Bethany Needs Help for life saving treatment

Hello, my name is Bethany Duckworth. I am from a small town in Missouri and am married and the proud mother of a two-year-old miracle boy! On June 3, 2024, I visited the emergency room due to shortness of breath and chest pains, leading to my admission for pneumonia and a mediastinal mass that the doctors were unable to identify. They also diagnosed me with histoplasmosis and discharged me.

Over the next few months, I underwent various tests, including a bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, lymph node biopsy, multiple CT scans, X-rays, lab work, and approximately 20 office visits, but unfortunately, I received no answers and my symptoms continued to worsen.

On February 19, 2025, after enduring eight long months of worsening symptoms, they finally conducted an external e-consultation with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. After reviewing my medical records and all the tests, their assessment was fibrosing mediastinitis. They requested that I travel to Rochester and be seen by their specialists.

After eight long months of worsening symptoms, I was finally diagnosed with a rare disease called fibrosing mediastinitis. In simpler terms, it’s characterized by excessive growth of fibrous tissue in the mediastinum, the space between the lungs. This growth can compress and obstruct vital structures like pulmonary arteries, airways, and the esophagus, leading to various symptoms and complications. Essentially, I have a mediastinal mass in the center of my chest that is engulfing my blood vessels and arteries, causing significant respiratory issues that have made it impossible for me to work.

The reason I’m here on GoFundMe is that my insurance company has denied authorization for my treatment, claiming it’s medically unnecessary. This decision has left me in a difficult situation.

Mayo Clinic wants me to undergo a Rituximab infusion treatment to reduce my inflammation. They plan to insert stents in three of my blood vessels and arteries to restore blood flow and allow my lungs to fully inflate once again. The estimated cost of each infusion is $17,827.93, and I will need a minimum of two infusions, spaced two weeks apart. Therefore, the total cost would be $35,655.86. Plus I will have to travel and stay in Minnesota for both infusions. 

Due to my respiratory issues, I’m currently unable to work. My employer is unable to accommodate my medical needs, so I’m currently on short-term disability and will be transitioning to long-term disability.