In August, Ivette began experiencing unique medical issues. After enduring multiple tests, scans, and invasive procedures at both Fairview and the University of Minnesota, she was referred to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, who agreed to take on her case.

Ivette receives calls and notifications from Mayo regarding specialist appointments as they are scheduled—most of the time several in one day, multiple days a week—meaning multiple and frequent trips to Rochester. Ivette, her husband Saul, and three of their six sons live in Forest Lake, which is roughly about 100 miles from Rochester. Depending on how many appointments Mayo schedules for any given week, and with the winter weather, they have also had to stay in a hotel in when necessary.

The gas, hotel, and medical bills are accumulating quickly, and Ivette still does not have any answers. Mayo has recently advised her that if they are unable to diagnose her condition with the handful of options they have left, they will be referring her to a rare disease center in Washington D.C..

Through the uncertainty and frustration, Ivette has shown up to work every day with a smile, only missing days she needs to make the trek to Mayo for ongoing tests, scans, and appointments.

I’m reaching out to ensure Ivette and her family can maintain their focus on her health instead of having to be concerned about mounting medical bills and costs associated with getting her the answers she needs. If you are unable to help financially, please keep Ivette in your thoughts and prayers in hopes her condition can be diagnosed and healed.