Hello family and friends. I am Erin Leopold, Brayden’s mom, and I’m here to ask for help if you are able and feel so led to give in this way. As many of you know, Alexa had her first brain surgery back in December of 2024 and was making good progress overall. It was slow but progressing very well. When February of 2025 came, things began to decline to the point where another surgery was needed, this time implanting a shunt on March 17th to drain excess fluid that had built up on her brain. More in-patient rehabbing ensued with Brayden still by her side 24/7, and continuous appointments, therapies, and physical demands came when they returned home yet again in April. It has been a VERY tough road with Alexa fighting severe spasticity and pain and being unable to speak/communicate or walk, therefore having all the physical demands put on Brayden to help care for her around the clock. Cognitively, she remains “all there” but stuck in a body that hasn’t been responding positively to any of the tried medications or suggested therapies.
BUT GOD!
He remains faithful and our refuge in times of help! We have continued “doing the next thing” prayerfully, and God has closed very specific doors and is also opening new doors. Sometimes there are a bunch of “nos” needed to finally get to the “yes!” As of the past week particularly, Alexa is doing somewhat better by being able to speak/communicate more and tolerate the PT sessions she attends 3-4 times per week while we still await re-admittance into the Roger C Peace outpatient program for Speech, OT, and PT. She is weaned off most of the medications and is responding positively. The pain has lessened though there’s still a long road ahead and steps yet to go. Now, this brings me to the request for financial help.
As you can imagine, the financial strain/burden has been overwhelming. So many of you were SO generous with the first fundraiser, and it remains being put to good use. We are forever grateful. This request is specific for a new direction and new treatment that is more holistic in nature and we believe whole-heartedly where God is leading. This money will be used towards the comprehensive treatment program at the AMEN CLINIC in Atlanta. Dr. Amen is world-renowned and treats patients from the brain! I researched him personally many years ago at length and find his credibility, success rate, and methodology excellent! He will perform 2 days of SPECT scans to see what areas of her brain are underactive and those possibly overactive and recommend treatment from there–again, it is a holistic approach including possible medication, nutrition/supplementation, lifestyle changes/intervention, etc. The program will require several virtual visits with different doctors as well as a 2-3 day trip in-person to Atlanta. Alexa and Brayden are ready to go and though I’m always burdened with asking for help, I feel this is what the Lord laid on my heart so others can help bless them too. We are STRONG in our resolve that she IS improving and leaving room daily in our hearts for a “suddenly” MIRACLE yet we know that most miracles are those in motion and that God works them out through various peoples and methods. We believe this is her next step and am asking any who prayerfully feel led and are able to contribute would do so.
“Do not grow weary in well-doing for in due time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up!” Galatians 6:9
“For nothing is impossible with God!” Luke 1:37
On behalf of Brayden and my family and Alexa and her family, we say “Thank You!” from the bottom of our hearts and ask most importantly that you’ll continue interceding in prayer! We serve a gracious and merciful God who has never left the throne and never will and cares for his precious daughter Alexa. He WILL see her over that Finish Line and we give him all the Glory, Honor, and Praise!
Humbled and Grateful,
Erin and family
