The Packer Family Is Not Alone

In 2012, our beautiful friend, Stephanie Packer, was diagnosed with scleroderma.  This autoimmune disease causes hardening of the skin and, in about one-third of the cases, it affects organs.  In Stephanie’s case, the disease settled into her lungs.  She also has a series of other conditions that are associated with scleroderma, including lupus, gastro paresis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, interstitial cystitis, and trigeminal neuralgia.  Most days bring excruciating pain and a struggle to breathe. 

Her doctor told her that she would have about three years to live, three years ago.   

Stephanie is 32.  She and her husband, Brian, have done everything they can to fight this terrible disease, while continuing to raise their four kids, Brian Jr., Scarlett, Jacob, and Savannah.  It hasn’t been easy.  To provide care for Stephanie, Brian had to downsize his full-time job to a weekend-only job.  To reduce expenses, they’ve downsized into a two-bedroom apartment. 

Has Stephanie given up?  Not a chance!  She just became the president of her kids’ PTA.  For anyone who knows Stephanie, this is typical.  If there’s work to be done, or people to serve, Stephanie and Brian are there.  They serve first and ask questions later.  That’s how they roll.  
 
This GoFundMe campaign is our opportunity to show Stephanie and Brian that they are not alone in this fight.  It’s our small way to show them how much we love and care about them and their children.  It’s our chance to lend a hand to them, as they’ve done so many times for us. 

Stephanie, Brian, Brian Jr., Scarlett, Jacob, and Savannah...you are not alone.




Photo Credit:  Stephanie O'Neill/KPCC