Written by Ryan Sheedy
As a parent of a child with a rare and complex medical condition, every outing can feel like a high-stakes operation. Our son, Reynolds, who has Costello Syndrome, requires meticulous care and constant vigilance, particularly when we are away from home. One incident a few years ago during a family vacation underscored the importance of being prepared, and it was mejo that made all the difference.
A Vacation Turned Emergency
I was surf fishing when my wife, Ashley texted and said that Reynolds’ G-tube broke and that we needed to go to the ER. His G-tube is his lifeline. He can’t eat or get meds without it. We had to act fast. He was just two years old at the time, and suddenly, our relaxing getaway turned into a frantic rush to the nearest hospital.
Upon being seen, we faced a situation that many parents of children with complex medical needs dread: the hospital staff had no knowledge of Reynolds’ medical history, his medications, the specific details of his Costello Syndrome, or even the type of G-tube he used. Their system couldn't access his MyChart. But wait, I thought everythig was connected?
We were bombarded with questions about his condition, his healthcare providers, and the specificities of his G-tube, all while I was trying to comfort a distressed and uncomfortable Reynolds.
The Lifesaver: mejo
Thankfully, I had my phone with me, and on it, his mejo journal. Instead of trying to recall every detail under stress, I simply handed my phone to the medical staff. mejo contained all of Reynolds' essential medical information: his medications, conditions, healthcare providers, and most important the specifics about his G-tube. The doctors and nurses had everything they needed at their fingertips, allowing them to provide the right care without delays. They all asked, “did your pediatrician provide this to you”.
I said no. I developed it. Their response was, "I wish all parents had access to mejo."
The Freedom mejo Provides
Going out of town with a loved one who has a rare and medically complex condition can be overwhelming. The preparation can be extensive, and the fear of forgetting critical information can be paralyzing. But with mejo, you have the freedom to forget – at least, forget the anxiety of remembering every detail in an emergency.
mejo keeps all the necessary information organized and readily accessible, so you can focus on what matters most: caring for your loved one.
Easy to Sign Up, Easy to Use
Signing up for mejo is free and incredibly easy. You can create a comprehensive medical journal for your loved one that can be printed as a PDF or securely shared via email or text. Whether you’re at home or on the go, mejo ensures that all the critical medical information is just a tap away.
Back to the Beach
Our vacation could have turned into a nightmare, but mejo was our lifeline. It provided the critical information we needed in an emergency, making a stressful situation much more manageable. For any caregiver of a loved one with complex medical needs, mejo isn’t just an app; it’s a lifesaver.
If you haven't signed up for mejo yet, I encourage you to do so today. Give yourself the peace of mind knowing that all your loved one's medical information is secure, organized, and accessible when you need it most.
Safe travels,
Ryan
Dad, Caregiver & Founder of mejo
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