Help Holly Breathe Easier

Holly Meeuwsen is a treasured friend and family member to so many. She is one of the most joy filled and positive people you’ll ever meet. Over the past year health issues have gotten her down though. Now it’s our turn to lift her up.  Many who know of Holly’s recent struggles have asked what they can do to help and contributing toward her existing and future medical bills would honestly be the greatest help right now.

It all began in January 2019 when she suddenly started to feel short of breath during workouts and at her job cleaning houses. At the end of February, she ended up at the ER and they diagnosed her with pneumonia. By the end of March, she was still not responding to treatments and breathing was hindered to the extent which required limiting work hours and extra activities including volunteering at her children’s extracurriculars. In mid-April, a bronchoscopy with small biopsies confirmed a suspicion of eosinophilic disturbance in the lungs and they began treating to suppress eosinophils with high dose steroid treatment.

The summer months were filled with symptoms worsening (even on the steroids) and increased symptoms (immunity and autoimmunity complications) due to long term, high dose steroid use. Continued sickness forced her to limit work by 50% or more and sleeping 15 hours daily. Also working with Pulmonologists, Hematologist, Functional Medicine Holistic Practitioner and adding Endocrinology and Rheumatology to assist with the dysfunction of her body with regards to autoimmune suggestion of root cause of the latest lung diagnosis: Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia.
Most recently on October 7, 2019 Holly had lung surgery to remove tissue samples from her lungs in order to perform additional biopsies and come up with a treatment plan. They are looking at long term immunosuppressive therapy of some sort but not steroid-related since the current steroid treatment was not effective suppressing her immune system from attacking the lungs and is causing additional problems; lifelong damage includes glass in the lungs, lifelong regulation of autoimmunity, developed asthma and chronic Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia.

Four years ago, in order to support herself and her two kids, she started her own cleaning business so she could earn enough to support their needs but also accommodate their schedules. Health insurance is extremely expensive for a self-employed, single mom. She decided to go without since she couldn’t afford it and had generally always been healthy. In May 2019 she was able to qualify for insurance coverage, but many medical bills accumulated prior and insurance won’t necessarily cover everything for upcoming treatments. Since falling ill income has been very limited due to her not being able to work and disability insurance is not available as she is self-employed.

Let’s come together and relieve Holly’s financial worries so she can focus on what she needs to do to get better. No amount is too small, and your help is greatly appreciated by all who love and care for Holly.
Thank you!