Susan Duggan Mitchell - sudden medical expenses

Susan Duggan Mitchell

We are a group of eight women, who have been friends our entire lives, some going back as far as kindergarten. We call ourselves the GNO girls, based on some raucous Girls Nights Out together in our teens. Over the years we have shared many milestones, from early grade school days to wild nights in high school. We have attended each other's marriages and shared the joys of new babies in our 20's and 30's. We have provided support throughout the ups and downs of jobs and careers, cheered each other on at sporting events, and celebrated major milestone birthdays with long weekend getaways. We have supported each other through the loss of parents, and more recently, shared the joys of grandchildren. Every summer we reconvene for a long weekend at a family cabin, and every Christmas we gather at one of our homes, sharing our latest family updates, upcoming vacations, and more often as we get older, the typical aches and pains that come with aging. There is always a lot of laughter, usually too much alcohol, and sometimes some tears. But we cherish this time together as friends and consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have maintained such wonderful relationships over our entire lives.

This holiday, Sue Duggan Mitchell was unable to join us at our annual Christmas gathering due to a devastating diagnosis of not one, but two degenerative auto immune muscle diseases, SRP positive necrotizing myopathy and anti-Mi-2-positive myositis. As a result of these aggressive disorders, Sue went from working, walking, and living a normal day to day life to being forced to use a wheelchair, all within a matter of weeks. Unfortunately, this loss and damage to her muscles comes with significant pain, debilitating fatigue, and lingering muscle atrophy. It is currently unknown whether Sue will be able to regain the muscle strength she has lost, or whether the decline is permanent and progressive. She is unable to continue working and may be unable to do so in the future.

Sue has two amazing adult children, Katie and Steven, siblings, and a wonderful extended family, who are doing what they can to support her during this incredibly difficult health challenge. In addition, Sue’s many friends, including our GNO group and her hockey Mom friends have gathered round her to help with meals, doctor appointments, errands, and everyday needs.

On Sue’s behalf, we are hoping to collect and reach a goal of $20K to support Sue’s current and long-term needs. These funds will be used to help cover what is expected to be daunting medical, occupational therapy and mobility equipment requirements, as well as monthly bills related to day-to-day life.

It will be a long and difficult road ahead for Sue, but we are committed to being there to support her throughout this challenging journey. We appreciate anything you can provide. If you are unable to donate at this time, please pass this on to others who may be able to do so. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday with family and friends. And THANK YOU for your generosity!

More information about Susan's condition at Caring Bridge. https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/susandugganmitchell