Fund for Medical Bills for Mom
Donation protected
Hi everyone! My name is Kelsey-Rose Debus and I am a student at the University of North Texas in Denton. Recently my mother was diagnosed with a very rare disease called Myasthenia Gravis. Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes sudden and unpredictable weakness in the voluntary skeletal and muscles of the body. The place where the nerve cells connect with the muscles cells becomes interrupted, which means that antibodies begin attacking the immune system. In my mother's case, this causes her difficulty in keeping her eyelids open, swallowing, moving her legs and arms, as well as excessive fatigue in general. These symptons are extremely unpredictable and come and go and get better and worsen throughout the day in a matter of seconds to hours. There is no cure, but possible procedures and medication to help treat the disorder. The medication can help her swallow, gain energy and keep her eyes open; however, like stated before, its affect is not always consistent.
The thymus gland, which lies in the chest underneath the breastbone, can play a role in developing the immune system. For someone who suffers from Myasthenia Gravis, it is possible that the thymus gland remains abnormally large. 15% of people who have MGalso have a tumor growth on their thymus called a thymoma and my mother falls into that category. Although this relationship between the thymoma and MG is not fully understood, it is crucial for the thymoma to be completely removed so that it doesn't turn into cancer and reduces attacks on the immune system. Although the surgeons say it isn't as complex as other surgeries (i.e. heart surgery), the thymoma sits right on the heart, meaning there are many risks.
This surgery, in turn, could immediately worsen her Myasthenia Gravis symptons for a period of time that is not known (it could range from months to several years). Worsened symptons are possibly difficulty breathing, or unable to breathe without tubes (this is called a crisis) or extreme weakening of the muscles.
After this period of time, her symptons are predicted to stabilize. Since there is no cure, she can only go into remission. However, remission does not have an estimated time either (a week or 18 years, there is no possible way to predict this) and symptons are likely to come back. Since Myasthenia Gravis is so rare, there are very few known cases and very little information to base any estimates on. However, this is something she will have to live with for the rest of her life.
My mother is the most beautiful, strong and selfless person I know. She has raised my sister and I with such love, warmth and support and always believed in us. I can't believe how lucky I am that she is my mother. She is also an extremely energetic, determined and hardworking person, full of spunk, humor and positive energy. This disease is forcing her to stop working, exercising, driving, playing the piano, doing the things she loves and living her life the way she wants to. Despite this difficult time that is physically tiring and emotionally painful, she has remained so positive, courageous and hopeful. My mother has given so much to others and always puts others before herself.
The surgeries, steroids, medication and appointments with specialists are costs that are going to add up for my parents. The money that is raised will be used to help cover some of her medical bills. My parents are doing everything they can, but if at all possible, I am trying to raise at least $2,000 by September. If you are able to donate anything at all, please know it would mean so much to my parents and help them more than you know. We are so thankful for your support, thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for everything!
For more information about Myasthenia Gravis, here are some links:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis/detail_myasthenia_gravis.htm
https://www.mda.org/disease/myasthenia-gravis
http://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/myasthenia-gravis/
The thymus gland, which lies in the chest underneath the breastbone, can play a role in developing the immune system. For someone who suffers from Myasthenia Gravis, it is possible that the thymus gland remains abnormally large. 15% of people who have MGalso have a tumor growth on their thymus called a thymoma and my mother falls into that category. Although this relationship between the thymoma and MG is not fully understood, it is crucial for the thymoma to be completely removed so that it doesn't turn into cancer and reduces attacks on the immune system. Although the surgeons say it isn't as complex as other surgeries (i.e. heart surgery), the thymoma sits right on the heart, meaning there are many risks.
This surgery, in turn, could immediately worsen her Myasthenia Gravis symptons for a period of time that is not known (it could range from months to several years). Worsened symptons are possibly difficulty breathing, or unable to breathe without tubes (this is called a crisis) or extreme weakening of the muscles.
After this period of time, her symptons are predicted to stabilize. Since there is no cure, she can only go into remission. However, remission does not have an estimated time either (a week or 18 years, there is no possible way to predict this) and symptons are likely to come back. Since Myasthenia Gravis is so rare, there are very few known cases and very little information to base any estimates on. However, this is something she will have to live with for the rest of her life.
My mother is the most beautiful, strong and selfless person I know. She has raised my sister and I with such love, warmth and support and always believed in us. I can't believe how lucky I am that she is my mother. She is also an extremely energetic, determined and hardworking person, full of spunk, humor and positive energy. This disease is forcing her to stop working, exercising, driving, playing the piano, doing the things she loves and living her life the way she wants to. Despite this difficult time that is physically tiring and emotionally painful, she has remained so positive, courageous and hopeful. My mother has given so much to others and always puts others before herself.
The surgeries, steroids, medication and appointments with specialists are costs that are going to add up for my parents. The money that is raised will be used to help cover some of her medical bills. My parents are doing everything they can, but if at all possible, I am trying to raise at least $2,000 by September. If you are able to donate anything at all, please know it would mean so much to my parents and help them more than you know. We are so thankful for your support, thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for everything!
For more information about Myasthenia Gravis, here are some links:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/myasthenia_gravis/detail_myasthenia_gravis.htm
https://www.mda.org/disease/myasthenia-gravis
http://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/myasthenia-gravis/
Organizer and beneficiary
Kelsey-Rose Debus
Organizer
Denton, TX
Christine Debus
Beneficiary