I am the mother of a smart, strong, funny, compassionate, generous kid. He is one of the strongest people I know. He spent his early years in and out of the hospital and visiting doctors every other week or two but still he got sick. Just after he turned 6 he got a sinus infection and spent the next 8 months on antibiotics because it wouldn’t go away. The nurse practitioner at his pulmonologist office finally decided to check his immune function levels and found his IgG was around 370 (normal is 900+). The next 5 months were spent getting a diagnosis from an immunologist, retesting to confirm, trying to get off antibiotics to see if that changed anything and then fighting with insurance to get things covered. FINALLY in December 2016, over a year later, we got the approval for in home IV infusions to be done every three weeks.
A few days later a nurse came to our home to give the first 5 hour long infusion. We were blessed with an angel who made the little zebra comfortable and the whole process went off perfectly! She has been coming every three weeks since. Some infusions are a little more difficult than others, some times it takes a few tries to get the IV started, some days result in tears but this amazing, strong little zebra continues to push on and make it through.
I have enjoyed crafts such as crochet, basic sewing, cross stitch and more since I was in my late teens. Spending so much time in waiting rooms, hospital rooms, and just sitting with the kid when he wasn’t feeling well, I started to crochet a lot. Well there are only so many blankets, scarves, hats and such you can make for one family so the little zebra told me I should start selling my makes. After nearly two years I finally have the courage to try, so here we go. Zebra Mom Handmade has been started in his honor.
These days my son is pretty healthy and we don’t spend much time in waiting rooms or hospitals but my enjoyment from crochet and other crafts lived on. Now I just get to make my items in the comfort of my home while relaxing with the family.
Unfortunately, a life-long chronic condition can bring large medical expenses. Zebra Mom Handmade has been started to help offset some of the costs. A portion of proceeds will also be donated to the Immune Deficiency Foundation to help with continued research, advocacy and support for all who live with a Primary Immune Deficiency.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and continued support!
