Karen and Ric are our dear friends and we are organizing this Go Fund Me account in order to raise immediate funds to help with Karen's medical care and expenses.
Please consider giving financially in support of Karen and Ric.
Here is some background, as well as an update on her condition provided to us from Karen's husband , Ric.
Karen Wilhelm was diagnosed with MS in 2008 and although we thought it was under control, two additional rare neurological conditions “ALS” (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) starting in 2016 and “FTD” (an early age form of Dementia) in 2018 were determined.
These conditions continued to take their paths destroying her ability to speak, weaken her muscles and make decisions for herself.
Doctors have described her as an extremely complicated neurological case that involves mutable non-overlapping conditions for which there is no cure.
We have done extensive research, medical appointments at various clinics, genetic testing, medications and procedures to get opinions. This includes various types of holistic care and believe we are doing the best to keep Karen as healthy as possible.
Since there is no treatment, other than her twice yearly MS injections and 1 medication for ALS, which reduces a chemical on her brain, the main focus is on her comfort.
Karen underwent surgery just recently in early December to have a feeding port installed and she is slowly getting used to taking her food thru this port, rather than thru her mouth, in order to prevent aspiration when eating. The G-J feeding tube is still sore and she is slowly regaining strength daily with the hope she can get up as well as sit down on her own again.
She continues to see her MS/ALS-FTD/and Pulmonary specialists monthly, although there is not much that can be done.
Karen spends 15 hrs per day on her BiPAP breathing machine, which allows her lung muscles to relax, thus conserving energy.
As these neurological conditions continue to advance and as she loses her ability to walk or do anything for herself, increasing home care will
be necessary.
Our plan moving forward is to keep Karen as comfortable as possible and provide her the best caring and loving support. Karen’s strong and unwavering faith allows her to face these challenges with strength and courage.
