Gary L. Smith of the Journal Star

TOULON A large benefit auction and dinner Friday evening will raise funds to help cover medical expenses for a Stark County teenager who is undergoing experimental stem cell treatment for a debilitating autoimmune disorder.

Proceeds of the event to be held 5 8:30 p.m. at the Orwig Auction and Event Center at the east edge of Toulon will benefit BrookeLynn Montgomery, 15, of rural Toulon, a Wethersfield High School student who was diagnosed last year with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

POTS symptoms, which arise from a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, can include low blood volume, fiber neuropathy, dizziness, exercise intolerance, nausea, diminished concentration, fainting, and shortness of breath. They often are similar to those experienced in congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The teen received a two-stage stem cell treatment at a suburban Chicago clinic in April, and improvements seen since then indicate that things are going in the right direction, said her mother, Shelly Montgomery.

But the surgeon treating her believes that at least one more treatment probably will be necessary, though details of that will be determined at a follow-up appointment with Dr. Mark J. Holterman in Peoria next week, she added.

Weve had a little bit of improvement, Montgomery said. Shes not 100 percent yet, but she has more energy. She still has some symptoms, but they are getting better.

The out-patient treatments took place at the Mariam Clinic in Oakbrook Terrace, which specializes in regenerative medicine. It was co-founded by Holterman, according to its website.

Holterman diagnosed Brooke last year at Childrens Hospital of Illinois at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center of Peoria, where he also practices. He also is a professor of surgery and pediatrics at the University of Illinois College Of Medicine at Peoria.

He was really happy with the way the procedures went, said Montgomery. She did really well.

Fridays benefit has been organized by extended family members to help with the cost of the stem cell procedures, which are not covered by insurance, as well as accumulated costs of past medical care that was not covered or had extensive co-pays, Montgomery said.

At this point, we still have bills coming in from her being in the hospital last summer, she noted.

The items that have been donated for the auction range from Cubs and Cardinals tickets to Maui Jim sunglasses to a wide assortment of furniture to a whole hog and processing, ready to be picked up at a meat locker.

Its been overwhelming, Montgomery said. Theres been so many people who want to help people who dont even know Brooke.

Brooke is expected to be at the auction. Friends have been keeping in close touch with her, and she was even able to have a short visit to Matthiesen State Park recently, her mother said.

But she missed much of the school year and is still trying to finish her freshman year with visits from a tutor, Montgomery said. A key goal is for her to be able to return to school for her sophomore year.

Its going the right direction, she said. Thats all we can hope for at this point.

More information on the benefit is available at the Facebook page for the Brooke Montgomery Benefit, or by calling Ed Smith (her grandfather) at 883-8435. Donations can also be made to the Brooke Montgomery Medical Expenses account at State Bank of Toulon, 102 W. Main St., Toulon IL 61483.

Gary L. Smith can be reached at (800) 516-0389 or glsmith@mtco.com. Follow him on Twitter @Glsmithx.

See the article here:
Stark County teen's stem cell treatment 'going in the right direction' - Peoria Journal Star