Help Brandon and Laura battle Lupus

Since early 2018, Brandon has been frequently sick. Initially Brandon and Laura attributed this to the realities of having three young children; being tired, run down, and exposed to all the germs that kiddos bring home. However, in July 2018, Brandon became so ill he truly could not get out of bed. He went to the doctor, where blood tests were administered, and was he quickly admitted to the ER and then quarantined. The doctors discovered he was not producing white or red blood cells, and that his immune system was not functioning. They suspected lymphoma or leukaemia and put him reverse isolation while they searched for an answer. Bone marrow biopsy, CT scans, MRIs, echocardiogram, and blood tests determined it was not cancer but SOMETHING was terribly wrong. Doctors were perplexed and considered his case a medical conundrum. After nearly two weeks, Brandon was released from the hospital, completely exhausted, with no strength and little answers for his condition. In September his condition worsened again, with a new episode involving severe pain that left him unable to walk or use his hands without help. After a new round of tests, Brandon has been diagnosed with an aggressive case of Lupus.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. It attacks the body's immune system and organs. It is a disease characterized by remissions and flares. Cases can be mild to severe; easily managed or cause death. There is no cure for Lupus. This disease will be a life long battle for Brandon and his family.

Doctors are trying to control further damage to Brandon's organs and prevent the disease from attacking new organs with medication. They cannot offer him a prognosis for several months, until they can determine how his body has responded to the medication. 

Presently, this disease is affecting his lungs, kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, stomach, blood, joints, and skin. He is unable to work, or care for Brandon and Laura's young children. He needs to rest and recover as best as his body can. 

Along with the stress and uncertainties that come with this medical diagnosis, comes financial stress. Not only have they lost an income, Laura and Brandon now need to afford the medications and treatments not covered by their medical benefits. Brandon does not have short or long term disability benefits through his work, and his sick leave benefit covers only a portion of his wages up to 15 weeks through EI. Brandon has been unable to work since July. 

This Go Fund Me campaign aims to help ease the financial burdens this terrible disease has now placed on Brandon, Laura, and their young family. Please consider donating to their cause. Every dollar raised will help this young family in this very stressful time. 

Thank you.