Picture someone in your life with a very sweet spirit — kind, giving and always ready to help — someone who puts the needs of others ahead of their own. In my life, that’s my daughter Alana  (pictured here with her much-loved Grandpa).

Alana also has a fierce determination to build a life and to succeed despite the huge obstacles her health issues have triggered: 
     - As a newlywed facing a liver transplant and post-transplant complications 
     - The past 2+ years of uncontrolled electric shock-type pain, sudden muscle  weakness, dangerous blood pressure spikes, episodes of limb paralysis and even brain irritation -- and finally, a diagnosis of Systemic Lupus and Fibro-myalgia (with some heart issues from an early Covid case) 
     -  And as a teen and college student coping with a rare metabolic disorder (Maple Syrup Disease) that could turn a simple illness into a life-threatening event 

Despite these challenges, she works full-time helping others and teaches Sunday School when she can.  In her work, Alana teaches young adults with disabilities the skills they need to enter the workplace, as does her husband, Chris. She has also taught pre-school and provided direct support for at-risk seniors. All are very worthy jobs, but none come with high-paying salaries.

Alana’s low income doesn’t stop her generosity. Here’s an example I just heard: Chris had saved up a small amount of money for a date night, when Alana came home with a heavy heart, concerned about students with no winter coats at a school she served. They decided the students’ needs were more important, so they went to Goodwill, purchased the coats (plus hats and gloves), and she happily took them to the school. 

While we are grateful for her finally getting the diagnosis and a treatment plan, the resulting financial strain of getting to this point is creating a burden that threatens her ability to cope. It’s easy to picture the mounting cost of dozens of doctor/specialist appointments, expensive tests like MRIs, a series of new or changing medications (currently about $500/month), and then seemingly-endless deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance charges.

While we (her family) continue to help, the bills pour in much faster. Her bills just for the recent MRIs are almost $3000, with physical therapy about $2000, plus the monthly medicine that is finally bringing her some pain relief.

She works harder to reach her goals than anyone else I know, but it seems that with every obstacle she overcomes, another soon takes its place. And still she perseveres.

Every time Alana and her husband build up some savings to improve their lives, the money must go to medical bills — a heartbreaking cycle. She deserves a chance to live her life. 

Alana and her family have really tried to avoid this step of fundraising for several years, but the time has come to ask for help. We promise that every donation will go to medicine and medical bills. Any remaining funds will pay for specialist appointments, future tests and medicine.  

Thank you for considering some help for Alana. She’s an amazing, inspiring young woman who truly deserves it.