Imagine sitting across from the genetics doctor as he tells you that your son has a chromosomal issue called Klinefelter’s Syndrome followed by “Here is a card to a local support group (local being 3 hours away) and do NOT GOOGLE the diagnosis, escorting you and your family out with more questions than answers.
That is exactly what happened to our family. When you imagine the middle of no where, that’s where we live. Not quite like the western movies but the nearest genetics specialist and endocrinologist are at least 45 minutes away.
I’m really not sure how our paths met with Dr. Sprouse other than desperate for answers I found an online Facebook group and Dr. Sprouse reached out and said something along the lines of “hey let’s talk about this Klinefelter Syndrome, when can you come to Maryland?”
I’ll be honest I hated filling out form after form of saying “no, my son can’t do this or that”. I felt like I was failing as a parent even though my daughter was thriving just fine at the time” I was in tears because I found someone who could light the way ahead by providing the research and resources I needed to help my son.
The first time I meet Dr. Sprouse in person I was intimidated, she was direct and to the point. I remember looking at one of the team members and saying “is she always this way” to which they replied, “huh? Oh nope she’s not being rude, there is just so much to cover and so little time in the two days you are here in person."
Our family has received several scholarships over the years and I wanted to take a moment to THANK YOU and the Focus Foundation Sponsors. Without it, my family would not have the tools necessary to provide the supports the kids need to not only reach their full potential but to thrive!
I guess what I’m really wanting to say is thank you to all of you and what this team does to help families like ours. Without your hard work and dedication my kids wouldn’t be where they are today! Kristi Pickell (Parent)
#thefocusfoundation #klinefelters
