To Whom It May Concern: 
 
I write this letter on behalf Amber Bonner-Mackey and her sister Ayana and their mother Carol.   Amber just turned 28 years old and has been a Lupus patient for 18 years, diagnosed at age 10 (now in Hospice Care).  She is a 2011 graduate of Stephen F. Austin University and a former employee of HealthCorps.  Ayana recently graduated from The Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy in Houston, Texas with plans of attending Stephen F. Austin State University.  And Carol, is a single mother caring for these two young women.  
 (March 2015 Amber, Carol and Ayana)

I provide this information as a backdrop to ask for help for these three amazing women who have gifts, talents and are responsible citizens, but are currently in a extremely challenging situation.  This family is facing financial challenges in perhaps the darkest time any family can face—the possible premature death of a daughter, big sister and good friend to many, without adequate intervention.  
 (June 2015 Carol & Amber go to Congress)

Amber was placed under hospice care in January 2016 and is being cared for 24 hours by her mother.  Faced with emotional, mental and financial challenges the family is devastated.  Amber has Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren’s Syndrome, Raynaud’s Syndrome and a host of other debilitating auto-immune diseases.   Her case has been documented by physicians who have treated her in the past as one of the worst cases they have seen.  She has fought valiantly through the years and remains hopeful that despite doctors stating the disease has progressed to the terminal stage, that through her faith, holistic treatments and her fierce spirit, she will again defy the odds.   
 Amber’s has faced numerous obstacles. Diagnosed at the age of 10 
Home schooled due to disease 
Multiple monthly hospital stays over the past 17 years 
Kidney failure, Brain Lesions and chemotherapy 
Stroke and loss of eyesight at age 22 
Transverse & Neuro Myelitis, which had her wheelchair bound for two years 
Hip replacement surgery at age 24 
And now hospice Care at age 27 
 
 In spite of all of these hurdles, Amber graduated with honors from High School in 2006, remained on the Dean’s List most of her college career and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University.  Within months of gaining her mobility, she began her career with HealthCorps in Houston.  Unfortunately, her career with HealthCorps was cut short due to her declining health.  Her courage has been amazing, even as she is facing the real possibility of losing her battle. 
(This collage shows clockwise from top left corner,  Amber Skydiving after being wheelchair bound for 2 years, Her working for HealthCorps and introducing her Nana to Dr. Mehmet Oz and then more recently.)

For Amber the stress of managing her life with these disorders has taken its toll.  For Carol, this has been a fulltime job as a single mother.  From managing insurances, hospital stays (nearly every month for the past 17 years), medications to locating specialty pharmacies that could “compound  medications,” plus dealing with Ayana graduating from high school and now college bound.  Carol has been unable to commit to full time employment even though in earlier times she worked full-time, however, she became a Licensed Realtor for the flexibility to assist Amber.  Carol remains hard working and eager.   She is a mother who has sacrificed everything to make this journey with Amber--career, marriage and profession—the financial and emotional cost has been enormous and debilitating.  They just keep getting up every day. 
 
Carol located a Holistic team willing to work with Amber.  The team feels if Amber is able to follow the Holistic protocol with time and dedication the damages of the autoimmune disorders attacking her body can be fully reversed.  This team has been phenomenal.  They have volunteered most of their services and even donated some of the herbal supplements, because insurance will not cover any of the cost.  Amber’s diet was also modified 100% to help in this process.  Juicing and high protein smoothies comprise 95% of her daily intake.  The cost of those supplements is high; however, they have helped immensely.   
 
There was improvement and progress was evident in Amber’s health thanks to the dedication of the Holistic Team and the financial blessing of an anonymous donor that helped, tremendously.  Unfortunately, the cost of maintaining those treatments, along with everyday living expenses is not sustainable. They need your help! 
 
This family is so deserving of your help.  Carol is a licensed Real Estate agent and is willing to work with clients; however, she would need to hire a care provider for Amber when she has to leave home.  Right now the insurance company has only approved at home care for Amber at 3.5 hours a day and only pays $8 an hour.  Amber requires around the clock care.  If Amber was institutionalized the insurance company would pay 100% of her care without benefit of life saving Holistic measure.  This is why Carol made the decision to keep Amber home. 
 
The family has received so many blessings from dear friends and family.  And they are very thankful.  However, with Amber’s increasing needs and Ayana going off to college we are asking for continued prayers and financial assistance for this family in the following areas: 
Holistic Treatment/Medical Cost 
Groceries 
Travel cost  
Housing cost 
Whatever financial blessing you choose to give, will be greatly appreciated.

I will keep you posted on Amber and our family's journey.  Please continue to keep us in prayer and share her page with anyone who may help.