Hi, my name is Abby, and I’m raising funds to support my husband, Vahid, who has recently been diagnosed with a life-altering condition that has left him paralyzed from the waist down.

On September 18, 2024, Vahid was rushed to the ER and later diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis, a serious inflammation of the spinal cord. Since released from hospital after three weeks , he has been confined to a wheelchair and unable to care for himself. He cannot walk, drive, or even access most areas of our home. Our master bedroom is upstairs, and due to his condition, he can no longer climb stairs. We also do not have a ramp, so he cannot leave the house on his own.

His condition has been so complex that local doctors referred him to Duke University Hospital for further evaluation. After months of tests, including MRIs, CAT scans, plasma exchange treatments, and specialist consultations, doctors at Duke believe he may have Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), also known as Devic’s disease. It’s a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the central nervous system, primarily attacking the spinal cord and optic nerves.

While we are grateful to finally have some answers, there is no cure for NMOSD, and the treatments are expensive and ongoing. Vahid receives physical therapies and infusion treatments every three months. He requires constant care and supervision, and we are working hard to keep up with medical bills, home modification costs, and transportation to appointments.

We are asking for help, whether through donations or simply sharing this page, to support Vahid's care and improve his quality of life. Your generosity will help make our home truly accessible, so that Vahid live again—not just be alive, but truly live with dignity, mobility, and hope. Every dollar will go toward making our home accessible, covering treatment costs, and ensuring Vahid the care he needs and deserves.

Thank you so much for reading, sharing, and supporting us during this difficult time.