Help Ruth get stronger!
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Ruth Johnston is a bright, creative, warm-hearted woman in her forties who suffers from an unexplained illness. Her skeletal muscles rapidly lose strength whenever she uses them, so that she becomes exhausted and feels pain when she moves around, eats, talks, or keeps her eyes open for more than a short time. She's unable to drive or exercise. Even breathing can be difficult. Lack of exercise is damaging her overall health and causing her muscles to atrophy. Her symptoms are growing worse year by year.
So far her doctors have found nothing to ease her symptoms except constant rest, oxygen, and regular sessions of physical therapy. The therapy is expensive, and her illness keeps her from holding a job. (She's supported by her father, a retired pastor on a fixed income.) Because there is no diagnosis, her health insurance won't pay for her physical therapy, and she can't qualify for government assistance.
In February of 2013 a tragedy made Ruth's situation even harder. Her adult son Levi, who suffers from schizophrenia, killed Ruth's mother during a psychotic episode. Ruth now has to use her limited strength and resources to assist in Levi's legal defense and help him get the treatment he needs.
In spite of her grief and her illness, Ruth is determined to do whatever she can to support herself. She is a published author, and she's hard at work on new projects, in the brief periods when she is strong enough to work. (To buy Ruth's books, or to find out more about her writing and other activities, please visit her website at ruthjohnston.com)
We, Ruth's friends, hope to raise the money she urgently needs. $20,000 would make it possible for her to continue her treatment through next year, slow the progress of her illness, and seek a diagnosis and cure. It would help her stay strong enough to finish her books. Please help us help her. This is an opportunity to make a big difference in the life of someone who truly needs and deserves help.
NOTE: When you make a contribution, you may see a statement like "Rob Crutchfield will receive your payment directly." Rob Crutchfield is responsible for this GoFundMe account, but he doesn't actually receive your payment. All donated money, except for small fees charged by GoFundMe and their payment service, goes directly to Ruth Johnston.
So far her doctors have found nothing to ease her symptoms except constant rest, oxygen, and regular sessions of physical therapy. The therapy is expensive, and her illness keeps her from holding a job. (She's supported by her father, a retired pastor on a fixed income.) Because there is no diagnosis, her health insurance won't pay for her physical therapy, and she can't qualify for government assistance.
In February of 2013 a tragedy made Ruth's situation even harder. Her adult son Levi, who suffers from schizophrenia, killed Ruth's mother during a psychotic episode. Ruth now has to use her limited strength and resources to assist in Levi's legal defense and help him get the treatment he needs.
In spite of her grief and her illness, Ruth is determined to do whatever she can to support herself. She is a published author, and she's hard at work on new projects, in the brief periods when she is strong enough to work. (To buy Ruth's books, or to find out more about her writing and other activities, please visit her website at ruthjohnston.com)
We, Ruth's friends, hope to raise the money she urgently needs. $20,000 would make it possible for her to continue her treatment through next year, slow the progress of her illness, and seek a diagnosis and cure. It would help her stay strong enough to finish her books. Please help us help her. This is an opportunity to make a big difference in the life of someone who truly needs and deserves help.
NOTE: When you make a contribution, you may see a statement like "Rob Crutchfield will receive your payment directly." Rob Crutchfield is responsible for this GoFundMe account, but he doesn't actually receive your payment. All donated money, except for small fees charged by GoFundMe and their payment service, goes directly to Ruth Johnston.
Organizer
Rob Crutchfield
Organizer
