Shelby has a smile that will light up a room but at only 19 years old, she is being robbed of that smile and much more by a very rare inflammatory disease called dermatomyositis. Having lost over 90% of her muscle function in a very short time, Shelby has spent more than a month at The Ohio State University Hospital where the medical staff are trying hard to to stop the progression of the disease before it affects her heart and lungs with the hope she will regain some of her muscle function. There is no cure, but treatment is helping.
She is currently working with Physical and Occupational Therapists for a minimum of 3 hours a day just to regain the ability to do simple tasks like walking and brushing her hair. She has a long road of recovery ahead of her but is hopeful to return home at the end of April for home therapy; however, she lives in a split level house. Without ramps, railings, and other modifications built into the house, she will be unable to function. Just one of Shelby's medications costs over $20,000 a dose and she receives that medication weekly. In addition to the the multitude of medical bills that have already started piling up, Shelby needs immediate help affording the modifications to their house in addition to the medical equipment not covered by insurance (like shower rails, toilet risers, ramps, railings, etc.)
Shelby is no stranger to adversity. Born to an addict mother, Shelby was fortunate to be adopted at a young age. When Shelby turned 18 she was able to reconnect with her biological father but months after recconecting, her father was tragically killed. Despite her rocky start in life, Shelby gives all she can to her siblings and helps anyone in need she can. She hopes to resume college if she is physically able and spends her time with her family, friends and boyfriend Rudy - and their two dogs, of course!
Please join me in helping Shelby by supporting her in any way you can - even if you cannot support financially, Shelby will need all the love she can get to help her on her road to recovery.
She is currently working with Physical and Occupational Therapists for a minimum of 3 hours a day just to regain the ability to do simple tasks like walking and brushing her hair. She has a long road of recovery ahead of her but is hopeful to return home at the end of April for home therapy; however, she lives in a split level house. Without ramps, railings, and other modifications built into the house, she will be unable to function. Just one of Shelby's medications costs over $20,000 a dose and she receives that medication weekly. In addition to the the multitude of medical bills that have already started piling up, Shelby needs immediate help affording the modifications to their house in addition to the medical equipment not covered by insurance (like shower rails, toilet risers, ramps, railings, etc.)
Shelby is no stranger to adversity. Born to an addict mother, Shelby was fortunate to be adopted at a young age. When Shelby turned 18 she was able to reconnect with her biological father but months after recconecting, her father was tragically killed. Despite her rocky start in life, Shelby gives all she can to her siblings and helps anyone in need she can. She hopes to resume college if she is physically able and spends her time with her family, friends and boyfriend Rudy - and their two dogs, of course!
Please join me in helping Shelby by supporting her in any way you can - even if you cannot support financially, Shelby will need all the love she can get to help her on her road to recovery.
Organizer and beneficiary
Mindy Eppley (Organizer)
Organizer
Millersburg, OH
Shelby Amos (Beneficiary)
Beneficiary