Alexis Johnston's Road to Recovery

My name is Nicole Johnston, and I am Alexis Johnston's mom. I am raising funds for my daughter's medical bills and finances. Alexis was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease, myositis, in early July. Many types of myositis diseases exist, but we don't have her specific diagnosis yet. The Mayo Clinic is involved in her case because her symptoms are rare. Myositis affects the proximal muscles, shoulders, quads, hips, and core. But in Alexis' case, it has also involved her ability to swallow and, at one point, affected her diaphragm muscles. She was on a ventilator for seven days. She has been in the hospital since July 14. She was in ICU for ten days, on the Neuro-trauma floor, and now on the Rehabilitation floor. She is receiving respiratory, speech, occupational, and physical therapy. Once out of the hospital, she will continue to need extensive rehabilitation to recover. During the recovery process, she will be unable to work. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated as we begin our long journey to recovery. Thank you in advance for any support you can offer.

Love, The Johnston Family