Caroline and Katherine Alderfer are typical princess-loving 4 year old twins in Indiana, but they do not have a typical life. In early 2010 Katherine began experiencing leg pain, vomiting, and began choking on her food. This was followed by the onset of a rash on her face, feet, fingers and toes, as well as such pain and fatigue that she could hardly get up the stairs in her home.
In late May 2010, Katherine was diagnosed with a very rare auto-immune disorder called Juvenile Dermatomyositis. This disease can cause debilitating symptoms including muscle pain and weakness, ulcers, rashes, severe fatigue, lung and heart problems, calcinosis (muscle hardening), swallowing and digestive problems. This disease has no known cure and strikes 2-4 out of a million. Some children will experience remission, but others will battle the disease their entire life. Medication can help relieve the symptoms, but there is no known cure.
Since her diagnosis Katherine has received high doses of steroids, medication to protect her stomach, weekly chemotherapy drug injections, as well as daily steroids. As a result of this disease she cannot be in the sun, has 8 fractures in her vertebra, doubled her body weight, and suffers from osteopenia, among other things. Katherine often requires a walker or wheelchair throughout her day.
Katherine and her family were blessed to find help at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, a two and a half hour drive from their home in northern Indiana. Each week Katherine and her family visit Riley for Katherine’s treatment. The Alderfer family has come to appreciate the quality care and attention that the Riley team has provided Katherine. They have especially come to appreciate the hospital’s Art Therapy Program. Riley’s Art Therapist focuses on the emotional well-being of the patients while minimizing the adverse effects of the hospital experience.
It is in Katherine’s honor that Little Diva Tutus has created the Katherine Alderfer Tutu benefitting the Riley Hospital for Children’s Art Therapy Program. As this program grows, its impact on other children like Katherine can flourish!
Katherine designed her own tutu using a beautiful blend of colors!
Katherine and her twin sister Caroline
Little Diva Tutus will donate 30% of each Katherine Alderfer tutu sold to Riley Hospital for Children's Art Therapy Program in honor of Katherine!
THANK YOU! To date we have donated $750 to Riley Hospital for Children!
*Please Note: Due to the popularity of Katherine's tutu, the current create and ship time is 7-14 business days (Mon-Fri).
If you have any questions about Katherine's Fundraiser, please contact us.
