DAWN CHANDLER-OCONNELL’S LIFE LINE

Hi friends and family, 
 
Many of you know that most of my adult life has been consumed with my health condition, but what you might not know is that the life sustaining treatments that have been supporting me all along are coming to a point where they will not be able to keep me alive for much longer. I am in need of your help to allow me to fight for my life in the remaining time I have left.

I am writing to you today to share my story in hopes to bring awareness to my disease "SLE" or Systemic Lupus Erythematous, and to help bring a face to the name of the disease. 

I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematous 27 years ago and have been suffering from End Stage Renal Disease for the past 11 years.

Systemic Lupus Erythematous is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that affects predominantly women. It is characterized by rashes, arthritis, kidney inflammation, anemia, blood clotting issues, and central nervous system problems. Basically my body thinks its own cells and tissues are foreign invaders and has been in self-destruct mode. Research has been improving since I was initially diagnosed, but the cause is not yet understood.

In order to keep my body in check, I have been on high dose corticosteroid treatments for years. Unfortunately a major side
effect of this treatment caused irreversible damage to my bones and joints, and has landed me in the hospital too many times to count and most were life-threatening instances.

I have been hospitalized for antibiotic resistant infections. I was in a temporary coma, had brain bleeds which led to a stroke, had severe infections in my veins, endocarditis (heart infection). I've had my colon ruptured and a colostomy bag placed, hip
replacement surgeries that have been recalled but too dangerous for me to remove and replace. I need shoulder joint surgery but once again its too complicated to do with my current condition. I have survived more than ten lifetimes worth of pain and suffering. 
Despite how hard I have fought to maintain my independence and strength, lately I depend more than ever on my family for their assistance.



I receive dialysis for my kidney failure three times a week, and on my off days I have medical appointments with multiple
specialists who manage my chronic illness very closely. Due to the rapid disease progression, finding a kidney donor is my last hope for survival because my peripheral vascular system is so damaged by the dialysis I have no more access points to continue the treatments.

In order for a successful transplant, I have to travel to hospitals around the country for evaluation and testing. This is expensive because it requires flights, hotels, local transportation, and could also put me at risk for more infections. 
In order to continue to stay alive and be an active role in my 4 beautiful grandchildren's lives and have the quality of life I have always desired, it has come to a point that this kidney transplant is so vital. 

Life for me has not been easy, but with wonderful friends and family it makes a world of difference.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. I am grateful for your support in my struggle--whether in spirit or monetarily.

I will keep you all updated on my progress through the go-fund-me.

Thank you all for being here for me and being my last lifeline!

I love you all.

Sincerely, 
Dawn Chandler