This GoFundMe is to help raise money for my cousin, Bj. Three years ago, he fell ill and after many hospital visits was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, which is a rare autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own muscles and skin, leading to severe weakness, pain, and a distinctive rash. In aggressive cases, like Bj’s, it progresses quickly and makes even simple daily tasks difficult, like walking, standing up, rolling over—things we don't even think about. In a short time, he's lost over 100 pounds and suffers from extreme muscular dystrophy due to the severity of the condition. Being 29 years old, one can imagine how difficult this may be to experience at such a young age.

For such a rare case as his, with added factors like his age and the severity at which the disease hit him, the treatments have been complex, ongoing, and extremely expensive, including constant hospital visits, specialized medications, and therapies that aren’t fully covered by insurance.

This is why the family is seeking help—to give Bj the best chance at going back to a normal life. If anyone knows Bj, they know he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need with no questions asked. He is a profoundly humble individual who has been so strong throughout his journey and a positive beacon of light despite his life-changing condition. And as much as he doesn't want to "bother" people with donations, the cost of care is becoming too overwhelming to afford and we desperately want him to receive the care he deserves to get him back to good health.

If you are able to give, anything would help and all proceeds would go towards his treatment, whether it be Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or any new medical treatments or therapies that are out-of-pocket costs. Whether you can give financially or not, we ask for prayers and well wishes as we all navigate this journey.