Claire Schickler Medical Support Fundraise

Dear Friends,

I’m writing to share some news and ask for your help. Our dear friend, Claire Schickler, has run into medical problems with limited healthcare coverage, and little savings (like so many).

I met Claire in 2nd Grade, and over the last 33 years have grown up, apart, and together again. Claire has the most welcoming home, exacting palette, sharpest wit, longest memory, and deepest penchant for conversation. She surpasses your mother in remembering your schedule and empathizing with your worries. Frequently I find that when I’m writing about science, in my mind I’m writing to her, because she is so curious and excited about life.

Medical Challenges:

Over the last few months, Claire has discovered she has fibroids spreading throughout her body, first discovered in her uterus. During surgery to remove cysts, uterine ablation, and remove her tubes her surgeon discovered that the case was much worse than she expected, and the surgery subsequently failed. Claire is now scheduled for a total hysterectomy in June.

Since her doctors were surprised by the extreme nature of her fibrosis they have been testing other organs and have discovered she has aggressive Stage 2 Liver Fibrosis. If it continues to progress as it has over the last few months it will lead to liver failure. Given the nature and growth of these fibroids, her doctors believe she may have an autoimmune hepatitis, but more tests are needed to confirm and determine treatment course.

Unfortunately, Claire is currently largely bedridden and in extreme pain most days.

Use of Funds:

Claire is on Medicaid, which only covers limited testing, so we hope that this fundraiser can help ameliorate costs for the many tests needed (ultrasounds for liver and other organs, gastro, neurology, hepatology, endocrinology, brain scans, and MRIs).

Funds will go straight to Claire to subsidize her medical expenses, and meds, and help with living expenses(rent, food), transportation to doctors, and post-operative care at her home in New Orleans.

It is truly a failing of our system that Claire, and other folks in need, often can’t get medical care and support, and that GoFundMe needs to exist to bridge this gap – however, a bridge is needed here. Claire is having some challenges and finds herself in a desperate position with little safety net and mounting medical bills. Any help that could be offered would be most welcome and will be returned to you 10-fold, I am sure of it.

With much love and appreciation,

Niamh