Here is Alicia and Drew's story.

 

Thirty-one year old Alicia and was born in Redmond, WA and grew up in Maple Valley, WA. She attended Renton Technical College and graduated in  2017. She has a rewarding career as a Pediatric Surgical Technologist at Seattle Children's hospital. When Alicia was twenty-three she was set up to go on a blind date through a mutual friend. His name was Drew, and after a few dates they officially started dating 4/14/14 (coincidence? I think not.) Drew was born in Pleasanton, CA and grew up in Washington State. On there first  date, they both expressed that they wanted kids and how many, three to be exact! They both knew what they wanted and were not wasting each other's time. The vulnerability and honesty on their first date is admirable to say the least. It truly was meant to be, because Drew proposed to Alicia in January 2020, while wine tasting at the Novelty Hill-Januik Winery. They bought a beautiful home in Enumclaw, WA and  got married a year and a half later on July 2, 2021. They now have a family of three which includes their Mini Aussie Georgia, but their family is still not complete. This would usually be the time to start a family, but Alicia and Drew were not expecting what was yet to come.

 

Alicia has lived with three autoimmune diseases for over two decades: Lupus, Sjögren's and mixed connective tissue disease. As many of you know, autoimmune diseases are a gateway for other diseases to attack your body more easily.  On September 20, 2021, Alicia experienced severe shortness of breath and fatigue. Small acts like walking to the bathroom or just changing her clothes was impossible to do without taking a break. She immediately went to the ER, and the doctors predicted Pulmonary Hypertension or PH (high blood pressure in the lungs). A few days later, she got transferred by ambulance to UW Medicine for further testing.  It was there that the doctors performed a procedure to measure the pressure in her lungs called a Right Heart Catheterization. Doctors confirmed that the right side of her heart was enlarged after measuring her pressure, and eventually diagnosed her with something more specific, a rare and uncommon disease called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension or PAH. This disease is unfortunately, terminal.

There are 5 different groups of PH and each one is very different.  PAH is caused when the arteries in the lungs become narrow, thickened or stiff. The right side of the heart is forced to work harder to push blood through the arteries.  Symptoms can include fatigue, heart palpitations, edema (swelling of the feet and hands), shortness of breathe, chest pain and light headedness. There is currently no cure for PH, but there are PH-specific therapies available to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Alicia is a fighter. She will not give up. She is doing all the things necessary to manage this disease and then some. She has changed her diet tremendously and has to take a multitude of medications daily. She is monitored closely by her team of doctors and shows up to all of her appointments. These things, along with support from her family and friends, Drew, her most significant support and Alicia's determination to live, there is hope.
 
Unfortunately, there is no hope for Drew and Alicia to have a child of their own the old fashioned way. Alicia and Drew were told by her team of doctors that she absolutely cannot get pregnant because it could be fatal to Alicia. This is absolutely devastating news to any couple wanting to start a family, let alone for Alicia and Drew, the newlyweds who talked about having children on their first date. The news still hits them where it hurts, and is something that has forever changed their lives. 

They know there are many alternatives to having children. After many tears and conversations, it seemed that a surrogate would be the best choice for Alicia and Drew. However, the doctors have not agreed that egg retrieval is safe for Alicia. The rate at which there could be severe and even fatal complications is 3-5%.  If you think about the population of PAH patients which is very small, this is a huge risk. Drew has shared that going under anesthesia should be saved for a time that Alicia may truly need it, rather than an elective reason. At this point they may have to opt for an egg donor for their surrogate. There is also the option of adoption for the couple. Alicia and Drew have explored all of these options and no matter what happens, they will choose one that's best for them. The cost of any of these options is tens of thousands of dollars and Alicia and Drew, having to pay deductibles after insurance, are in desperate need of help. They are determined to start a family even considering the circumstances, because following your dreams isn't questionable for Alicia and Drew, no matter what it may look like. 

Oddly, Alicia's specialty in surgery is ENT (ear, nose and throat) and she helps Surgeons and Respiratory therapists treat children with all sorts of problems including breathing issues. It is a chilling coincidence that she herself now has PAH and trouble breathing at times. I see Alicia at work and the way she holds herself around her colleagues is nothing short of impressive. She is a hard, dedicated healthcare worker who treats her patients as they were her own children. For this alone, she deserves to be a Mom. Please consider donating to this hard working, dedicated couple to help create and raise the family they deserve.  If you are not able to donate for this cause, please consider donating to  help with their medical bills. This is going to be a lifelong journey for Alicia and Drew. 

My name is Jennifer and I am fundraising for Alicia and Drew. If you would like to know more about Alicia and Drew, or have questions please don't hesitate to reach out. 

Jennifer Becker
[email redacted]
206-552-4495

Resources:
Visit this website to find out more about PH and PAH: 
https://phassociation.org/patients/aboutph/