I have never been one to ask for help from anyone. I've always muddled through my problems and prided myself when I found a solution to the issues I was facing. But now I do need to ask for help on behalf of a member of my family. My niece, Emily (my younger sister's only child), received a kidney transplant last Fall. She has slowly recuperated over the last six months, with several ups and downs along the way. Only recently has her doctor allowed her to return to work on a full time basis. This past weekend, while taking her two-year old son Adam to the ER, Emily mentioned to the doctor that she has been experiencing a high fever and a terrible headache that isn't going away--her general practitioner did not have an appointment available for two+ weeks. The ER ran numerous tests and came back with a diagnosis of renal aspergillosis--a rare, severe, and rapidly spreading infection that requires immediate antifungal treatment; it can be fatal if untreated. Right now it appears she will undergo surgery to remove the fungus. Although Emily has been able to work more consistently and very recently obtained health insurance through her employer, the copay for just the surgery is being estimated at $10,000 (payable before the surgery)--a figure that she is unable to cover. Emily has three young children five years of age and under (one that is non-verbal autistic). She desperately needs outside help to obtain the needed surgery so she can be there for her children as they grow up. I am helping all I can but, unfortunately, I'm unable to take on the entire burden. If anyone is able to help in any way (no matter the amount), the assistance will be gratefully accepted and unbelievably appreciated. Thank you!