Main fundraiser photo

Medical & moving expenses for Kate

Donation protected
My niece, Kate, has a rare blood disorder called Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).  In TTP, blood clots form in small blood vessels throughout the body.  These blood clots can be fatal or cause lasting damage, such as brain damage or stroke, if it's not treated right away.  Kate has experienced six strokes in the past as well as seizures.
     With TTP, the clots can limit or block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the body's organs, such as the brain, kidneys, and heart.   TTP also affects platelets in the blood which deal with clotting as well as a rare form of anemia. 
     Treatments for TTP include blood transfusions, plasmapheresis and medicines such as steroids, chemotherapy, rituximab (an antibody treatment), and an immunosuppressive agent called cyclosporine A.   Kate has been treated with plasmapheresis, blood transfusions, steroids and rituximab.  Kate had been in remission but recently relapsed;  she was receiving treatment with rituximab in Indiana but experienced adverse effects to the treatment, including skeletal neuropathy where she was unable to walk, nausea & vomitting, fevers, hypotension and was experiencing a great deal of pain.  She was seen recently at Brigham & Women's and is following up with Dana Farber, where they will follow her very closely. 
     We need help with relocating Kate back to Massachusetts from Indiana as well as some funds for medical expenses and some living expenses while she is undergoing treatment.  She is unable to work at this time due to her flare-up.  Time is of the essence.  Any and all help will be appreciated.  If we exceed our goal, the remainder will be donated to Dana Farber.
Donate

Donations 

  • Norma Huikku
    • $50 
    • 7 yrs
Donate

Organizer and beneficiary

Dawn Horne
Organizer
Hubbardston, MA
Roselyn Harrison
Beneficiary

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.