If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting seven year old Michaela Wood, you know that she is one special little girl who warms the hearts of everyone she meets. This incredible young lady has been a fighter her whole life and shows bravery and courage on a daily basis. But Michaela is now about to take the trip of her life to participate in what could be, lifesaving research.
Two years ago, Michaela underwent genetic testing which showed that she has a very rare form of Muscular Dystrophy called LMNA. Not much is known about LMNA Muscular Dystrophy but studies have shown that adults with the disease are at significant risk of serious heart problems including arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death. So, when Michaela’s parents learned of the LMNA Heart Study in Barcelona, Spain – they knew Michaela needed to participate.
Michaela and her father Mike will travel to Spain on January 26th, where Michaela will have an implant called a Medtronic LINQ device. “This device will monitor the hearts rhythm 24 hours a day/7 days a week and transmits data directly to the cardiology team in Spain through Bluetooth. It can also give early notification of deadly arrhythmias which could then possibly be treated. The cardiologists involved will use this data to aide in their research and hopefully lend a hand in one day finding a cure”, explained the Woods’.
All of the medical expenses surrounding this procedure are covered, however the travel costs for Michaela and her dad are not. The family set up a crowdfunding campaign with Chestermere based LegUp.ca which has currently raised $3630 and a bake sale was also organized at St. Gabriel School in Chestermere where close to another $1000 was raised.
The family has also organized a fundraising event that is taking place on Sunday January 17th from 11am – 2pm at the Chestermere Recreation Centre. This event will include bouncy castles, a magician, balloon animals, face painting, a 50/50 draw, games, snacks and much more. Parents get in for free but child tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling Christine Larocque at 403-999-1187 or Penny Wood at 587-226-6681.
Aside from this initial trip, there will be a minimum of three additional trips over the next three years that Michaela will need to make back to Barcelona. If you would like to donate online, please visit www.legup.ca/campaigns/helping-michaela
