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. 

She is now 11 years old and getting stronger.  Baylee has learned to roll instead of crawl to get around in the living room.  Baylee still is 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 sixteen years to pay the $55,000 mortgage.  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 & 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, the California Exposition and State Fair Police Department, California State Military Reserve, and the Los Rios Community College School District.  Our modest incomes will be reduced because Cassonda will need to 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 logging onto the following WEB page and clicking the “make a donation” button on the upper left hand side.
www.sondat.typepad.com/our_new_home/