Our Family Story

A Dream for Baylee

Hello, we are the Tadlock's.  Allow us a few minutes of your time to introduce  ourselves and tell you our story.  On May 5, 1990, we were married and purchased our house in south Sacramento.  On February 14, 1996, Baylee Rose was born.  When Baylee was 9 months old she was diagnosed with Leigh's syndrome.  Leigh's Syndrome is a metabolic-mitochondrial disease.  We were told that Baylee would never walk, talk, sit-up or even crawl.  We were also told that her life expectancy was two years.  But Baylee has continued to surprise us and the medical staff.
.

Baylee is now 13 years old and getting stronger.  She has learned to roll instead of crawl to get around in the living room.  Baylee is still unable to talk, walk or eat  by mouth; she is fed through a valve that goes directly into her stomach.  She usually gets around by wheelchair.

Because Leigh's syndrome affects the entire body's muscular system, Baylee tires easily and has difficulty swallowing when she is not rested.  She is subjected to colds and the flu being in a public school system.  In the past, a common cold would become worse and put Baylee in the hospital, which is why we believe it would be in Baylee's best interest to be home schooled.  This will allow her to be protected from illnesses and the wasted time traveling by school bus.  The extra time not traveling could be used for instruction and therapy.

To that end, we tell you our story.  We paid off our home in September 2006.  It took us 16 years to pay off the $55,000 mortage.  Our next project is to build a house that is designed around Baylee's needs.  We have  worked very hard with Jensen Custom Homes and Taylor Designs and Drafting Services, Inc. to develop a house where the entire ground level meets the needs of Baylee.  The cost of creating a space tailor made to Baylee's needs is very significant and exceeds our financial means.

Our goal is to make Baylee as independent as possible.  We are asking you for your help, not to get a free ride but because we are doing everything that we can and we are still short of our mark.  Duane works as a School Service Officer for the Elk Grove Unified School District, a Police Officer for the California Exposition and State Fair Police Department and a Captain for the California National Guard's State Military Reserve.  Our modest incomes will be reduced because Cassonda will need stay home with Baylee around the clock when she begins home school.  We truly are doing everything we can, but realize that we can no longer do it on our own which is why we are reaching out. 

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration and any help you might be able to provide.

Sincerely,

Duane, Cassonda and Baylee Tadlock

To make a financial contribution mail a check or money order payable to "Tadlock Family Trust" and mail it to the following address:

Stockman's Bank
9340 East Stockton Boulevard
Elk Grove, California  95624
(916) 685-6546
(write "ACCT# 103047726" on the "memo" line)

Or make a financial contribution by clicking the "make a donation" button on the upper left hand side of this web page.

Comments

[Perry Hiltz]

Hoping that all is going well for you. You are in our prayers.

Thanks.

Perry

[Cheryl Whitesel]

My many thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ~Cheryl

[stephanie costello]

Hi Sonda,

just read your story, had no idea.. hope this little contribution can help in some way. My prayers are with you all the way. good luck. I know you will get there . Stephanie.x

[Jamie]

I hope only the best for oyu and your family. My daughter was born one day before Baylee (feb 13, 1996). I see this as a sign help where I can. It is not much but every little bit helps. You are in our prayers.
Jamie