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Meet my friend Karen Jo Swearengin. She is a wife and mother of two, grandmother of four and a breast cancer survivor. We have been friends since 1965. I consider her my sister and we have been there for each other through all of life’s ups and downs.
Karen Jo has spent her career in the health care industry as a ward clerk, mostly in labor and delivery.
Karen has a kind heart and has always been willing to help others. Now she needs help. My dear friend is dying.
Karen became ill last year with a terrible disease called Systemic Scleroderma. I had never heard of this disease, but after reading about it, it was apparent that hers was much more aggressive than most of the people with this diagnosis. She tried to continue working, but it became impossible because of the excruciating pain. Doctor and hospital visits became a full time job.
After many and varied treatments, the medical team caring for her have recommended Stem Cell transplant to stop the rapid progression of the disease and hopefully save her life. Her insurance has given the approval for the treatment and she begins this lengthy process on February 19th.
A part of this process will take place at University of Washington Hospital, but the majority takes place at Seattle Cancer Alliance Center. They do not house their patients, but rely on the patient and caregiver to come and go daily for treatment. She must be housed within 30 minutes of the center and she must provide her own caregiver. Housing is available at a cost, but her insurance does not cover it.
The cost of housing Karen and her daughter Noel, who will be her caregiver during those three months, will be slightly over $10,000.
Here is where I’m asking for your help. Please donate whatever you can to help Karen Jo’s cause because she deserves to live. Whether you are able to donate or not, please share this far and wide so perhaps others may feel moved to help.
Karen Jo has spent her career in the health care industry as a ward clerk, mostly in labor and delivery.
Karen has a kind heart and has always been willing to help others. Now she needs help. My dear friend is dying.
Karen became ill last year with a terrible disease called Systemic Scleroderma. I had never heard of this disease, but after reading about it, it was apparent that hers was much more aggressive than most of the people with this diagnosis. She tried to continue working, but it became impossible because of the excruciating pain. Doctor and hospital visits became a full time job.
After many and varied treatments, the medical team caring for her have recommended Stem Cell transplant to stop the rapid progression of the disease and hopefully save her life. Her insurance has given the approval for the treatment and she begins this lengthy process on February 19th.
A part of this process will take place at University of Washington Hospital, but the majority takes place at Seattle Cancer Alliance Center. They do not house their patients, but rely on the patient and caregiver to come and go daily for treatment. She must be housed within 30 minutes of the center and she must provide her own caregiver. Housing is available at a cost, but her insurance does not cover it.
The cost of housing Karen and her daughter Noel, who will be her caregiver during those three months, will be slightly over $10,000.
Here is where I’m asking for your help. Please donate whatever you can to help Karen Jo’s cause because she deserves to live. Whether you are able to donate or not, please share this far and wide so perhaps others may feel moved to help.