My best friend Danielle Haney was diagnosed with scleroderma (internal form) about 1.5 years ago. She quickly began to decline and on September 8th was admitted to ICU in Greenville, SC with complications from the disease. She was in the ICU for 57 days where she was placed on a ventilator, her kidneys began to shut down and she started getting dialysis 3 days a week. The disease was also affecting her GI tract and esophagus. Unable to eat, she had to have a feeding tube placed for nutrition. After 57 days she was moved from the ICU to an LTACH (Long Term Acute Care Hospital). Since being at the LTACH she has made huge progress. She has had her trach removed and is breathing on her own and is now able to eat small portions at a time. She is now getting out of bed and taking small steps with assistance. She will continue to need dialysis until doctors can determine the extent of damage to her kidneys.  She is still at this LTACH but hopes to move to Asheville for further rehab in the next week. Since this all began, both Danielle and her husband have used up all of their accrued time off balances. Dean has stayed by Danielle's side in Greenville which is at least 5 hours away (round trip)from their home. Not wanting to leave her during the most critical times in ICU, he stayed in a hotel every night for at least 45 of the 57 days which had to be placed on credit cards.Even with insurance, their medical bills are more than they will be able to pay. Danielle is one of the strongest women I have ever known. She has worked so hard and I know that she will keep working and will be back home to her family of three beautiful girls and her husband very soon. If you can contribute even the smallest amount it would be so appreciated. If you are unable to contribute, please keep Danielle and her family in your thoughts and prayers and help her to continue to make HUGE improvements.
FYI- this is an old picture but one of my favorites.
Thanks so much!!