My brother Raheem is a bright, talented young man whose life has been turned upside down by a devastating neurological disease called Autoimmune Encephalitis (AIE). Once an honor roll athlete who played varsity basketball, track, and cross country as a freshman, Raheem is now confined to his home, praying and writing as his health continues to decline. For two years, our family has fought tirelessly to get him the care he desperately needs, but instead of support, we have faced repeated mistreatment and neglect from the healthcare system- especially at the hands of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Nemours Children’s Hospital.

Despite Raheem’s dramatic response to immunotherapy and clear evidence in his medical history and diagnostic tests, CHOP has insisted on labeling his condition as primarily psychiatric. This (alongside their behavior) has led to delayed care, iatrogenic injury, and a cascade of medical negligence, racism, gaslighting, and even retaliation. A provider threatened to discontinue care at the hospital simply because we voiced our concerns, and other institutions have refused to accept Raheem as a patient for further diagnostic work-ups, citing CHOP’s reputation and their own reluctance to challenge it. Our family has been left feeling isolated and powerless as Raheem’s medical records are filled with inaccuracies and misleading information. After a long history of being only partially treated, Raheem is now only being given psychiatric medicines as he continues to decline. Immunotherapy has been off the table ever since his relapse in November 2025.

We have traveled to several different states seeking help, and have most recently spent hundreds of dollars just for a single consultation with a pediatric neurologist under Dr. Najjar, the doctor who saved Susannah Cahalan (author of Brain on Fire). As recently as 1/20/2026, this pediatric neurologist told us Raheem’s case sounds exactly like Autoimmune Encephalitis. She was confused as to why Raheem was not given the standard of care for AIE and pointed out that there are tests more sensitive than an MRI for detecting inflammation, like a PET scan- something I’ve requested at multiple institutions, only to be rejected. She is interested in evaluating Raheem with a PET scan, but due to her busy schedule and the high number of undertreated AIE cases, Raheem may have to wait several more weeks. His disease is time-sensitive; the longer patients go without treatment, the more likely it is to cause irreversible neurological damage. I can’t afford to see Raheem suffer any more residual damage, especially not as a result of CHOP’s actions.

The emotional toll has been immense. Raheem once dreamed of becoming an NBA player, but now, in a moment that broke our hearts, he quietly said, "I guess playing basketball wasn't in God's plan for me." We have endured unimaginable stress and heartbreak, watching Raheem’s vibrant life slip away while fighting a system that seems determined to silence us. We are now seeking funds to cover legal fees, travel expenses, medical appointments, treatment, testing, and to secure a lawyer who can help us hold these institutions accountable and get Raheem the care he deserves. If necessary, we will travel across the country just to get Raheem treated. Your support will not only help Raheem, but also send a message that no family will be silenced, and that every child deserves compassionate, thorough medical care.

TL;DR: Autoimmune Encephalitis can be a medical emergency and is time-sensitive. After years of incomplete treatment, Raheem’s care has shifted away from immunotherapy and toward a primarily psychiatric diagnosis. He has now been on psychiatric medications for months, and his condition continues to decline. We are raising $125,000 to cover urgent diagnostic testing (MRI, EEG, and subspecialty rereads), specialist evaluations, travel and lodging for out-of-state care, time off work to coordinate urgent appointments, independent expert review to address inaccuracies in the medical record, and legal case-building costs.

If a specialist recommends and we are able to access treatment (plasmapheresis, corticosteroids, IVIG, or rituximab), we will increase our goal toward $200,000 to help cover urgent immunotherapy expenses and continued advocacy. All donations are truly appreciated. If you have any questions, please message me here or reach out on Instagram (@jamir_zzzzz).