Posted with permission from Sydney and Brett Stelmaszek.I met Sydney Stelmaszek in 2014 in Gainesville, Florida. It was the year just before she and her family moved to South Africa as missionaries. You know the moment you meet someone and you can’t help but become friends? Well, that was us! We had great understanding when we talked even though our lives were in completely different places.Sydney and her husband Brett spent years preparing for their calling to South Africa as missionaries. They worked, they saved, they fundraised, they planned, they learned a second language, and finally in June 2015, along with their two boys, they moved to South Africa.God provided Brett with a side gig in the technological field and he was able to quickly begin to earn an income. They used what little money they had to invest into their South African community. They trained up teams for ministry in a young church. They facilitated growth in the kid’s ministry including the addition of engaged children’s cell groups in order to make disciples in young adults. And they witnessed baptisms for the first time since their 4 year tenure earlier this year!!! (yay!) Their efforts have produced much fruit!!! God is making way for restoration and wholeness in an area that has been ravaged by a multitude of challenges.In the midst of all this, on November 8, 2017, the Stelmaszeks welcomed their third son, Emmitt. Emmitt would fit perfectly in a Huggies commercial. He is adorable, he is happy, and it’s as if he knew he could make mommy and daddy’s stress level go down with his smile and laughter because he did that often. However, at 1-year-old, it became evident that Emmitt was not just delayed in his development but that there might be something seriously wrong because he still hadn’t crawled or said a word. Grueling months passed and after many tests, it was discovered that he had Syngap 1 Syndrome—a rare genetic mutation that causes a 50% reduction of the necessary Syngap protein needed for normal development. One of Emmitt’s most severe components of Syngap1 is his epilepsy. In a typical day he has hundreds of seizures and has recently developed drop seizures which cause him to hit the floor. For more information about Syngap 1 Syndrome, you can read about it here: https://www.rarechromo.org/media/singlegeneinfo/Single%20Gene%20Disorder%20Guides/SYNGAP1%20syndrome%20FTNW.pdf After months of research and prayer, the Stelmaszeks have decided that Emmitt needs to be treated in the US if there is any hope of him getting some relief. Sydney has already been in contact with a specialist in Miami who is willing to open up his schedule as soon as Emmitt arrives. However, Sydney and Brett have been slow in finalizing their plans to come back to Florida because they, like many responsible adults believe in planning and living within their means.I don’t know what it’s like being a mom that has to witness your child suffer day in and day out but also to have to bear the burden of delaying care for your child because you can’t afford it right away. That is just devastating. The last thing this family needs is to worry about their finances. Your donation would give Sydney and Brett the peace they need to get through their first 90 days as they establish care for Emmitt here in the US. All donations would go directly to the Stelmaszeks’ for medical-related bills.If you are unable to contribute financially, but would be open to housing this family during their visits to doctors in different areas in the US (mainly Florida) or cook a meal for this family, please personal message me on facebook and let me know. Otherwise, I implore you to please consider praying if you are the praying type.For those of you who feel compelled to donate, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. Let’s prove that these horrible circumstances don’t always prevail because the spirit of people to care and love others is still very much alive.My spouse and I have also pledged to donate $10 for every person who donates to Emmitt's campaign from now through October 5th, up to $3000.Let's do this, friends.