Steve's Medical Fund

Steve was diagnosed with Scleroderma fourteen years ago. It began in his hands, making his fingers thick, swollen and increasingly painful. Four years ago, it was discovered the Scleroderma had progressed internally and he was given five years to live. During the past four years, Steve was forced into disability because his disease made it too difficult to work. In the last year, he has been put on 24/7 oxygen. Just this week he received a port in his chest for continuous IV medication. As you can imagine, medical bills have mounted.

Scleroderma (skleer-oh-DUR-muh) is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues — the fibers that provide the framework and support for your body. In some people, scleroderma affects only the skin. But in many people, such as Steve, scleroderma also harms structures beyond the skin — such as blood vessels and internal organs. Steve’s disease has attacked his heart and lungs and is progressively getting worse. It has caused Steve to develop pulmonary hypertension and severe Raynauds in his hands, making the cold very dangerous and painful.  There is no cure for this cruel, progressive disease.

Steve, affectionately known as “Dude”, is one of the most loving, compassionate and funny guys you’d ever meet. He continues to lift up the spirits of his loved ones throughout his battle, always worried about others and never wanting to be a burden.

As his condition progresses, we are forced to grasp the realization of how little time Steve has left with family and friends. By helping with the financial burden of his medical bills, we hope to provide some relief to him and his wife Rhonda, so they can make lasting memories of what precious little time they have left. 

From the bottom of our broken hearts….
Love and thanks,
Dude's Family