My sister, Moriya, is one of the kindest, most creative, and hardworking people I know. At just 23 years old, she was living independently in Portland, working, finishing her college degree, and building a life for herself. Then everything changed.
Doctors diagnosed her with autoimmune encephalitis— a neurological disease where the immune system attacks the brain, causing inflammation, cognitive decline, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and seizures. This type of illness is rare, complex, and can be life-altering without aggressive treatment.
In a very short period of time, she went from being a fully independent young woman to someone who could no longer safely care for herself. She became severely confused, lost much of her memory, and at times could not even recognize the people closest to her.
She began experiencing seizures and neurological symptoms that rapidly progressed. She has been hospitalized now for 6 weeks.
Although she has received initial treatment, including high-dose IV steroids, plasmapheresis, and anti-seizure medications, she is still facing a long and difficult recovery. She continues to struggle with significant memory loss, confusion, and cognitive impairment.
This illness has taken so much from her in such a short time. She lost her job, had to pause college before finishing her degree, and had to move back across the country to be with family so she can receive full-time care. This illness has taken her independence, her stability, and the life she worked so hard to build.
She now faces a long and uncertain recovery that requires ongoing neurological care, close monitoring, and potentially additional advanced treatments.
On top of the emotional toll, the financial burden has been overwhelming. She already has major medical bills from her hospitalizations, she currently has no health insurance, and she urgently needs continued specialist care, treatment, medications, and support with basic living expenses while she recovers.
We are asking for help with:
• Medical bills from hospital stay
• Specialist evaluations and follow-up care
• Travel for treatment
• Medications and ongoing medical needs
• Basic living expenses while she is unable to work
If you know Moriya, you know how much light, creativity, and heart she brings to the people around her. Watching her go through this has been heartbreaking. We are doing everything we can to help her heal, but we cannot do it alone.
If you are able to donate, share this fundraiser, or keep her in your thoughts, it would mean so much to our family. Every contribution helps bring her closer to the care, stability, and recovery she needs.
Thank you for supporting Moriya during the hardest time of her life.