Hello, my husband Brian was recently diagnosed with a serious rare auto immune disease called Dermatomyositis...because of the unbelievable muscle weakness and skin rashes, as well as other contributors; he has been unable to work for the past 5 months. Being a carpenter and refinishing other peoples' homes that have been devastated by fires, floods, and molds was his life work. He dedicated himself to improving others' living conditions and the fact that this disease has taken that, in addition to playing basketball, gaming, and even spending quality time with friends and family away from him; has caused a tremendous amount of emotional pain along with the physical pain he is already experiencing as well. Not being able to use his hands to build walls is one thing, but this disease has weakened his muscles to the point of him needing the support of others to open the cap of a water bottle. Brian is constantly tired, but never gets enough sleep, he can barely keep his eyes open most of the time, and more often than not, refuses to talk because even that takes up too much of his energy. His hands swell where the joints are, and his face is always covered in red blotches. He tries to eat the best he can, but with all of the medications and steroids' they have put him on, it either kills his appetite, or upsets his stomach to the extent of him being nauseous all day long. There is no cure for this disease. The only treatment is the steroids' that he has already been on and tried, which have not shown much, if any improvement yet. He has currently 45 pounds and is STILL dropping weight like crazy. I have tried to apply for jobs and find further ways of coming up with even just little amounts of money here and there, but Brian is afraid for his safety if I do get a job, because he psychically cannot take proper care of himself without my help.

So, as my last resort, I have created this GoFundMe, to see how far and wide our story and faith can spread! Please, Please, Please keep my husband, his health, and my family in your prayers, as we are faith driven people!

Before Dermatomyositis

VS During Dermatomyositis

Brian getting blessed and praying with the priest! 
 

Brian's condition update!!!! Today is 10/24/2021, and we have been on this journey for about 6-7 months now. Brian is on a roller-coaster of a ride himself. He felt like he was getting a little better, but suddenly went on the dreaded drop and has been hospitalized 3 times, each lasting more than a week. Starting with an episode of critically low blood pressure from the disease, and ending  up with sepsis in his elbow caused by a biopsy done to fully understand Brian's disease itself...it felt like nothing was getting better. And although him being in good care, would be cause for a little relief; all I can think about is the pain and discomfort he is in, questions and concerns that we aren't getting answers for, the bills we have, and little things like household supplies that we wouldn't even get without family support and those of you who have already donated! These days, it feels like all cleaning supplies, and paper goods are a fortune, especially with the current inflation; of what is considered the basic necessities, and these hospital bills, it is like our luck just keeps getting worse. ANYTHING helps! EVERYTHING is appreciated! Keep us in your prayers, and cross your fingers for the best of situations! Further updates, will be available below, as things hopefully improve. 

After Brian's biopsy infection, he needed surgery to drain the area, which ended up with another unfortunate event happening during the night. Brian noticed he was losing a lot of blood and needed another surgery to correct the mistake the first surgeon made by cutting through a vein during the procedure to place the tube drain in his elbow.

Brian resting with the drain tube in this elbow after surgery.