Andrew's Medical Expenses
Donation protected
I wish Andrew could just be a "normal" 30 year old but that isn't his story. For years my brother has lived with rare autoimmune disorders. Andrew is a juvenile diabetic (type 1), has a total IgA immune deficiency, Alopecia Areata, Epilepsy, and Autonomic Autoimmune Ganglionopathy, and was just diagnosed this past month with a very serious and very rare issue called Budd-Chiari Syndrome.
Budd-Chiari Syndrome is where a blood clot forms in one of the major veins coming in or out of the liver. It causes a blockage, which when not treated fast enough, results in severe liver damage and ultimately liver failure. When it reaches the point that it has reached in Andrew, normally a liver transplant is the only hope. Unfortunately, Andrew is not a candidate for a transplant because of his various other autoimmune problems. The vague prognosis that the doctors were able to give him is "months to years".
Through all of this his positivity has not wavered. But this new diagnosis has been crushing. Of course, Alicia and Andrew need to seek 2nd opinions...and 3rd opinions. Appointments have already been made at Mayo Clinic, OHSU and Johns Hopkins. Andrew doesn't want to spend the rest of his life in hospitals but he does want to explore ways to extend his life and/or improve the quality of what life he has left. Alicia is the breadwinner because Andrew is completely disabled.
To go to these appointments will affect them financially. Plus, the expenses for travel will add up...flights, hotels, food. So many people have supported Andrew when he needed a service dog. Recently, he was supported to get an attachment to his wheelchair to increase his mobility. The outpouring of love on my brother has been the silver lining in all of this. Andrew and Alicia's love is stronger than ever. Meals have been brought everyday since they left the hospital with this tragic diagnosis. The expressions of friendship and love have been unbelievable. Thank you for caring and thank you for helping Andrew try and find a way to extend his life...
Budd-Chiari Syndrome is where a blood clot forms in one of the major veins coming in or out of the liver. It causes a blockage, which when not treated fast enough, results in severe liver damage and ultimately liver failure. When it reaches the point that it has reached in Andrew, normally a liver transplant is the only hope. Unfortunately, Andrew is not a candidate for a transplant because of his various other autoimmune problems. The vague prognosis that the doctors were able to give him is "months to years".
Through all of this his positivity has not wavered. But this new diagnosis has been crushing. Of course, Alicia and Andrew need to seek 2nd opinions...and 3rd opinions. Appointments have already been made at Mayo Clinic, OHSU and Johns Hopkins. Andrew doesn't want to spend the rest of his life in hospitals but he does want to explore ways to extend his life and/or improve the quality of what life he has left. Alicia is the breadwinner because Andrew is completely disabled.
To go to these appointments will affect them financially. Plus, the expenses for travel will add up...flights, hotels, food. So many people have supported Andrew when he needed a service dog. Recently, he was supported to get an attachment to his wheelchair to increase his mobility. The outpouring of love on my brother has been the silver lining in all of this. Andrew and Alicia's love is stronger than ever. Meals have been brought everyday since they left the hospital with this tragic diagnosis. The expressions of friendship and love have been unbelievable. Thank you for caring and thank you for helping Andrew try and find a way to extend his life...
Organizer
Jennifer Booker Leath
Organizer
Mount Juliet, TN
