Annika is 10 years old and since October 2006 has developed a debilitating condition that countless doctors have been unable to diagnose! She has lost almost total use of both her hands and feet and is now restricted to a wheel chair. The closest 'diagnosis' the family has been able to reach is a disease called 'Dystonia' which is a life long disease that will most likely affect her entire body. The disease can be maintained to some degree with intense physical therapy, medications and surgeries to attempt correction of any deformities caused. Annika is currently unable to attend school (or any other functions) due to the high dosages of pain medications needed to maintain her pain at a manageable level. Some relief has been found by using Neurotin (Gabapentin) and some use of her hands has been regained thanks to this drug. A neurologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota has agreed to take on Annika's case in the hope that they can help her. The problem is that the family insurance plan will not cover the cost of care at the Mayo Clinic. An 'out of network' referral was denied by the insurance group, and after an appeal of that decision was finally approved!  This was a HUGE help to the family financially but Annika's care is going to be extensive and will be very costly, even with the help of their insurance coverage! Transporation to and from the clinic will also become a very large expense as well! The Shriners (Salt Lake City) and the doctors at the Shriners Hospital in Los Angeles have already deemed they are unable to contribute to her case. The family has been advised that there may not be much other available help for Annika (financially or medically) so they are trying to do all they can on their own!