Laine Needs Your Help

LOSING YOUR VISION AND YOUR HEARING IS NO PICNIC!

In 2015, I was diagnosed with an extremely rare autoimmune disorder which is causing me to lose both my vision and hearing.  There are fewer than 1,000 recorded cases of this condition worldwide. Although we were able to keep up with my medical expenses through 2017, my husband had to close his business in November of 2017 and has been unemployed since then.  He recently started a handyman business but this will take time before it gains traction and produces the income we need to cover my medical care and prescription/supplement expenses.

I am a "guinea pig" at Duke Medical Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.  I receive excellent care through a team of four retinopathy specialists and autoimmune specialists.  I currently receive two Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy infusions every other week after chemotherapy drugs failed to weaken my immune system. My vision has deteriorated to the point where I cannot drive at the moment, although there is hope that I may be able to drive again in the future as my visual symptoms clear.  If you've ever been in a snow storm you'll know what I see 24 hours a day - constant swirling, flashing and haze - even when I close my eyes.  I also have hazy blind patches which make focusing difficult. I have also lost my night vision.

My medical bills now stand at just over $10,750.  In addition, I require anti-inflammatory supplements and multiple holistic supplements to protect my gut and kidneys/bladder from damage due to two years of high dosages of Prednisone (30mg/day).  None of these are covered by insurance. I also take Mycophenalate and Tacrolimus to try to further weaken my immune system.

Unfortunately, my hearing aids, which are now 7 years old, recently broke.  I am profoundly deaf in my left ear and slightly less so in my right.  The hearing aids I require cost $8090.28.  They are self-adjusting and made specifically for those with profound hearing loss. Hearing aids are not covered by insurance in North Carolina.

Without your help I am not able to purchase the supplements and the prescription items not covered by insurance that I need to retain and  hopefully improve my remaining vision and hearing.  We do not have the financial capability to replace the hearing aids, purchase the medications/supplements and pay my medical bills.  Your donations will help me to continue with medical treatments and care until we are on our feet financially.  Won't you please consider helping me?

Imagine what your life would be like without vision and hearing.  Not being able to see or hear your children, family members and friends. I live with this thought every day.  If you are unable to donate, PLEASE share this with others on your social media accounts.  Thank you so much.  

Laine