<div>My brother Raheem is a bright, talented young man whose life has been turned upside down by a devastating <strong>neurological disease called Autoimmune Encephalitis (AIE)</strong>. 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. <strong>For two years</strong>, 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.
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<div>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. <strong>This (alongside their behavior) has led to delayed care, iatrogenic injury, and a cascade of medical negligence, racism, gaslighting, and even retaliation</strong>. A provider <strong>threatened to discontinue care at the hospital </strong>simply because we voiced our concerns, and other institutions have <strong>refused </strong>to accept Raheem as a patient for further diagnostic work-ups, <strong>citing CHOP’s reputation and their own reluctance to challenge it.</strong> Our family has been left feeling isolated and powerless as <strong>Raheem’s medical records are filled with inaccuracies and misleading information</strong>. After a long history of being only partially treated, <strong>Raheem is now only being given psychiatric medicines as he continues to decline. </strong>Immunotherapy has been off the table ever since his relapse in November 2025.
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<div>We have traveled to <strong>several </strong>different states seeking help, and have most recently spent hundreds of dollars just <strong>for a single consultation </strong>with a pediatric neurologist under <strong>Dr. Najjar, the doctor who saved Susannah Cahalan </strong>(author of Brain on Fire). As recently as 1/20/2026, this pediatric neurologist told us Raheem’s case sounds exactly like Autoimmune Encephalitis. <strong>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</strong>, like a PET scan- <strong>something I’ve requested at multiple institutions</strong>, only to be rejected. She is interested in evaluating Raheem with a PET scan, but <strong>due to her busy schedule and the high number of undertreated AIE cases, Raheem may have to wait several more weeks. </strong>His disease is time-sensitive; <strong>the longer patients go without treatment, the more likely it is to cause irreversible neurological damage. </strong>I can’t afford to see Raheem suffer any more residual damage, especially not as a result of CHOP’s actions.
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<div>The emotional toll has been immense. <strong>Raheem once dreamed of becoming an NBA player,</strong> but now, in a moment that broke our hearts, he quietly said, <strong>"I guess playing basketball wasn't in God's plan for me." </strong>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 <strong>legal fees, travel expenses, medical appointments, treatment, testing, and to secure a lawyer </strong>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. <strong>Your support will not only help Raheem, but also send a message that <em>no </em>family will be silenced, and that every child deserves compassionate, thorough medical care.</strong>
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<div><strong>TL;DR: </strong>Autoimmune Encephalitis can be a<strong> medical emergency</strong> and is <strong>time-sensitive. </strong>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 <strong>$125,000 </strong>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.
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<li><strong>Milestone 1 ($35,000): </strong>Independent subspecialty rereads of Raheem's MRIs and EEGs; urgent specialist consultations to determine results and identify next steps; travel and lodging expenses for out-of-state care; and time off work to coordinate appointments, testing, and follow-up care. 
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<li><strong>Milestone 2 ($60,000): </strong>Clinical follow-up based on the findings from Milestone 1  (including extended or repeat EEG monitoring if recommended, additional specialist consultations to determine treatment eligibility, independent rereads of any new studies obtained, travel and lodging for out-of-state care, and time off work to coordinate ongoing care and escalation.
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<li><strong>Milestone 3 ($125,000): </strong>Independent medical expert review for case-building (including review of medical records, labs, and timelines for accuracy and adherence to standards of care); legal case-building costs; and time off work to coordinate care, advocacy, and next steps.
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<div>If a specialist recommends and we are able to access treatment (plasmapheresis, corticosteroids, IVIG, or rituximab), we will increase our goal toward<strong> $200,000</strong> to help cover urgent immunotherapy expenses and continued advocacy. <strong>All donations are truly appreciated. </strong>If you have any questions, please message me here or reach out on Instagram (<strong>@jamir_zzzzz</strong>).
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Khalif Sawyers

Anonymous

Delaney Renart

Rhian Santini

Jiyoung Min

Nelida Samford

L Dunne

francine salabie

Elvera Young

Justice and Care for Raheem: Help Us Fight Back

Justice and Care for Raheem: Help Us Fight Back

Still $3,173 to go. Help us build momentum.