Join us to support Alexa Topper as she begins her fight against MG (Myasthenia Gravis).
Overview
Myasthenia Gravis is an neuromuscular autoimmune disease characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of all voluntary muscles. This is including, but not limited to, the muscles that control your vision, breathing, ability to swallow, and the use of your arms and legs.
Unfortunately, MG does not have a cure, it becomes something to manage, and there are serveral complications that go hand-in-hand with this diagnosis. Trouble with the thymus is one of those complications. The thymus, located under the sternum, is a lymphoid organ of the immune system. MG patients are susceptible to thymus enlargement as well as the development of a tumor.
Alexa's Story
In September 2015, Alexa started experiencing her first symptoms. These were subtle and began with the inability to smile and make certain facial expressions. When she saw several specialists, she was inaccurately diagnosed on multiple occasions and testing lead to a number of inconclusive examinations.
Fast forward to August 2016, Alexa moved to Colorado and shortly after arriving her symptoms rapidly exasperated. She was unable to walk up and down stairs without getting fatigued, facial expressions became a challenge, and she had difficulty swallowing. After a fall that resulted in a minor head injury, she found herself in the emergency room where she met a neurologist that believed he knew what Alexa's diagnosis was.
In September, Alexa's diagnosis became official. She has started taking medication four times a day, and was in the hospital for five days receiving Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) to help build her immune system. On October 14th, Alexa was told her CT scan showed a tumor on her thymus. After meeting with the cardiovascular surgeon, a determination was made that surgery to remove the thymus and the tumor cannot be delayed.
What Is Next?
Alexa's Surgery is scheduled to take place on October 21st. This is a serious surgery as it requires breaking her sternum and opening her chest cavity. Alexa's CT scan has shown that her thymus and tumor are located in close proximity to her heart. The road to recovery will be a difficult 6-8 weeks, yet her marriage to Levi Axworthy is set to take place exactly five weeks after surgery.
How Can You Help?
First and foremost, please PRAY! This has quickly transpired prior to her wedding day, and starting a new chapter in her life with an autoimmune disease and a major surgery has become both physically and emotionally challenging. Alexa's faith is to trust in the Lord, and we know He will see her through this.
Please send her CARDS! She is living away from her family and friends, and I know she would love to hear from those she loves. Having something to hold, view, and read will boost her spirits and will help encourage her in the recovery process.
Lastly, donations would be helpful. Alexa will be unable to work during this process, and expenses will still be a factor. Anything to help this young bride and her groom maintain financial stability would be a blessing.
Your love and support is deeply appreciated.
Overview
Myasthenia Gravis is an neuromuscular autoimmune disease characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of all voluntary muscles. This is including, but not limited to, the muscles that control your vision, breathing, ability to swallow, and the use of your arms and legs.
Unfortunately, MG does not have a cure, it becomes something to manage, and there are serveral complications that go hand-in-hand with this diagnosis. Trouble with the thymus is one of those complications. The thymus, located under the sternum, is a lymphoid organ of the immune system. MG patients are susceptible to thymus enlargement as well as the development of a tumor.
Alexa's Story
In September 2015, Alexa started experiencing her first symptoms. These were subtle and began with the inability to smile and make certain facial expressions. When she saw several specialists, she was inaccurately diagnosed on multiple occasions and testing lead to a number of inconclusive examinations.
Fast forward to August 2016, Alexa moved to Colorado and shortly after arriving her symptoms rapidly exasperated. She was unable to walk up and down stairs without getting fatigued, facial expressions became a challenge, and she had difficulty swallowing. After a fall that resulted in a minor head injury, she found herself in the emergency room where she met a neurologist that believed he knew what Alexa's diagnosis was.
In September, Alexa's diagnosis became official. She has started taking medication four times a day, and was in the hospital for five days receiving Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) to help build her immune system. On October 14th, Alexa was told her CT scan showed a tumor on her thymus. After meeting with the cardiovascular surgeon, a determination was made that surgery to remove the thymus and the tumor cannot be delayed.
What Is Next?
Alexa's Surgery is scheduled to take place on October 21st. This is a serious surgery as it requires breaking her sternum and opening her chest cavity. Alexa's CT scan has shown that her thymus and tumor are located in close proximity to her heart. The road to recovery will be a difficult 6-8 weeks, yet her marriage to Levi Axworthy is set to take place exactly five weeks after surgery.
How Can You Help?
First and foremost, please PRAY! This has quickly transpired prior to her wedding day, and starting a new chapter in her life with an autoimmune disease and a major surgery has become both physically and emotionally challenging. Alexa's faith is to trust in the Lord, and we know He will see her through this.
Please send her CARDS! She is living away from her family and friends, and I know she would love to hear from those she loves. Having something to hold, view, and read will boost her spirits and will help encourage her in the recovery process.
Lastly, donations would be helpful. Alexa will be unable to work during this process, and expenses will still be a factor. Anything to help this young bride and her groom maintain financial stability would be a blessing.
Your love and support is deeply appreciated.
Organizer and beneficiary
Tonya Bailey Axworthy
Organizer
Castle Rock, CO
Alexa Topper
Beneficiary