Emilie has become chronically ill . As most of you know, she's not one to ask for help, so I am asking for her.

Some back story - Emilie has several autoimmune related conditions:

-iga kappa monoclonal nephritis

-iga vasculitis

-systemic lupus

-monoclonal gammopathy

Her kidney function is rapidly declining. She is quickly on her way to needing dialysis and a transplant. She goes through chemotherapy and intense immunosuppressive treatments. However, these do not prove to reduce or improve her symptoms. Her medical needs have lead to significant costs for prescriptions, specialist, and hospital bills. She has had to reduce her private practice patients and has greatly impacted the family's financial situation. She continues to work as an adjunct professor at USF and is in graduate school perusing her PhD.

Emilie has had the most success from the care that has been provided by the Mayo Clinic. Unfortunately, the insurance is no longer covering the Mayo Clinic. She desperately needs to continue care with the them but these visits range from $440-$660 a doctor's appointment at a self-pay rate. These doctors are truly the only ones who have ever seen and treated people with conditions like Emilie's. The doctors are all in agreement that Emilie needs a newer medication, Daratumumab. This drug is typically only for Multiple Myeloma, and the insurance won't pay for it. It costs $25,000/month. Today, the oncologist called this a life or death situation.

She is trying to apply for financial assistance for medical care through NORD and attempting to get Blue Cross to allow them to upgrade the insurance plan without a qualifying event. The Florida Cancer Center is putting in applications for compassionate care financial assistance (already denied once) and working with the Mayo Clinic for approval. They say the odds are 40-50%, so the family is preparing for a self-pay situation.

Any financial support or a share would be greatly appreciated to alleviate some of the stress on Emilie and her family. All funds raised will go directly to medical fees such as co-pays, insurance costs, medication (including daratumumab), and medical procedures.

Emilie has dedicated her life to helping others and at this time is in need of help herself. Please consider donating and sharing her story.