Beth's Beacon of Hope

I worked with my dear friend, Beth, for 19 years. We quickly moved from

co-workers to close friends, sharing our ups and downs of life. People were

drawn to Beth for her kind persona and looked up to her for her knowledge.

She has a fun, gentle wit and conscientious spirit. If you know her long

enough, she'll give you a nickname! Her faith and family are uppermost, fiercely

loving her husband, John, and her treasured daughters.

 

Asking for help, especially money, is extremely difficult. She's usually on the

giving end. But the following story will explain why I hope you will consider

donating to this precious family in need.

 

Beth has been battling a rare autoimmune disease for 2 1/2 years called

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR). It is extremely debilitating and can be

agonizingly painful. Recently, there has been a significant decline in her health.

She has lost an alarming amount of weight, has very low appetite, is weak and

fatigued, among other symptoms. She is unable to work or care for her family and

"normal" daily responsibilities.

 

I cannot begin to relate the multitude of tests she has undergone in these years

or the roller coaster of hope and despair, especially in these last few months.

Fast forward to her current issues, as she lost over 25lbs that she could not afford

to lose, she has acquired new symptoms that include torturous pain. She was diagnosed

with severe gastroparesis, but the "why's" continue. She's continued to decline

and her many doctors agreed it was time for a referral to Mayo Clinic.

 

That is where she is tonight, and only due to a cancellation. The heart

wrenching part is that, so far, their insurance has declined authorization for

coverage.  Until this is resolved, they are required to pay up front for every procedure
AS IT IS SCHEDULED. The concerns are very real. John has been a loving advocate and is

riding the exhaustive storm with her, as well as her precious girls.

 

Thank you for whatever you can give and for sharing their story with others!