No child wants to feel different. Rylee certainly didn’t. After enduring multiple hospitalizations for pneumonia and other serious illnesses, Rylee and her parents turned to Levine Children’s Hospital and immunodeficiency specialist, Dr. Niraj Patel, to find out what was causing their daughter’s poor health.
In 2013, Rylee and her family learned that Rylee had an antibody deficiency, which makes her susceptible to frequent and severe infections. Once Dr. Patel determined the best treatment for Rylee’s condition, her health improved dramatically, allowing her to enjoy her childhood and hobbies such as gymnastics.
Dr. Patel and his advocacy group, comprised of other patient-families and immunodeficiency advocates, have provided Rylee with connections to other young patients facing similar conditions, showing Rylee that she is not alone in her journey. Today, Rylee is thriving – and she’s well on her way to becoming a gymnastics star.
Thanks to philanthropy and proceeds from fundraising events, including the Hopebuilders 5K, Rylee continues to receive the very best care where she needs it most – close to home.
On October 12, 2019, a group of dedicated medical providers from the hospital’s immunology program will walk, run, and BUILD HOPE on the Hopebuilders 5K fundraising team IDEA. To support Team IDEA, visit the team page https://fundraise.atriumhealthfoundation.org/teamidea.