There will be a Ride for Elliot fundraiser on Saturday, August 5, starting at IC Muggs in Crookston. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m., and kick stands up at 11:00 a.m. Stops include Gentilly, Fertile, and will end in Lengby with a free-will offering a meal by Fozzies. The cost is $20 per bike, and they will have a 50/50 raffle. For more information, call 605-770-5191. The proceeds from the ride go to Elliot Thompson, the daughter of Jordan and Kayse Thompson. Elliot is two years old and was born with myelocytocele, a type of spina bifida and likes crafting, reading, playing pretend, and being outdoors.
She lives in Crookston with her parents Jordan and Kayse Thompson, and little brother Harrison.
Before birth, a softball-sized cyst formed at the bottom of her spine. She has had two surgeries to repair it, but the cyst filled back up both times. She cannot walk and is at high risk for certain infections. To get around, she crawls and uses a wheelchair. It also causes discomfort when sitting and lying down and has been causing worsening scoliosis. She wears ankle and foot orthotics (AFOs) to keep her ankles in a healthy position, and she will be fitted for a TLSO back brace soon to treat scoliosis. Her parents wanted a second opinion.
This fall, she will go to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for some specialized testing and another surgery to hopefully remove the cyst for good. The surgery and experience of their doctors could greatly improve her quality of life.
The family will have to fly out to Philadelphia and will have lodging and food expenses during their stay. Elliot’s parents may miss up to three weeks of work and will have medical bills to take care of after they come home. Elliot will need ongoing specialized care for the rest of her life, meaning more trips to Philadelphia every six months to a year.
If you can’t ride and want to donate, click on the Go Fund Me account below.
