The Chron-icals of Ali

Meet our friend, Ali. A mother of three incredibly smart, talented, and adorable boys, and a dedicated partner to her wonderful husband, Mike. A small business owner who works full time hours to maintain and keep her company successful. A friend that would bend over backwards for the people she cares about and would never ask questions if you told her to “bring a shovel.” She has a sense of humor that could make even the most rigid of people crack a smile. And her positive, yet realistically hilarious outlook on life, is inspiring. She is our best friend. She is a vital piece to our dysfunctional, yet loving puzzle.

She is also in constant and excruciating pain. Crohn’s disease has staked an obnoxious claim on her body and we are determined to do everything we can to help her fight. Can you imagine being in constant pain and discomfort while running a business, keeping your close relationships healthy AND keeping three small human beings alive and happy? She's our superwoman.

She's been battling Crohn’s for many years, but this past year it has gotten considerably worse. She has sought treatment from multiple avenues of the medical community and has seen countless specialists. She has yet to find a treatment plan that has shown any signs of being a long term solution. She recently went on a trip to the University of Chicago to seek answers from a team of different specialists. It was a trip met with much needed hope and the possibility of answers to lingering questions. We were thrilled! However, not much has come to fruition since then. And, this past Sunday, the pain was so unbearable, she checked back into the hospital. Her only hope was just to dull the pain, to get some sort of relief.

This journey has boasted some of the most infuriating situations to which we were sure Ali would snap. Yet, she has kept her wits about her, somehow kept her humor, and done her best to believe that somehow, this will work out and one day, she'll feel better again.

Although she has insurance, Crohn’s disease is still incredibly expensive. And because the doctors have yet to find the right solution for her in the way of a treatment plan, she is currently trying her best to manage the pain. On top of her regular prescriptions, she has been receiving 4 injections a month to cope.

We are asking for your help. We hope with some financial assistance, Ali and her family and doctors, can make the best decision to restore her health and not worry about the cost.
We just have to do something, we have to help, we have to rally around our friend who needs us. She is a fighter and will NOT give up on her quest for answers. Any donation would be much appreciated, no matter how big or small. (But, of course, bigger is better, right!? :))