I’m making this post on behalf of Michelle Poplar who is a good friend of mine. I’ve known her online for years and hearing about her kid has always been a delight.  Here’s what Michelle says on the fundraising site 

Hi, my name is Michelle and I’m starting this fundraiser for my daughter Mini, who was recently hospitalized with an unknown gastrointestinal ailment.  (In case you’re wondering Mini is not her real name, but my nickname for her that I use on Facebook and other online sites for privacy reasons).

Prior to being hospitalized Mini was the most energetic, outgoing 10 year old you can imagine. In the middle of January she came down with what we thought was a run of the mill stomach bug, but after several trips to the doctors and no sign of improvement we resorted to going to the Emergency Room at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. That was three weeks ago.

The doctors realized the seriousness of her situation and admitted Mini immediately for testing and to keep her hydrated. Since being admitted, Mini has undergone several procedures that no kid that age should have to endure, but all through she stayed strong. The specialists think they have a handle on what it is, ulcerative colitis, and are waiting to see if the drugs will be enough to bring it under control. If the drugs don’t work then she’ll need surgery to remove some or all of her colon. Thankfully, our hospital bills are covered in Canada by our provincial insurance, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a financial cost to all of this.

Her Dad and I have had to miss a lot of work to be at our daughter’s bedside. We can’t leave her for any length of time because she needs help getting to the bathroom and by the time she’d call a nurse it would be too late. We’re still not sure what the long term costs will be involved with Mini’s care moving forward. While hospital stays and medical bills are covered by the province, most prescription drugs are not. Being self-employed I have no drug coverage and neither does her dad.

Friends and family have asked how can they help us and I’ve decided the best way is to set up this fundraiser. Right now my immediate goal is to try to raise $4000 in the next 3 weeks. This money will help us to cover bills that are adding up due to missed work, out of pocket expenses like travelling back and forth to the hospital, and I’d like to buy something for Mini to keep her spirits up.

I will try to post updates on Mini’s progress when I can. Mini and I appreciate anything you can spare and we’re truly grateful to all those that have helped us so far.

Please donate anything you can spare and boost this!