Cure for Gina
Donation protected
Gina, 52 year-old wife and mother, was diagnosed 18 months ago with a rare, life-threatening autoimmune disease, called systemic sclerosis. It causes hardening of all organs, including skin, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Systemic sclerosis is a severely debilitating disease. It began with hardening of her skin, causing her hands to be contracted, which make activities of daily life extremely difficult. Gina has lost 25 pounds on her already small frame, because her esophagus has been affected by the disease. Her immune system is attacking her body. Just a short time ago, Gina was a healthy, vibrant fitness instructor. Her life has changed drastically.
Following clinical studies in Boston and other treatment since Fall of 2012, Gina and her family are now preparing for a treatment that offers hope for stopping the progression of her disease.
Gina has been accepted to be evaluated in Chicago at Northwestern University by Dr. Richard Burt, for a stem cell transplant.
Gina and her husband, Mike, will need to travel to Chicago for extensive testing, to take place over several days. In addition to medical costs, Gina and Mike will incur travel and hotel expenses.
Once scheduled, the treatment will take place in Chicago over a three month period. Insurance does not cover the expense of treatment, which is estimated to be in excess of $300,000. The Go Fund Me site is a great way to support Gina and her family through their life-changing event. Having a stem cell transplant will give Gina the opportunity to have her life back.
Systemic sclerosis is a severely debilitating disease. It began with hardening of her skin, causing her hands to be contracted, which make activities of daily life extremely difficult. Gina has lost 25 pounds on her already small frame, because her esophagus has been affected by the disease. Her immune system is attacking her body. Just a short time ago, Gina was a healthy, vibrant fitness instructor. Her life has changed drastically.
Following clinical studies in Boston and other treatment since Fall of 2012, Gina and her family are now preparing for a treatment that offers hope for stopping the progression of her disease.
Gina has been accepted to be evaluated in Chicago at Northwestern University by Dr. Richard Burt, for a stem cell transplant.
Gina and her husband, Mike, will need to travel to Chicago for extensive testing, to take place over several days. In addition to medical costs, Gina and Mike will incur travel and hotel expenses.
Once scheduled, the treatment will take place in Chicago over a three month period. Insurance does not cover the expense of treatment, which is estimated to be in excess of $300,000. The Go Fund Me site is a great way to support Gina and her family through their life-changing event. Having a stem cell transplant will give Gina the opportunity to have her life back.
Organizer
Gina Whitlock
Organizer
Westbrook, ME
