Alford Family | CCA Mom | Financial Assistance | Boston, MA

Dear CCA,

I would like to personally thank you for your financial assistance with Zoey Grace surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Zoey was born with a rare diagnosis called frontal encephalocele and partial cleft. Before Zoey's arrival, I was informed of her diagnosis when I was 20 weeks into my pregnancy. Local doctors here in MS strongly suggested that I shouldn't continue with the pregnancy. I was often told by doctors that life would be challenging for me and for Zoey. I was once told that I was being selfish and would have to endure a lot financially.

Even with all the backlash, I decided to continue with the pregnancy, so on April 20, 2015 I was blessed to have Miss Zoey Grace.

Zoey has exceeded all the doctor's expectations and to be honest she's exceeded mine as well. Zoey has thrived with all of life challenges thrown her way. Challenges that include constant stares and whispers, being picked on to having to transition to just a single parent household. One challenge I never wanted Zoey to worry about was finances.

As parents we worry! We worry when our little ones scrape their knees. We worry when they fall. We worry when they must have major surgery. So, the last worry I wanted to have was "how do I get Zoey there?"

For my family Boston Children’s Hospital is where Zoey's receive her care, but with that comes a financial burden. In MS hotels average $65 a night so roughly $2k for a month. On our first trip to Boston, we spent over $15,000 on just the hotel alone. The plane tickets were not included in that. This is why I am thankful for organizations like CCA. I no longer have to worry about financially how to get Zoey to her doctors for medical treatment. I simply have to focus on her care and recovery.

Since the last operation Zoey has been doing well. She has to see her local pediatrician (who works closely with BCH) weekly for blood work. She takes her antibiotics daily and typically has a zoom call once a week with BCH.

CCA has taken one less worry from this mommy and for that I will be forever grateful!!!

A thankful mommy,

Shana Alford

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