The Clethen Family
Our Story
Help Keep the Power On for Our Son’s Essential Medical Care
Our son has been diagnosed with mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome number 9, an ultra-rare disease, and is receiving palliative care. As his full-time caregiver, I am unable to work outside of our home. While doing everything I can to care for him, we have fallen behind on our electric bill.
Our son receives feedings through a feeding pump for 22 hours every day. He needs electricity to continue receiving the nutrition he depends on. Electricity also powers his medically necessary suction equipment and coughing vest, which help clear his airways. Keeping our power connected is essential to his daily care.
Minnesota’s medical necessity protections have helped us keep our electricity on, but we have recently been told that continued protection from disconnection is no longer guaranteed. We now face the possibility of losing the electricity needed to operate his vital medical devices. We have received a final disconnection notice.
We are asking for help to catch up on our electric bill and keep his feedings and medical care uninterrupted. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps us keep him cared for at home and allows us to focus on his comfort and our precious time together.
If you cannot donate, please consider sharing our story. Thank you for helping our family keep the power on for the care our son depends on every day.