Breaking Ground for Crohn's...Faith's Life Changing Transplant!

Faith was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at just 10 years old. In the 10 years since, she’s spent nearly her entire adolescence battling pain, hospitalizations, surgeries, and the crushing side effects of medications that never brought lasting relief. The disease is an auto-immune

disorder and the treatments wrecked her immune system completely. She’s tried every treatment available — from

biologics to surgical interventions — but nothing has worked long-term. Crohn’s disease has stolen so much of her young life, and she ran out of options.

After years of setbacks and heartbreak, a ray of light came from an unexpected direction. At Stanford, doctors shared

groundbreaking research: patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who received stem cell transplants for cancer not only eliminated their cancer, but cured their IBD as well. The process involves high level chemotherapy to basically kill off the existing immune system, then using donor stem cells to “rescue” and give the patient a brand new immune system, free of the Crohn’s.

This revelation offered hope where there had been none — a chance at real healing.

Stem cell transplants are not typically performed for Crohn’s disease, and this made the path forward incredibly difficult. They faced years of appeals, denials, and battles with insurance. But her family never gave up — and finally, they prevailed.

Faith has now been approved for a stem cell transplant — a bold, very risky, but potentially life-changing and

curative step. This is not just about managing symptoms anymore. This is about the possibility of a cure — a

chance for Faith to have the future she deserves.

Even more remarkable: Faith’s transplant is part of a true medical breakthrough. Stanford is working toward launching a clinical trial for stem cell transplantation in

Crohn’s disease, and Faith’s case will help establish that program. She isn’t just fighting for her own life — she’s

helping open the door for others who live with the debilitating toll of Crohn’s, and for whom conventional treatment has failed. Her courage and experience may

pave the way for thousands more to find hope and healing in the future.

To undergo this transplant, Faith and her mom will need to live near Stanford for at least 6 months — if all goes well. While part of that time will be inpatient, much of it will be outpatient, and Faith will be required to remain within 30 minutes of the hospital at all times. Though

Ronald McDonald House may be an option and a true blessing they’ve utilized many times, it poses challenges

due to strict isolation protocols and can be emotionally difficult for long-term stays.

Her mom has explored every possibility — from housesitting to RV parks — but the cost of staying in the Palo Alto area is extremely high, and finding safe, flexible

housing suited to a transplant patient is incredibly challenging. The RV park alone is $1,800 a month to rent a space.

Faith’s dad — who is now self-employed — will remain home with her younger sister but hopes to visit as often as possible. With Faith and her mom expected to be away through the holidays and into the new year, we’re also hoping to cover travel costs for her dad and sister to visit

and keep the family connected during this long separation.

Both of Faith’s parents are retired law enforcement officers, and while they’re no strangers to tough situations, this journey has tested them in ways they never expected. Now, they’re leaning on their community — near and far — to help carry Faith through this critical time.

We are asking for help to support:

• Housing and lodging near Stanford during the extended treatment

• Safe accommodations that support strict immune compromised protocols

• Travel expenses and lost income for Faith’s Dad and sister to visit occasionally

• Out-of-pocket medical costs not covered by insurance

• Other essentials during the months away from home

Faith’s dream is to become a pediatric nurse — inspired by the many incredible caregivers who have walked beside her through this long road. She’s ready to give

back and bring the same strength, kindness, and courage to others.

We believe in this next step. We believe in Faith. And we believe in the future this treatment is helping shape — not

only for her, but for so many others still searching for answers.

If you can help — by donating or simply sharing this story — you’ll be part of something powerful: helping a

determined young woman fight for her health, her future, and the real life she deserves.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Karla Eschenbacher, on behalf of the Gill family