Aid Debbie's Journey to Health and Stability

Hi I’m Debbie. I have been struggling with auto immune disorders for the last 12 years but on March 26th 2024 my health took a turn for the absolute worse. A weekend of celebrating my daughter’s birthday turned horrific. After enjoying dinner with my fiancé I had chest pain which I thought was acid reflux until I began uncontrollably projectile vomiting. I got rushed to the hospital and found out I had sepsis and all my organs were inflamed. I was then diagnosed with lupus alongside my rheumatoid arthritis. I was put on iv antibiotics for 6 weeks.

After 4 weeks of fighting the infection I ended up back in the hospital with stronger symptoms. The infection caused a rapidly growing aneurysm on my aorta. I then had to have 2 surgeries to do an arterial bypass and then an aortic graft over the aneurysm. Followed by 6 more weeks of iv antibiotics.

At the end of the 6 week course we found out the the worst news. The infection was back and now covering the graft creating another aneurysm . I had to get transported to the UPenn hospital in Philadelphia. I had to undergo open heart surgery to have an aortic transplant. This surgery is very high risk and comes with many complications. I have a collapsed lung as a result of this surgery. I’m receiving PT and have many in home nurses. As I recover which may take up to 6 months , I am unable to work. I have not been able to work since that day in March. I am looking to raise money to support my rent, food and medical needs, As I continue to fight for my recovery. Please help if you can. Thank you.