Melissa Vander Kooi Medical Fund

Melissa was diagnosed a number of years ago with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Fibromyalgia. RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. It also can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. It's an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. It affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

In order to combat this damaging disease, Melissa has been taking numerous different medications and even doing chemotherapy. Late in 2017 her family and friends had noticed an increasing decline in her health and mental state. Because of the RA, she had become unable to work. On December 21st, she was admitted to the hospital and after numerous CT scans, MRI's and spinal taps, it was determined that the medications she was taking to help the RA had caused damage to her brain. She's currently still hospitalized and will need many weeks of rehabilitation. She's currently unable to walk unassisted or do basic and normal day-to-day tasks. She'll need speech therapy, memory care and help with motor functions. 

Their family is in need of funds to help with medical expenses, possible in-home care and travel costs as she's currently hospitalized in Madison. Any help that you are able to provide would be greatly appreciated. If you're unable to help financially, prayers for her recovery would be very welcome. 

Melissa has a huge heart and her priority was always the well being of her children and family. She's still consistently worried about where her children are and if they're being provided for. Any expenses that can be taken care of with this fundraiser would take a huge burden off their family's shoulders. Thank you!