Fundraiser Held for Child in Need of Cord Blood Transplant

Cole Riggs is a toddler who has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a disease that causes physical disability. Currently, there is no cure for this disease, but Cole has the chance to undergo a cord blood transplant that has the potential to lessen his symptoms. His family has launched a fundraiser in order to raise the money necessary to pay for the procedure. They are just about halfway to their goal, and you can help them achieve it.

When Cole was born, one third of his brain had experienced damage. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, in addition to cortical vision impairment and severe developmental delay. Undergoing regular speech and physical therapy, he seems to keeping his symptoms under control. However, his everyday life is still a struggle.

Without the ability to communicate like other children his age, Cole must resort to yelling to get his point across. The issue has often become very severe, resulting in his hospitalization twice over the course of the past year. He cannot do most of the things that children his age can do, such as crawl, talk or sit up - but his parents believe there is hope for their son.

At Duke University, Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg is running an FDA-approved clinical trial that tests the effectiveness of cord blood in reducing the symptoms of cerebral palsy patients. Although Cole did not qualify for the study, he has the chance to receive an off-study transplant.

In order to make this happen, the Riggs family needs your help. All donations will go towards the costs associated with Cole's cord blood transplant. To donate, please visit: http://www.giveforward.com/coleriggs
 

http://www.giveforward.com/coleriggs