Three-year-old Louis David Birner entered this world fighting for his life. His name means “Renowned Warrior,” a title that he has indeed earned in his short years. At birth, Louis suffered a devastating brain bleed resulting in Cerebral Palsy (CP), Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), and Intractable Epilepsy (hard-to-treat seizure disorder). Louis’s physical abilities are most affected by his brain injures, while his cognitive abilities are outstanding.
Louis requires 24-hour care, which his family lovingly provides him at their home, where their lives are mostly restricted.
His needs continue to grow, requiring additional supports, therapies and treatments, many of which are not available in the Greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania region where Louis and his family live. For Louis to gain more function and continue development it is crucial that his family seek medical treatments and therapies available in other states.
Many of the treatments that Louis’s family has pursued have not been covered by insurance and come with a huge financial cost. One example is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), which helps his brain to build new pathways and heal. Even with insurance, the cost of care and therapies is astronomical. With ongoing treatments and home care, as well as exploring new procedures and therapies for healing, this family will need support and financial help.
Few examples of out-of-pocket costs the family has already invested:
• HBOT + Travel and Expenses for 2.5 months $16,000
• Neurological Reorganization Program, Evaluation & Training
+ Travel (3 visits) + Materials for Home Program $9,500
• Aquatic Therapy $2,500
• Specialized Therapy (MNRI, ABM, CST) $18,000
• Appointments/Consultations with Specialists $5,500
The next step on Louis’s healing journey is to travel across the country from Pittsburgh to Arizona and Texas to see specialists who primarily focus on healing the brains of young children like Louis. Unfortunately, Louis cannot travel via airplane due to the frequency and severity of his seizures, which require immediate care and medical attention including the use of medical equipment. Even car travel to appointments is very difficult. The painful muscle spasticity makes it nearly impossible for him to be confined in a car seat for any long period of time.
So that Louis can access critical resources and treatments for his care and healing development, Louis’s family seeks a reliable, drivable RV. This type of vehicle will provide Louis the opportunity to travel without pain or discomfort to the places he needs to go for care and therapy to survive and truly thrive.
Leaving the house necessitates intense preparation of medical equipment, refrigerated medications, specially prepared foods and more. A drivable RV could remain mostly packed and ready to go, while providing ample space for Louis’s growing body to be safe and comfortable during travel. The family would have immediate access to anything he needed should he have a seizure on the road. Traveling by RV for medical treatments and therapies across the country would help the family avoid hotels and public restrooms, thus limiting Louis’s exposure to as few people and germs as possible, as he has a compromised immune system.
Upcoming travel, treatment, therapy, and equipment out-of-pocket cost estimates to HELP LOUIS HEAL:
• Stem Cell Therapy – Phoenix, AZ ** $15,000
** stem cells from his own adipose tissue
• NeuroMovement Specialist – Phoenix, AZ $3,000
• Austin Center for Developing Minds – Austin, TX $15,000
• Brain Plasticity Center – Orlando, FL $12,000
• Soft Sided HBOT Chamber $12,000
• Photobiomodulation (LLLT Laser) & Training $15,000
• Vibration Therapy & Equipment $5,500
• Trexo Robotic Walking Device $40,000
• Other Therapy Tools $2,500
If you should find it in your heart to Help Louis Heal, your monetary gift will help ease the financial burden this young family is facing for care of their son.
All contributions will go towards Louis’s ongoing medical treatments, healing therapies, home care, and the purchase of a drivable RV.
Should you know of someone who may be wanting to donate a used, drivable RV in good condition (preferably a class C or campervan), please contact us here or at: HelpLouisHeal@gmail.com
Thank you for taking the time to learn about this Amazing Little Warrior, Louis! Your kindness will help Louis achieve his fullest potential now and into the future.
With our sincerest gratitude,
~ Helping Hands for Louis ~ Friends & Family of the Birners
Contact: HelpLouisHeal@gmail.com with any questions or information about RV donations.
For more information, visit Louis’s public Facebook Page where the joys and progress amidst the daily challenges are shared:
www.facebook.com Thank you for your support!
