Megan's Fight with Amyloidosis
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"BE STRONG ENOUGH TO STAND ALONE, SMART ENOUGH TO KNOW WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP, AND BRAVE ENOUGH TO ASK FOR IT."
After life saving, emergency surgery in February of 2017, I was diagnosed with Amyloidosis . I have the genetic/ inherited form of Amyloidosis/ ATTR. Even though I have been working in the medical field, I had never heard of this disease. It is a rare, progressive, terminal illness that has no cure. Amyloid proteins that are produced naturally, are misfolded, which get deposited throughout my organs. It is affecting my Central Nervous System, my heart, and my GI tract. Although I look pretty healthy on the outside, I am plagued with crippling pain and have a hard time even eating. I am currently receiving infusions of a medication that will hopefully slow down the progression of my illness. I am blessed to have a wonderful team of doctors at the Taussig Cancer Center. I am working with a Palliative team to help manage my symptoms. I have not been able to work in almost two years. This disease has robbed me of so many things, and has put a strain on me in every possible way. While I have started the process of applying for disability, I am under tremendous stress to stay afloat. I have had to give up my home, my car, my pets, and the ability to help my own children. It has been a humbling experience. I am NOT the type to ask for handouts or help, so this is a very difficult thing to do. I am asking for help today, with the hope that I may be able to help you out in return someday. These funds would help me pay for medications, transportation to my treatments, and everyday living expenses while I am unable to work right now. Asking for help is one of the hardest aspects of this disease. Thank You for all of your kind words of encouragement. I will continue to fight this battle ! I am honored to know you, and lucky to call you my friend.
Megan
After life saving, emergency surgery in February of 2017, I was diagnosed with Amyloidosis . I have the genetic/ inherited form of Amyloidosis/ ATTR. Even though I have been working in the medical field, I had never heard of this disease. It is a rare, progressive, terminal illness that has no cure. Amyloid proteins that are produced naturally, are misfolded, which get deposited throughout my organs. It is affecting my Central Nervous System, my heart, and my GI tract. Although I look pretty healthy on the outside, I am plagued with crippling pain and have a hard time even eating. I am currently receiving infusions of a medication that will hopefully slow down the progression of my illness. I am blessed to have a wonderful team of doctors at the Taussig Cancer Center. I am working with a Palliative team to help manage my symptoms. I have not been able to work in almost two years. This disease has robbed me of so many things, and has put a strain on me in every possible way. While I have started the process of applying for disability, I am under tremendous stress to stay afloat. I have had to give up my home, my car, my pets, and the ability to help my own children. It has been a humbling experience. I am NOT the type to ask for handouts or help, so this is a very difficult thing to do. I am asking for help today, with the hope that I may be able to help you out in return someday. These funds would help me pay for medications, transportation to my treatments, and everyday living expenses while I am unable to work right now. Asking for help is one of the hardest aspects of this disease. Thank You for all of your kind words of encouragement. I will continue to fight this battle ! I am honored to know you, and lucky to call you my friend.
Megan
Organizer
Megan McNamara
Organizer
Brecksville, OH