Hello Everyone, my name is Romaine and I need your help with medical coverage and treatment. I would like to share my journey with you which has been and currently is scary for me. So, in June 2021 is when things began to occur and my life as I once knew it health wise began to spiral and spiral expeditiously. I began to experience feelings within my body that I never felt before. It initially felt like a little tingling in my feet. I overlooked it thinking I was working out too much. Overtime, it got more consistent, and I sensed that something wasn’t right. I didn’t know what to do and began to feel uneasy. I went to my primary doctor, a neurologist, and a hematologist (blood doctor) numerous times over the next few months trying to explain my conditions to be diagnosed over and over with various medical opinions with no definitive answer. I had undergone a series of multiple procedures such as: MRI’s, CT scans, several Biopsies, more Blood work than I believed to be humanly impossible. My mental and emotional health per the experiences being endured was fragile. My physical health quickly deteriorated, and no one knew why. My spiritual health/faith tested beyond measure and due to all (of thus) my hospitalization/test with the bills adding up all of my finances completely wiped out.
 On January 10, 2022; after 6 months of tests, I was diagnosed and informed that I had Cancer. I was diagnosed and informed that I have a Rare Blood Cancer known as POEMS Syndrome which is (Polyneuropathy, Organometallic, Endocrinology, Monoclonal Protein, Skin Changes) classified in the medical family of Multiple Myeloma. This Cancer, POEMS Syndrome has significant neurological effects on the body which reduces muscle stability. I remember in that moment how afraid I was of the unknowns/uncertainties of my future and the rapid thoughts that uncontrollably consumed my mind. In that moment of time my life was forever changed.

 Since then, I have been through intense Chemotherapy Treatment and infusions. I experienced a Pulmonary Embolism (a clot on my lungs) and was hospitalized. Overall I lost 80% of my muscle capacity, strength and mobility in addition to losing 30-35lbs in weight (from being 175 lbs.). I also was confined to a bed for weeks and used a wheelchair when coming out of the house (only for doctor visits). It has been, and still is extremely difficult for me going forward to do “normal” daily activities/functions such as: walking, standing, lifting objects weighing more than 15-20lbs, cooking, driving, cleaning up, bathing/showering and putting on clothes etc.
 Thankfully, there was a way to remove the cancer by doing an Autologous Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transplantation (Blood Transfusions) where I received a high-dose chemotherapy to remove/kill all the cancer cells, then use healthy blood stem cells extracted from my own body to rebuild my bone marrow. This was an intense/painful process to endure however required for me to essentially live. I received my transplant on March 25, 2022.
 It’s been a little over 100 days post-transplant and things are going in the positive direction. I have improved where I am using a walker and cane to assist me in my limited mobility, but in all actuality, I still require assistance. I have Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy required for strengthening my body and mobility due to the impaired neurological effects of the blood cancer. I take daily medications that I am required to take to build my immune system.I have additional appointments, procedures, and surgeries that are ongoing and to monitor my progression and get me to remission to become Cancer free. I do need assistance in home health to assist me with my day to day functions and transportation assistance to and from my future hospital/appointments.
 Many of you have inquired on how you could help in a matter such as this. And others that may be led to this page by the guidance of someone that may share my experiences with you and my requested needs. So, I am creating this GoFundMe account solely for that reason. I am in need of your assistance/donations to obtain funds to assist me with my past, present and future hospital bills, my monthly medications, my required home assistance, and expenses. The money that is raised from this site will ALL go towards the listed purpose of the request of overall medical bills and expenses. I do understand that my road to recovery is going to take some time, but you know, I Romaine Barnes do understand that it is going to take a supreme effort on my part and I will do my best, work hard, stay the course and maintain a positive/optimistic attitude.
 In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you in advance for your prayers and genuine support to assist me to get through this and remind/encourage me in knowing that I am NOT alone. I also want to thank my family and friends that have been there to help me through this process. With Best Regards, Romaine Barnes P.S. If the requested goal is exceeded and all medical bills/expenses are fully paid, please know that I am committed to donating the excess amount to many charities and causes near and dear to assist others with assistance.

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Help Romaine Through Treatment and Recovery

Help Romaine Through Treatment and Recovery

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