Logo for CaringBridge

In association with CaringBridge

Main fundraiser photo

Mike Suppa's Medical Expenses

Donation protected
In June of 2019, Mike began developing numbness in his left hand which also developed in his right hand shortly after. In early October we learned Mike has peripheral neuropathy and we were informed he has Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma/Leukemia (NHL). Fortunately, it was caught in an early stage and is slow progressing, so no treatment has yet been necessary. Since Mike was already laid off due to his knee surgery in September, he opted to have a carpal tunnel procedure done on each wrist between November-December 2019 to alleviate his hand tingling. By January, Mike had began to fatigue easily with everyday tasks. The pins and needles he was feeling in his hands and feet began to creep towards his elbows and knees. His physical strength noticeably diminished mid-January. On March 13th, he was driving and running errands but could hardly manage to bring the groceries in the house. On March 14th, the use of a walker became necessary to get around safely. Mike happened to schedule a second opinion with a hematologist at Mayo in Rochester for March 16th. After meeting with a hematologist, he was admitted to Mayo to begin testing to determine the source of his rapid decline. After testing all week, they've determined he has an autoimmune disorder along with the NHL. They believe it could be a form of chronic Guillain-Barré Syndrome called CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy).

In the meantime, he has still been physically declining daily. He no longer is able to perform basic tasks without assistance. On Thursday, March 19th they began an IVIG treatment for five days. Since he has still been declining during treatment, they are running additional tests to figure out if the neuropathy is related to his cancer, or if it is a standalone ailment.

His team of doctor's current plan is an aggressive form of treatment that will be delivered over the next 6 weeks; it will consist of more IVIG treatments along with steroid infusions. After this 6 week treatment, he will be further evaluated to determine the phase of treatment that will best help him next. This could include moving him to a swingbed or skilled nursing facility to continue to rehab if they find that appropriate.

The next 6+ weeks will be long and with a lot of expenses that will add up quickly due to the continuation of testing, treatments and the constant care that Mike will require to regain his health. Any donations made will help to cover these expenses and make sure Mike has the appropriate care he needs.

Organizer and beneficiary

Courtney Suppa
Organizer
West Fargo, ND
Kimberly Suppa
Beneficiary

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.