Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Presbytera Janis (Presbytera is the title given to the wife of a Greek Orthodox priest, who is allowed to marry before being ordained) developed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 1996. In her case, it has attacked her brain and nervous system (lupus cerebritis).
Presbytera Janis subsequently underwent several procedures and surgeries to fuse the vertebrae of her neck and back, weakened by adult onset scoliosis. Unfortunately, lupus had so compromised her immune system that the surgeries resulted in a chronic infection (osteomyolitis) that has been resistant to treatment and has resulted in chronic fevers and seizures.
Because traditional antibiotic treatment has proven ineffective, she is now undergoing massive intravenous infusions of immune boosting drugs. This is being provided by a licensed physician, but is not covered by health insurance. Each infusion costs about $500, in addition to her other medications which cost $1000 per month. Presbyteria Janis is unable to work and Fr John is a part-time retired priest living in St Paul MN and serving at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church with limited income.
Pres. Janis remains upbeat and positive. She has counseled and helped many others through their suffering never complaining or feeling sorry for herself. She has taken St Thekla as her patron saint to help her in this journey. St Thekla, a follower of the Apostle Paul, suffered much throughout her life and was the first woman martyr for the Christian faith.
Presbytera counsels and consoles people when they are grieving and loves to help teach children in both Vacation Church School and 5th grade Sunday School. She also attends the Bible Study that her husband, Fr John leads as well as giving talks on “Suffering”.
She has faithfully served along with Fr John at numerous parishes including Holy Transfiguration Monastery in* Elwood City, PA, St George Greek Orthodox Church in Knoxville, TN, St George GOC in Pittsfield MA, Annunciation GOC in the Bahamas, St Spyridon GOC in West Virginia, and Life-Giving Fountain (Zodochos Pigi) in Martins Ferry, OH.
We ask that you please help these wonderful people pay for these medications to help stop the seizures and increasing medical costs. We are grateful for any amount that you can contribute and also ask for your prayers.
Presbytera Janis subsequently underwent several procedures and surgeries to fuse the vertebrae of her neck and back, weakened by adult onset scoliosis. Unfortunately, lupus had so compromised her immune system that the surgeries resulted in a chronic infection (osteomyolitis) that has been resistant to treatment and has resulted in chronic fevers and seizures.
Because traditional antibiotic treatment has proven ineffective, she is now undergoing massive intravenous infusions of immune boosting drugs. This is being provided by a licensed physician, but is not covered by health insurance. Each infusion costs about $500, in addition to her other medications which cost $1000 per month. Presbyteria Janis is unable to work and Fr John is a part-time retired priest living in St Paul MN and serving at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church with limited income.
Pres. Janis remains upbeat and positive. She has counseled and helped many others through their suffering never complaining or feeling sorry for herself. She has taken St Thekla as her patron saint to help her in this journey. St Thekla, a follower of the Apostle Paul, suffered much throughout her life and was the first woman martyr for the Christian faith.
Presbytera counsels and consoles people when they are grieving and loves to help teach children in both Vacation Church School and 5th grade Sunday School. She also attends the Bible Study that her husband, Fr John leads as well as giving talks on “Suffering”.
She has faithfully served along with Fr John at numerous parishes including Holy Transfiguration Monastery in* Elwood City, PA, St George Greek Orthodox Church in Knoxville, TN, St George GOC in Pittsfield MA, Annunciation GOC in the Bahamas, St Spyridon GOC in West Virginia, and Life-Giving Fountain (Zodochos Pigi) in Martins Ferry, OH.
We ask that you please help these wonderful people pay for these medications to help stop the seizures and increasing medical costs. We are grateful for any amount that you can contribute and also ask for your prayers.
Organizer and beneficiary
John Kostas
Beneficiary