Local Modern Woodmen Of America To Match Funds Raised For Connor & Charlee Sawtelle

This is such AMAZING news, and just proves over and over again how great our community is!  I've shared countless updates and stories about Connor, and now his sister Charlee, who both have Chiari Malformation.  According to Patrick Linehan, the monies raised November 1st, at the Red Barn, will be matched by Modern Woodmen of America members in Oakland...up to $5000!

Chiari Malformation is terribly painful disorder, where the brain descends through the base of the skull and compresses the brain stem and spinal cord.  It causes severe neurological defects and rarely travels alone.  People with chiari are plagued with a host of other diseases, all of which there are no cures for.

This is the same condition that I have been undergoing treatment for in New York, as well as the same condition that caused Maine Olympian, Julia Clukey, to retire.  To help raise awareness in our community, I hosted the Conquer Chiari Walk Across America for the first time in Central Maine and already plan on hosting it again on September 16, 2017.  This disease is real and desperately needs recognition in Maine.  There are only a handful of neurosurgeons across the country with the experience it takes to treat Chiari and its comorbidities.

The money raised and matched by the Red Barn and Modern Woodmen of America, will help the Sawtelle family stay in New York during treatment.  Charlee is having her first brain surgery today (October 28th) and Connor is set to have his 3rd in just a couple weeks.  The family will need to stay in NY for almost a month.  There is not a Ronald McDonald House or similar accomodations available to them.  The nightly cost where they stay is $300/night and that doesn't include the cost for parking and food.  On top of this, they also need to continue to pay medical bills and keep up on their home while they are away.

Please mark your calendar and join us at the Red Barn, November 1st!  If you can't make it, you can donate on their fundraising page by clicking here