Golden Valley Family Continues Fight For Medical Marijuana
Four years ago, we told you about a Golden Valley family’s fight to get medical marijuana approved in the state of Minnesota. They were considering moving to Colorado, to help their daughter who suffers from a rare form of Epilepsy.
Nowadays, eight-year-old Harlow Hundley is a little more independent. She goes to school with the help of a full-time nurse.
Harlow suffers from Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of Epilepsy. The condition causes her to have daily seizures.
“It’s just tough to see your kid suffer, and not only the seizures are horrible for her, and horrible for anyone to watch,” said Harlow’s mom, Beth Hundley.
Beth was at the forefront of getting medical marijuana approved in Minnesota and protesting at the Governor’s mansion to draw attention to the issue.
“I knew I needed another option for Harlow because she was still having seizures on the medications,” said Beth.
In 2014, the bill was approved. Shortly afterward, Harlow began taking medicine.
“She’s more alert, she’s more engaged with people, she’s more engaged with toys,” explained Beth.
Little Harlow also takes several other medicines to prevent seizures. But lately, Beth says don’t seem to be working as well. Harlow has seizures weekly now.
Harlow’s Trip to Disney World
The disease causes Harlow to miss out on a lot of things, like traveling to warm places because warmer temps trigger seizures. The family recently stepped out of the comfort of their home and went to Disney World.
“We applied and got accepted through a wish through Make A Wish Minnesota,” said Beth.
They were hesitant because getting on a plane is challenging and possibly life-threatening. If Harlow had a seizure in the air, it would be difficult to handle. Because she would need a much higher dose of oxygen than what is allowed on a plane.
The trip went well. Harlow dressed up as Snow White, her favorite princess. She also showed a lot of emotion while meeting Doc McStuffin. Harlow is usually nonverbal, but Beth says Harlow leaped out of her stroller and enjoyed
Harlow is nonverbal, but she showed a lot of emotion while meeting Doc Mcstuffin. Her mother says she leaped out of the stroller and went up to the Disney character.
Then, the family knew. Beth says going to Disney was the right decision.
“I think it showed her there’s a whole world beyond her world here. We’ve had to keep her in a small bubble just to keep her safe,” said Beth.
“It gave us the freedom to be more free with what we do with her, and not be scared.”
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