Meet Charlie from De Pere

When Charlie was born, he was healthy and thriving. However, at two months old, he stopped eating. Soon, his parents learned of other concerns Charlie had impacting his heart, his eyes, his respiratory system, his skin, his thyroid and more. Charlie was diagnosed with a very rare genetic disorder called Harel-Yoon syndrome. He doesn’t talk, eat or walk on his own. Today, Charlie sees 15 different specialists at Children’s Wisconsin, has had 18 surgeries and has undergone dozens of procedures. Charlie had rods surgically placed in his back to correct scoliosis and has surgery every six months to have the rods lengthened. While Charlie was bornin Milwaukee, his family moved to De Pere when he was 1 year old to be closer to family. Children’s Wisconsin Fox Valley Hospital and the Appleton Clinic help provide Charlie with some of the care he needs closer to home, including his GI, endocrinology, cardiology and other specialists. For a kid who cannot talk, Charlie loves being around people and is obsessed with FaceTime. In a life filled with so much sadness, worry and stress, Charlie’s mom says that his secondary Medicaid coverage provides some vital relief. Medicaid has prevented significant family debt. It covers high prescription copays, diapers, respite care and quality-of-life medical equipment.

Please keep Medicaid strong for kids like Charlie!