Mason - February Update

Dear Friends and Family,

We want to thank you all for your prayers.  We have found that the wheels turn slowly when  researching programs to meet Mason's specific diagnosis.  Yesterday we met with a feeding psychologist in Charlotte.  She confirmed the diagnosis of ARFID for Mason.   In addition, she gave us four programs to research.

The psychologist also advised that we not tell Mason until our plans are final.  Mason does not want to do any of this and has high anxiety when the subject is discussed. At school, he received an award for Perseverance, especially in writing as he struggles with dysgraphia.  This characteristic will serve him well in the weeks and months to come.

The first program was at Duke in Raleigh.  When we contacted them, they stated that their waiting list is years long and there are hundreds of names ahead of Mason's.  

We moved on to Kennedy Krieger in Baltimore.  Mary spoke with them yesterday.  Though they have an extensive feeding program, they only see a few children Mason's specific diagnosis.  We are not sure if that is a pro or a con.  The program is eight weeks long and David or Mary will stay with Mason the entire time.  Our next step will be driving to Baltimore for the weekend and have Mason evaluated further. Until this step is complete we will not know how much our insurance will cover, if any.

We liked that we can drive to the first the two locations, but want to find the best program for Mason.  Please keep us in your prayers as we continue researching the other two locations in Wisconsin and Colorado.

The Kerstiens Family