Cure for Carrick

**Warning: The images you are about to see are graphic.**

I post about positive things a lot. That's how I try to live my life on a day to day basis.

But today, I want to talk about a serious matter.

A friend of mine is struggling. Her son was born with a rare disease that no one seems to know how to cure.

She's traveled everywhere in Illinois, as far north as Wisconsin and as far south as possible. They've ran every test imaginable and they've made 0 progress.

Meet Carrick.

He's 2.5 years old.

From that picture, it doesn't look like much but take a closer look.

This is him.

This is the way his entire body looks underneath clothing, and he has dealt with it since day one.

His mother and I have known each other for a few years, and I met him when he was a newborn - back when Dr's thought his condition was due to a simple milk allergy.

Two and a half years later and he can't have dairy, gluten, soy, nuts, sesame, chickpeas.. the list goes on. You'd think that would be the cure.

It's not.

Those are only a few things of many that trigger his body to attack itself.

He has to wear footie pajamas or full pants/long sleeves/and socks at all times because the minute his skin is exposed, he itches it until he bleeds. This means not playing outside on most summer days because he'll easily get over heated.

He has to take bleach baths to ensure he doesn't get an entire body infection. Can you imagine being the one to sit him down into that? Torture.

He's been on a steroid for months. It seems to be the only solution to provide a minimal amount of relief right now.

Why am I talking to all of you about this?

To help them find a cure. The internet is such a powerful tool, when used in the right manner, and I'm hoping someone, somewhere has gone through a similar situation and can provide answers for them.

On July 19, they are leaving for a 12 day trip to see a specialist in Colorado. They'll spend all day and night each day running tests on him.

They have insurance but unfortunately the particular company they have has been known not to make their payments to the facility they're attending so they have a huge lump sum to pay out of pocket. (estimated around $30,000 - including an $8,000 deposit to simply get him the appointment)

There is a Go Fund Me page set up for them.

If you feel able to help at all, please do so. I know every dollar is a blessing to them.

And they're also selling t-shirts.

I plan on making food for their road trip. Like I said, he's allergic to just about everything so no packaged goods, no fast food, no eating at a restaurant because you never know exactly what they cook things in.

So if you have any suggestions on a recipe you think he might be able to eat in the car or at their hotel (they have a full kitchen) please share them.

Feel free to share this post. Share the Go Fund Me page. Share the message.

#cureforcarrick

xoxo