If you have had the pleasure of meeting Rhett Manning, you know that he is dedicated to his job, a loyal friend and brother, loving boyfriend and always has a radiant smile on his face. 

Rhett was a healthy 36-year-old, working hard despite the pandemic and overcoming the loss of both parents to cancer within the last couple years. He was enjoying life and planning his future when recovering from a surgery took a turn for the worst. The health struggles he’s endured for the past five months have been heartbreaking.

While in recovery from surgery, Rhett developed an infection and was given antibiotics for treatment. Shortly after, he started noticing the rest of his body having physical complications. His GI, heart, lungs, joints and muscles were all being affected. Rhett noticed his body slowly breaking down. He started losing weight, his muscles began wasting and swallowing and breathing became difficult at times. He currently requires help with daily activities, like preparing meals and driving to and from his appointments. Rhett’s condition  seems to worsen a little each day.

After many months of tests, doctors’ and ER visits, we still do not have a diagnosis. Rhett has been seen by over twelve different specialists which have all pointed him in the direction of a Neuromuscular disorder. He is currently being seen at the UCI and UCLA neuromuscular facility,  where they have ordered molecular genetic DNA testing and a muscle biopsy to determine which disorder Rhett might have. Unfortunately these disorders are extremely difficult to diagnose and do not have a cure, only medications to treat the unbearable symptoms. If this is Rhett’s case, we will be looking into alternative treatments which are not cheap or covered by insurance. 

In order to adapt to his new lifestyle and until we find a diagnosis, Rhett will have to make costly changes in his life.  These changes include finding a new place to live that doesn’t require stairs and potentially getting a caregiver, along with other medical assisting services.

It’s unclear how much this will cost or how long he will have his health insurance. Rhett has been out of work on disability since February and while all he wants is to be healthy and return to his normal life, any contribution would be immensely appreciated by him and his family.