Support for Kelli and Marc

Hi, my name is Carmen, and I started this for my sister who has had a lot of medical issues the last several months and hasn't been able to work as much as she used to. It would help out so much to help support her while she waits on answers from doctors on what is wrong with her and how to walk normally again.

From my sister's perspective:

Thank you for clicking on this Go Fund Me page. My story starts in November, where I developed sudden heart related issues, chest pain, shortness of breath and debilitating fatigue. I pushed through as best I could for 3 weeks and tried going to several doctors for help; however, my basic labs all looked normal and general testing showed nothing alarming. Unfortunately, symptoms escalated for me to the point of being unable to walk. I had severe weakness, joint pain, tingling/pain/burning (neuropathy type issues) in both feet and legs past my knees, as well as a numb right foot. My right arm was also affected. I presented to a neurologist on December 14, 2023 and he admitted me into the hospital, where I stayed for 23 days. I missed celebrating Christmas and New Years with my family in my own home. Being gone that long was so hard and sad.

I initially received treatment for what doctors thought to be one illness, but other testing didn’t end up matching that diagnosis. More blood tests revealed abnormally high inflammation, as well as other concerning and escalated blood markers, which meant potentially something along the lines of autoimmune. I was then put on high dose steroids, which ultimately ended up making a difference. My inflammation and other concerning blood lab values came down. I ended up in the acute rehab unit of the hospital, where I attempted to start learning how to walk again. I still had extreme difficulty in just moving my leg or getting it to function properly, along with all the other symptoms. It became clear I wasn’t going to be walking on my own for some time, so my rehab transitioned to focus all on wheelchair mobility and safety. I was finally discharged on January 6, 2024 in my new wheelchair.

I have learned to adapt to wheelchair life. I don’t know how long this will last for me. Recovery can’t be rushed. I am making peace with where things are, instead of fighting my own body or pushing myself into further sickness. I attend physical therapy weekly and continue to see improvements in the movement of my legs. I do still have many disabling symptoms, however, including the numb right foot, neuropathy issues, joint pain, weakness and fatigue.

This has been a life changing event and the hardest thing I have ever personally experienced.

I still don’t have a true diagnosis, but it is likely some kind of autoimmune disease. There is also a high likelihood of having a type of autoimmune related neuropathy. I need further testing to confirm that, which will hopefully happen in the coming months. I am working with a Rheumatologist for the autoimmune disease diagnosis. I also see a neurologist, neuromuscular physician and a cardiologist.

If you decide to donate any funds to this Go Fund Me, the help provided would allow us to make home repairs and handicap accessible additions for the house. Further, with many appointments, funds can also help with gas money and medical bills. I am unable to work full time with my condition and I can’t drive myself to any appointments; therefore, others have to miss work to get me to appointments.

Thanks once again for reading my story. Please send all positive thoughts my way during this difficult recovery journey.