-old Walker, is finding creative ways to help Charlie heal.  Walker loves to paint, so he and I decided to turn his artwork into greeting cards, which we are selling on Etsy to raise money for Charlie's upcoming surgery.  Walkers cards are flying off the shelves!  We're in the process of re-stocking right now, but please check out the Help Charlie Heal shop on Etsy when you have a moment! 

Charlie is doing very well these days.  He is a smiley bubbly baby and has all the outward signs of health and happiness.  He is not paralyzed.  He can see and hear.  He does not suffer from seizures anymore.  He has miraculously outgrown all (yes all) of his heart issues.  Charlie has weekly physical therapy appointments to combat impairment from the stroke, which is visible, yet minor.  All of our prayers have been answered.  The only thing that looms in the distance is his upcoming surgery.  One thing I've learned from Charlie is to ask for help when I need it, something that is usually very difficult for me.  But in honor of Charlie's 8 month-iversary and his continued recovery, I ask that you light a candle, say a prayer and send some healing mojo to my baby boy.  If you would like to make a donation to the Help Charlie Heal fund please click the "donate" button below or visit www.charliesfund.blogspot.com.

To everyone who has already contributed to Charlie's medical fund... 

Thank you, thank you, thank you - from the bottom of my heart.