A fundraising event will be held Saturday to benefit a young girl diagnosed with cerebral palsy in need of surgery that is not being covered by her insurance company.
Six year-old Lexi is the daughter of Lesley Scarboro the store manager for Chico’s at Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield.
Scarboro’s co-workers, family and friends, even strangers, are holding the fundraiser at Barwell Elementary School on Barwell Road in Raleigh tomorrow (Saturday) from 9:30am until 11:00am.
The event is called Move For Lexi.
Lexi was born at 33 weeks weighing 3 pounds and 11 ounces. Aside from being born premature she had a normal first few days of her life.
Unfortunately that quickly changed. Days later she suffered a stroke, contracted meningitis, and could not regulate her body temperature. She had to be placed on a ventilator.
She was transferred to UNC Hospitals. She was able to be removed from the ventilator but an MRI showed she had suffered severe brain damage. After spending 7 weeks at UNC she was able to go home.
Today, Lexi’s Cerebral Palsy affects both her legs and arms. She is unable to walk and talk and has a feeding tube. Her muscles are very tight making it hard to make the simplest movement, reach for an object, or get dressed.
Adding to her medical issues, Lexi’s hips are now coming out of their sockets. Doctors say the condition will only get worse until surgery is performed.
Only two doctors in the United States can perform the specialized surgery Lexi needs. Until then she will continue to be in pain and discomfort.
The surgery is scheduled for this summer at the University of Texas Medical Center in Galveston. Unfortunately, the surgery is not covered by Lexi’s insurance and all the expenses including the hospital, doctor, and travel will have to be paid for out of pocket.
Saturday’s family fun fitness fundraiser is being held to money toward the goal of $60,000.
If you would like to help, please attend the Saturday benefit at Barwell Elementary or contribute on a Go Fund Me Page established for Lexi.
