Karim Pina Terminal Illness - MELAS

Meet Karim Pina....a lovable, intelligent, fun and laid back teen battling Mitochindrial disease and Eosinophilic Gastroenterititis.

This past week, one of my favorite cousins, Karina, received terrible news regarding her son Karim. At the age of 10, he was diagnosed with an extremely rare digestive disease called eosinophilic gastroenteritis in which only 8/100,000 are diagnosed each year. Six years ago         when he turned 13 he was also diagnosed with MELAS, a rapidly progressive and terminal disease for which there is no cure. She's been working with his medical professional team to at least manage his excruciating neuropathic pain after having 5 strokes. For the past 6 months he's been in ICU at UCSF being treated to no avail. His HCP has now recommended hospice. His mother hopes as a final resort to find a provider who specializes in MELAS syndrome, neuropathic pain and gene editing. His mother as you can imagine is completely devastated. Karim is her first born and she has been his primary support since birth.

After hearing the news about Karim, I immediately wanted to help in any way that I could. I've been given permission to share Karim's condition, and have created this GoFundMe to help alleviate some of the medical costs that are already being incurred, along with any other expenses as a result of the disease.

Karina is such a sweet, supportive and loving mother who has been there for me and my daughter during some of her most difficult times. She cared for my daughter when she suffered from seizures as a child. She opened up her home to my daughter so that she could attend USF college to eliminate the worries of commuting. When she recently learned of my daughter's pregnancy, she immediately had a brand new crib delivered for my Grandson. These are only a few examples of how supportive she's been to the both of us; so it is without hesitation that I help lift some of the burden off of her shoulders.

Above all, I would ask that you please keep my family in your prayers. This disease is rapidly progressive and the months ahead will be some of the most difficult faced. If you feel led to donate, I can assure that all proceeds will go directly toward covering any cost associated with the disease. Thank you in advance for your prayers and consideration.

See related article: https://www.dailyscanner.com/how-19-year-old-karim-pina-reached-100k-followers-on-twitter/