My wife Susan is fighting for her life.

Hi, I’m Susan Decker-Fox, and I’m reaching out during the most difficult time of my life.

I’ve been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive connective tissue disorder that is attacking almost every part of my body: My heart, my digestive system, my joints, and my central nervous system. I live with relentless pain, debilitating fatigue, and constant medical complications. I’ve become dangerously underweight and can no longer walk safely, eat normally, or even care for myself.

Most days are a fight for survival. And right now, I need help.

Why I’m Asking for Your Support

After exhausting every local option, the Cleveland Clinic has become my best-and possibly only- chance. Their specialists are helping to manage this complex disease, but the toll of getting there, staying in treatment, and trying to hold on to any stability has overwhelmed us financially.

My husband has been my full-time caregiver, but he now has to return to work so we can stay afloat. That means I need qualified, in-home help for basic care, mobility, nutrition, and medical support.

The truth is: I can’t do this alone anymore.

How Your Support Helps

Your donation will go directly toward the essential care I need to stay alive and stable:

Travel for Life-Saving Treatment

I travel regularly to the Cleveland Clinic, where I’m being seen by specialists in Genetics, Neurology, Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Pain Management. These visits mean flights, hotels, transportation, and meals, all of which add up quickly.

In-Home Care and Support

With constant pain, weakness, and joint instability, I need help with everyday tasks — bathing, dressing, and managing medications and medical equipment.

Lifesaving Nutrition

Due to severe digestive issues such as gastroparesis, I will need to rely on tube feedings and medical formulas. The apparatus will be installed at the Cleveland Clinic in two weeks. This is the only way I can stay nourished.

Upcoming Surgery and Therapies

I’m preparing for a complex spinal surgery that I can’t face without help. I also require ongoing physical and occupational therapy just to preserve what little strength and independence I have.

Medical Equipment and Supplies

Wheelchairs, walkers, feeding tubes, IV hydration. Every day, I will depend on these tools.

Critical Medications

Many of my prescriptions aren’t fully covered. But without them, my condition becomes life-threatening.

Basic Living Costs

I can’t work because of the severity of my illness. Your help eases the daily financial pressure and lets me focus on healing, not survival.

What You Can Do

Any amount you can give will go directly to my care, and every donation truly makes a difference. If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this page. That alone can help more than you know.

Thank you for reading my story, and for standing beside me in this fight. Your support gives me the chance to keep going. I’m so deeply grateful.

With all my heart,

Susan Decker-Fox