Reaching A Goal 1 Donation At A Time
Dear Family, Friends, Neighbors, Churches and Supporters:
My name is Sharon Mills; I was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis (DM) in May, 2004 (13 years ago). My goal is to raise $2,500 to attend The Myositis Association (TMA) Annual Patient Conference held on Sept. 7th – 10th, 2017 in San Diego, CA. for myself and caregiver. Funds will be used towards: Traveling Expenses, Hotel Accommodations for 6 nights, Sept. 6th -12th, 2017; Conference Registration, Gratuity, meals outside of the conference and other fees that may apply. Any amount is appreciated.
What is DM? It's a rare, genetic, incurable autoimmune muscle/skin debilitating disease, or inflammation of the skin and muscles. DM's symptoms cause elevated muscle enzymes (CPK), extreme muscle weakness and severe skin rashes of the body. Other side effects due to medications are; body swelling, high B/P, hair loss and weight gain.
Stabilizing DM is difficult. Drugs used to treat DM are prescribed for other known diseases and used as experimental & trial drugs for DM. Why, because DM is rare and funds for research are limited. Treatment includes: Chemo, immuno-suppressants, IVIG, Steroids, Trial Drugs, Skin Ointments, physical therapy, diet maintenance and plenty of rest to help stabilize the disease.
Did I mention that DM interrupts normal lifestyle! Daily tasks such as walking, lifting, bending and climbing stairs becomes impossible. Bathing, hair combing, tying shoes, zippering and buttoning clothes are a struggle too. How do I manage Dermatomyositis? I try to manage DM on a wing and a prayer, moving carefully and slowly as a snail. "I have to laugh for crying." Living with DM takes a toll on your physical, financial, emotional, psychological and social state of mind.
Why I need your support? Not having anyone to talk with that truly understands, brings on an emotional loneliness, becoming alienated, feeling and being separate from the norm - RARE! By attending TMA’s conference, with your support, I could hopefully meet and get advice from someone living with DM, like me!
There are several ways to successfully help me reach my goal: 1) sending your donations through my gofundme.com account; 2) mail or hand delivery; 3) sharing this information with your family and friends to support the Awareness of Myositis; 5) reading updates on my Facebook and posting; and 6) praying that grants are given for research studies to find a cure for Myositis and all other diseases.
Donations are needed ASAP and end Friday, Sept. 1, 2017. You may request additional mailing information by calling, emailing or contacting me on Sharon Robinson Mills Facebook Messenger. Please support this campaign to help me get to 2017 TMA Patient Conference. Thanking you in advance and praying for your support in any way you can.
Yours truly,
Sharon R. Mills (Cookie), DM Patient
