Elaine's Medical Fund
Donation protected
To the family and friends of Elaine, we are reaching out to ask for your continued love, support and prayers for Elaine and her family at this time.
Those who know Elaine, know what a loving and courageous person she is. Her health has taken her on a journey far more than one person should ever have to endure. She lives in a vicious cycle of ups and downs with her health; though her spirit, tenacity and love of life make her strong and she has never and will never give up! Her positivity is contagious!
A bit of background for those who may not know, Elaine is 29-years-old and has battled Type 1 Insulin Dependent Diabetes since she was 10-years-old and her case is very unique. She also has gastroparesis , which further complicates her condition. Her journey continues year after year with the diabetes damage progressing. Elaine and her family continue to consult with specialists, as she continues to be hospitalized every few weeks from complications. Her diabetes is very brittle and her body is very fragile.
Elaine will now be facing one of the toughest battles of her young life. She was hospitalized recently with what was first thought to be a rare spinal stroke. She suddenly became paralyzed from the diaphragm down and was immediately taken to the University of Chicago Critical Care Unit. After many blood tests, MRIs, spinal taps, etc. conducted by some of the very best doctors in the world, the physicians diagnosed her with an autoimmune disorder called Devic’s disease , also called neuromyelitis optica or NMO. It is an immunological disorder that may be confused with multiple sclerosis (MS). Devic's disease is often characterized by immune attacks on the optic nerves (which transmit what you see to your brain) and the spinal cord. Transverse Myelitis happened as a result of this disease, causing her paralysis.
Elaine is on cutting edge treatments. The physicians are moving aggressively at one of the top research hospitals in the world! As such, she will face many expenses, medical and equipment costs.
One could imagine the shock and emotional roller coaster this has been. Elaine went from being fine one day to being paralyzed the next. She remains 90% paralyzed from her diaphragm down including her shoulder. She is unable to sit in a wheelchair at this time. A lot of her dignity has been taken away and she suffers with tremendous pain from diabetic neuropathy. There is worry about breathing because her diaphragm is paralyzed. She will require a vehicle for special needs and other equipment as well to assist her in just everyday living.
Elaine is very alert and aware of the situation. She is mentally moving full speed ahead! She has some of the best doctors in the world taking care of her. They have given her blood transfusions, plasma exchange therapy, extremely strong medications to suppress her immune system, amongst other things. It is their recommendation to put her into an inpatient, aggressive rehabilitation program.
We don't have a timeframe, but this will take time and strength to get her well again. Continuing love and support is appreciated as Elaine will be tested and pushed to the max both physically and mentally now. We are praying that our Elaine, who once had an amazing tennis career as a USTA ranked player and coach, will regain function and walk again one day. We know she can do it and we aim to be a source of encouragement for Elaine as she has always been a shining example of strength to each of us! So please continue to leave encouraging words and uplifting messages for Elaine. It brightens her day so much to know she has such an incredible support system!
To all who have inquired about donating to her medical needs, we are hoping to raise money to help offset her medical expenses, for a vehicle that she can be transported in, and for other medical equipment that she will need such as a special wheelchair or scooter, etc. We are reaching out to friends, family and anyone willing to offer support. If you are in a position to offer even a small amount of money, we will be forever grateful! We will continue to give updates on Elaine’s progress. Thank you very much for reading and sharing Elaine’s story with others and helping her reach her goal.
Elaine with her mom Debbie
Elaine with her dad Dave
She misses her cat so much!
Elaine receiving her plasma exchange treatment
The love of her life, Ziggy!
Elaine and her little friend Marley
A few of Elaine's biggest fans!
Those who know Elaine, know what a loving and courageous person she is. Her health has taken her on a journey far more than one person should ever have to endure. She lives in a vicious cycle of ups and downs with her health; though her spirit, tenacity and love of life make her strong and she has never and will never give up! Her positivity is contagious!
A bit of background for those who may not know, Elaine is 29-years-old and has battled Type 1 Insulin Dependent Diabetes since she was 10-years-old and her case is very unique. She also has gastroparesis , which further complicates her condition. Her journey continues year after year with the diabetes damage progressing. Elaine and her family continue to consult with specialists, as she continues to be hospitalized every few weeks from complications. Her diabetes is very brittle and her body is very fragile.
Elaine will now be facing one of the toughest battles of her young life. She was hospitalized recently with what was first thought to be a rare spinal stroke. She suddenly became paralyzed from the diaphragm down and was immediately taken to the University of Chicago Critical Care Unit. After many blood tests, MRIs, spinal taps, etc. conducted by some of the very best doctors in the world, the physicians diagnosed her with an autoimmune disorder called Devic’s disease , also called neuromyelitis optica or NMO. It is an immunological disorder that may be confused with multiple sclerosis (MS). Devic's disease is often characterized by immune attacks on the optic nerves (which transmit what you see to your brain) and the spinal cord. Transverse Myelitis happened as a result of this disease, causing her paralysis.
Elaine is on cutting edge treatments. The physicians are moving aggressively at one of the top research hospitals in the world! As such, she will face many expenses, medical and equipment costs.
One could imagine the shock and emotional roller coaster this has been. Elaine went from being fine one day to being paralyzed the next. She remains 90% paralyzed from her diaphragm down including her shoulder. She is unable to sit in a wheelchair at this time. A lot of her dignity has been taken away and she suffers with tremendous pain from diabetic neuropathy. There is worry about breathing because her diaphragm is paralyzed. She will require a vehicle for special needs and other equipment as well to assist her in just everyday living.
Elaine is very alert and aware of the situation. She is mentally moving full speed ahead! She has some of the best doctors in the world taking care of her. They have given her blood transfusions, plasma exchange therapy, extremely strong medications to suppress her immune system, amongst other things. It is their recommendation to put her into an inpatient, aggressive rehabilitation program.
We don't have a timeframe, but this will take time and strength to get her well again. Continuing love and support is appreciated as Elaine will be tested and pushed to the max both physically and mentally now. We are praying that our Elaine, who once had an amazing tennis career as a USTA ranked player and coach, will regain function and walk again one day. We know she can do it and we aim to be a source of encouragement for Elaine as she has always been a shining example of strength to each of us! So please continue to leave encouraging words and uplifting messages for Elaine. It brightens her day so much to know she has such an incredible support system!
To all who have inquired about donating to her medical needs, we are hoping to raise money to help offset her medical expenses, for a vehicle that she can be transported in, and for other medical equipment that she will need such as a special wheelchair or scooter, etc. We are reaching out to friends, family and anyone willing to offer support. If you are in a position to offer even a small amount of money, we will be forever grateful! We will continue to give updates on Elaine’s progress. Thank you very much for reading and sharing Elaine’s story with others and helping her reach her goal.
Elaine with her mom DebbieElaine with her dad DaveShe misses her cat so much!Elaine receiving her plasma exchange treatmentThe love of her life, Ziggy!Elaine and her little friend MarleyA few of Elaine's biggest fans!Organizer and beneficiary
Andrea Niecikowski Hunter
Organizer
LaPorte, IN
Debbie Christian
Beneficiary
