Lauren Douglass's medical expenses
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Please help 10-year-old Lauren Douglass with her fight against an extremely rare and aggressive autoimmune disorder...
On June 28, 2014, Lauren Grace Douglass (daughter of Tom and Lisa) was admitted to UC Davis Medical Center ICU suffering from acute kidney failure. Mom took Lauren to the doctor's office on June 23rd and was told that Lauren had the flu and that the best course of action was to let it run its course. Once it became apparent that Lauren was not getting better, Dad took her back to the doctor and asked that further tests be done. By this time Lauren had already lost 8 pounds due to severe diarrhea and vomiting.
When admitted, Lauren was suffering from extreme fatigue, abdominal pain and dehydration due to the amount of fluids lost. This was the first of the many challenges which lie ahead for Lauren, her family and the U.C. Davis Medical staff.
After collaborating many hours with specialists globally and conducting numerous medical tests such as blood tests, urinalyses, bronchoscopies, x-rays and a kidney biopsy; Lauren was diagnosed with an extremely rare, and rapidly progressive, autoimmune disorder called "Goodpasture's Syndrome."
Goodpasture's Syndrome is extremely rare, progresses rapidly, is commonly seen in males between 20-30 yrs old and can be fatal if not diagnosed/treated quickly. Goodpasture's Syndrome causes the body's immune system to produce certain antibodies which "attack" a specific protein found in the tiny air sacs in the lungs causing bleeding and inflammation as well as the filtering units of the kidneys. Due to lung and renal damage, Lauren is now on a ventilator and is receiving continuous dialysis.
Today, Lauren is fighting for her life as a team of U.C. Davis physicians and specialists continue to collaborate with other medical professionals in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other parts of the world in an attempt to save her life. She is currently on life-support and her medical treatments so far includes the need for continuous dialysis with possibility of kidney transplant, blood transfusions, plasmapheresis (removing antibodies from bloodstream and replacing with fresh plasma), Rituximab (immunosuppressive drug) infused weekly at $15,000 per treatment, steroids, narcotics for sedation, antibiotics to prevent infection, daily chest x-rays and blood tests. Speciality tests and the level of medical treatment changes daily. Lauren has a long road ahead of her.
Due to the astronomical medical costs that the Douglass family will be facing, please strongly consider making a donation to help defray some of Tom and Lisa's financial burden and worry. I also ask that you consider sharing this post with your family and friends via social media.
Please continue to pray for Lauren--especially for her lungs to heal, because this is what is threatening her life at this time. Also give strength and prayers to her parents, brother, family and friends who continue to remain by her side. Thank you in advance for any support that you may give and we will continue to post updates on Lauren's progress. Kathleen Weber(aunt)
On June 28, 2014, Lauren Grace Douglass (daughter of Tom and Lisa) was admitted to UC Davis Medical Center ICU suffering from acute kidney failure. Mom took Lauren to the doctor's office on June 23rd and was told that Lauren had the flu and that the best course of action was to let it run its course. Once it became apparent that Lauren was not getting better, Dad took her back to the doctor and asked that further tests be done. By this time Lauren had already lost 8 pounds due to severe diarrhea and vomiting.
When admitted, Lauren was suffering from extreme fatigue, abdominal pain and dehydration due to the amount of fluids lost. This was the first of the many challenges which lie ahead for Lauren, her family and the U.C. Davis Medical staff.
After collaborating many hours with specialists globally and conducting numerous medical tests such as blood tests, urinalyses, bronchoscopies, x-rays and a kidney biopsy; Lauren was diagnosed with an extremely rare, and rapidly progressive, autoimmune disorder called "Goodpasture's Syndrome."
Goodpasture's Syndrome is extremely rare, progresses rapidly, is commonly seen in males between 20-30 yrs old and can be fatal if not diagnosed/treated quickly. Goodpasture's Syndrome causes the body's immune system to produce certain antibodies which "attack" a specific protein found in the tiny air sacs in the lungs causing bleeding and inflammation as well as the filtering units of the kidneys. Due to lung and renal damage, Lauren is now on a ventilator and is receiving continuous dialysis.
Today, Lauren is fighting for her life as a team of U.C. Davis physicians and specialists continue to collaborate with other medical professionals in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other parts of the world in an attempt to save her life. She is currently on life-support and her medical treatments so far includes the need for continuous dialysis with possibility of kidney transplant, blood transfusions, plasmapheresis (removing antibodies from bloodstream and replacing with fresh plasma), Rituximab (immunosuppressive drug) infused weekly at $15,000 per treatment, steroids, narcotics for sedation, antibiotics to prevent infection, daily chest x-rays and blood tests. Speciality tests and the level of medical treatment changes daily. Lauren has a long road ahead of her.
Due to the astronomical medical costs that the Douglass family will be facing, please strongly consider making a donation to help defray some of Tom and Lisa's financial burden and worry. I also ask that you consider sharing this post with your family and friends via social media.
Please continue to pray for Lauren--especially for her lungs to heal, because this is what is threatening her life at this time. Also give strength and prayers to her parents, brother, family and friends who continue to remain by her side. Thank you in advance for any support that you may give and we will continue to post updates on Lauren's progress. Kathleen Weber(aunt)
Organizer
Kathleen Burr Weber
Organizer
Rocklin, CA
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