Nexus and Novella Kelsch

Nexus and Novella are sisters that both have a degenerative neurological disorder called Friedreich’s Ataxia, which is a rare genetic disorder that slowly takes away their mobility and affects the brain’s ability to communicate with the body. Nexus was diagnosed when she was 11 in 2018 and Novella got her diagnosis when she was 8 in 2019.

These girls went from being able to take care of themselves to needing help in almost every aspect; using the bathroom, showering, and changing clothes are a few of their daily needs.

Nexus had her scoliosis surgery in December of 2022 and Novella had her surgery in September 2023. Since these girls require full time care, their mother had to quit her job. The family now relies on one income and struggles to meet all the needs these girls have.

The family was given a second hand wheelchair accessible van. The van was set up to restrain only one wheelchair safely, but they have two wheelchairs that need to be secured..

They learned about a docking system for wheelchairs that will safely attach the chairs in place making it safe for them to ride in their chairs. The lift that is attached to the van is old and it has been discontinued. Eventually, there will no longer be parts to fix and maintain it.

They would like to raise enough to replace the wheelchair lift as well.

Docking system and new lift are roughly about $22,000.

Their wheelchair accessible shower was not installed correctly so when the shower is used, it leaks into their basement. The shower will need to be gutted and re-installed completely. Average bathroom remodel is $10,000-12,000.

The family has a $16,000 deductible they must meet.

This is a short list of so many things that need to happen for these girls.

Family and friends of Nexus and Novella Kelsch are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with this Catastrophic Illness.

Nexus and Novella have chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors.

Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses.

To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.Thank you for your support!