I am doing this fundraiser on behalf of my seventy-nine-year-old friend, Janiece Miller, who is the main caregiver for her wheelchair-bound daughter, Tiffany. Tiffany suffers from the debilitating effects of Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a rare progressive neuromuscular disease that, among other things, gradually leads to loss of mobility.

An emergency sent Janiece to the hospital on October 8, and she has not been back home since then as she is presently going through treatment for an infection and rehabilitation to restore her own mobility that would allow her to function in her home.

In the meantime, Janiece’s daughter and 15-year-old grandson have been living at home, requiring the assistance of caregivers who are trained to use the lift and other equipment that Tiffany needs. The costs for this care, along with the costs for needed repairs to their home, have overwhelmed this family and they are in need of help.

The funds raised by this appeal will help to:

1. Pay for needed caregivers for Tiffany

2. Pay for caregivers for Janiece when she is discharged from the hospital

3. Help with medical expenses coming in that are not covered by insurance

4. Help with mortgage payments

5. Pay for needed repairs and adaptive modifications needed in the home

Depending on the number of hours needed, caregivers cost upwards of $300 a day. They are doing things that Janiece was doing at home in spite of failing health. The money you donate will be used to cover the needs listed above. I have been touched by this family’s resilience and determination as they have tried to survive against overwhelming odds and extremely limited income. Please consider a financial gift to help this family survive this desperate time.