Support for the Diziki Family
Donation protected
Greetings! My name is Kathy Ertel. I am reaching out to request your support for the Diziki family as they go through an extremely challenging time. Back in February, my 15 year old great niece Hannah began having significant physical symptoms. In early May, a large tumor was discovered in her spine. It is completely intertwined within her spinal cord. Since that time, she has spent more time in the hospital than at home. She has had two very painful biopsies which led to more pain and side effects. After the last biopsy she developed a very serious infection that put her in the ICU. Additionally, due to the removal of significant sections of vertebrae, she now has to wear a very uncomfortable brace to support her spine. The good news is that after months of testing, the neuro-oncology team have finally been able to come up with a confirmed diagnosis and will now develop a treatment plan.
Our family is very grateful for the determination of Hannah’s medical team, along with the numerous experts from around the country who have been consulted on her situation. Her doctor has told her many times that her case is so rare and so interesting that leading doctors not only from Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania, but several other renowned hospitals have been reviewing her test results. While Hannah has stated she would like to be seen as an interesting person, she would prefer to not be this interesting to the medical world! (Though, Hannah has been dealing with a variety of emotions, she has not lost her sense of humor!)
Up to this point, the family has received great support from family and friends who have been helping in the care of Hannah’s siblings, Ian and Raina, and of course their dog Reilly. Many have offered prayers as well. For all of this we are very grateful.
While the insurance company has put them through the all too familiar hoops, her major medical bills have so far been covered.
This family has been under a tremendous amount of stress. Having a child with a serious medical condition, Amy and Chris will do whatever is necessary to help their daughter. Amy has stayed with Hannah during all of her many days in the hospital. Chris has been juggling work, taking care of their home along with Ian and Raina while also spending as much time as possible with Hannah. (He also lost his dad in June very unexpectedly.) The drive from their home to CHOP can take 3 hours. Even when Hannah is not admitted into the hospital, they have to allow 2 days in Philly because Hannah isn’t physically able to manage a round trip in 1 day. Throughout this time, Amy and Chris have had a significant reduction of their income. Additionally, they have increased expenses for travel, parking, meals, etc. Hannah’s treatment cannot be started until she has completely healed from the two surgeries and has strengthened her immune system. Once treatment starts (hopefully by September), Amy and Hannah will be staying at the Ronald McDonald House for 6 weeks. In the future, Hannah will need several surgeries to repair the damage made from the biopsies. While as a family, we refuse to think anything but positively about Hannah’s future, we know that even if all goes the best it can, Hannah will have neurological issues as a result of this tumor. She has already experienced some loss of function, difficulty maintaining her balance and loss of some feeling.
The Diziki family is very strong and very close. While Hannah is completely informed about her condition and prognosis, she has shared that her greatest concern is the stress that she believes her family must be going through. This just speaks to how incredible this young woman is.
With Amy and Chris’ permission, I have set up a “Go Fund Me” page for them. I ask that you consider providing some financial support to help get them through this very challenging time in their lives. Additionally, please keep the prayers and thoughts coming their way.
Thank you for considering this request.
Our family is very grateful for the determination of Hannah’s medical team, along with the numerous experts from around the country who have been consulted on her situation. Her doctor has told her many times that her case is so rare and so interesting that leading doctors not only from Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania, but several other renowned hospitals have been reviewing her test results. While Hannah has stated she would like to be seen as an interesting person, she would prefer to not be this interesting to the medical world! (Though, Hannah has been dealing with a variety of emotions, she has not lost her sense of humor!)
Up to this point, the family has received great support from family and friends who have been helping in the care of Hannah’s siblings, Ian and Raina, and of course their dog Reilly. Many have offered prayers as well. For all of this we are very grateful.
While the insurance company has put them through the all too familiar hoops, her major medical bills have so far been covered.
This family has been under a tremendous amount of stress. Having a child with a serious medical condition, Amy and Chris will do whatever is necessary to help their daughter. Amy has stayed with Hannah during all of her many days in the hospital. Chris has been juggling work, taking care of their home along with Ian and Raina while also spending as much time as possible with Hannah. (He also lost his dad in June very unexpectedly.) The drive from their home to CHOP can take 3 hours. Even when Hannah is not admitted into the hospital, they have to allow 2 days in Philly because Hannah isn’t physically able to manage a round trip in 1 day. Throughout this time, Amy and Chris have had a significant reduction of their income. Additionally, they have increased expenses for travel, parking, meals, etc. Hannah’s treatment cannot be started until she has completely healed from the two surgeries and has strengthened her immune system. Once treatment starts (hopefully by September), Amy and Hannah will be staying at the Ronald McDonald House for 6 weeks. In the future, Hannah will need several surgeries to repair the damage made from the biopsies. While as a family, we refuse to think anything but positively about Hannah’s future, we know that even if all goes the best it can, Hannah will have neurological issues as a result of this tumor. She has already experienced some loss of function, difficulty maintaining her balance and loss of some feeling.
The Diziki family is very strong and very close. While Hannah is completely informed about her condition and prognosis, she has shared that her greatest concern is the stress that she believes her family must be going through. This just speaks to how incredible this young woman is.
With Amy and Chris’ permission, I have set up a “Go Fund Me” page for them. I ask that you consider providing some financial support to help get them through this very challenging time in their lives. Additionally, please keep the prayers and thoughts coming their way.
Thank you for considering this request.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kathy Strang Ertel
Organizer
Trenton, NJ
Amy Diziki
Beneficiary
