Multiple System Atrophy-Kim Seman
Donation protected
Kim Seman is a friend to all who know and love her, but she has especially been a good friend to me these past years and she is facing one of the toughest battles anyone can face in their lifetime. I am reaching out to all of you to help this brave, courageous woman in her struggle to fight a terrible, debilitating disease called MSA - Multiple System Atrophy. MSA is a rare, degenerative neurologic disorder affecting the body’s involuntary (autonomic) functions as well as movement; this horrific disease will result in many challenges for Kim, many of these challenges come at a high price...not only does this disease rob it’s victims of the normal every day lives they had been living, but the cost can be monetarily demanding.
Kim is 52 years old, a single mother of two children ages 20 and 18. She has cared for so many people in her life and now is a time that she needs the love and support that I am hoping we can all give to her. Shortly after Kim gave birth to her second child, her mother had a health challenge as well that changed the course of their lives, and it was Kim who came to her mother’s aid to help her and care for her as only a loving daughter can do. Kim has always been there for those in need - always supportive and encouraging as only a truly remarkable human being could be.
Kim worked at St. Mary’s Hospital for the past ten years in Health Information Management until just recently when approximately three years ago she noticed an odd sensation in her leg which led to numerous tests and visits to various neurologists hoping for an answer. The answer was not one my friend could ever have imagined. MSA is such a rare disorder that it took a couple years for Kim to get a definitive diagnosis and there is no cure at this time; science is always making strides and we are all praying for a miracle for Kim, but this disease is in the early stages of medical research, and the outcome at this time is still not good for those afflicted.
MSA is a horrific disease that comes with a timestamp; it is incurable and the cerebellum which controls all movement and our nervous system is not working properly so that people afflicted with this disease tend to suffer from ataxia, slurred speech, low blood pressure, bladder and bowel dysfunction, swallowing issues. I want everyone reading this to understand what this disease is truly about and how it robs it afflicted with life-altering symptoms wherein the patient must depend on physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and walking aids. This is a very daunting future filled with accommodations that will need to be made for Kim; any relief we can give in the other areas of her life would be greatly appreciated.
Up until just recently, Kim was working and caring for her children in her little cape style home in Middlebury. The job became challenging with her disease ever progressing and Kim can no longer work or drive.. Kim is awaiting a decision from the State of Ct Social Services Disability Unit to see about compensation; at this time, Kim has no source of income. Supplements, doctor visits, medical equipment….this all comes at a cost and I am hoping that we can find it in our hearts to offer Kim hope by helping her over this rough patch by contributing to her cause.
Each day is a testament to Kim’s fortitude; there are not many people who could face such a disease with such a strong conviction as Kim has done. Kim’s suffered from an inability to walk so the fact that she took care of her home single handedly has been upsetting. Kim walked and gardened, neither of which she is able to do at this time. Kim is very much dependent on her walker.. For Kim to leave her home, it is a challenging feat to get from her front door down her walkway to the street. She cannot leave through her house to her garage due to the steep steps inside her home. To think of assisted living at this time is a daunting thought for Kim when every penny counts and time with her family and friends is precious. Her parents help as much as possible with driving Kim to appointments, getting groceries, and helping to emotionally support Kim at this crucial time in her fight against this disease There is a constant concern with blood pressure issues, dizziness, unsteadiness, and it is Kim’s mother, father and children who are her ever supportive companions ensuring that Kim is getting the best care, love and support that she needs..
It is hard to watch my friend battle this disease; it is even harder to watch her worry about money and care - something those of us with insurance and income can take for granted that Kim no longer has the peace of mind to do the same. Please help me in helping her; it is my fervent wish to make her life easier in the only way that I can at this time. If we can help Kim with her financial challenges, I can only hope that God will help Kim with her medical ones and together we can hopefully help ease her a bit so that she can use her energy to fight a much more formidable foe. Please keep this lovely lady in your prayers and any amount that you can contribute will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Vita Ciullo
Kim is 52 years old, a single mother of two children ages 20 and 18. She has cared for so many people in her life and now is a time that she needs the love and support that I am hoping we can all give to her. Shortly after Kim gave birth to her second child, her mother had a health challenge as well that changed the course of their lives, and it was Kim who came to her mother’s aid to help her and care for her as only a loving daughter can do. Kim has always been there for those in need - always supportive and encouraging as only a truly remarkable human being could be.
Kim worked at St. Mary’s Hospital for the past ten years in Health Information Management until just recently when approximately three years ago she noticed an odd sensation in her leg which led to numerous tests and visits to various neurologists hoping for an answer. The answer was not one my friend could ever have imagined. MSA is such a rare disorder that it took a couple years for Kim to get a definitive diagnosis and there is no cure at this time; science is always making strides and we are all praying for a miracle for Kim, but this disease is in the early stages of medical research, and the outcome at this time is still not good for those afflicted.
MSA is a horrific disease that comes with a timestamp; it is incurable and the cerebellum which controls all movement and our nervous system is not working properly so that people afflicted with this disease tend to suffer from ataxia, slurred speech, low blood pressure, bladder and bowel dysfunction, swallowing issues. I want everyone reading this to understand what this disease is truly about and how it robs it afflicted with life-altering symptoms wherein the patient must depend on physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and walking aids. This is a very daunting future filled with accommodations that will need to be made for Kim; any relief we can give in the other areas of her life would be greatly appreciated.
Up until just recently, Kim was working and caring for her children in her little cape style home in Middlebury. The job became challenging with her disease ever progressing and Kim can no longer work or drive.. Kim is awaiting a decision from the State of Ct Social Services Disability Unit to see about compensation; at this time, Kim has no source of income. Supplements, doctor visits, medical equipment….this all comes at a cost and I am hoping that we can find it in our hearts to offer Kim hope by helping her over this rough patch by contributing to her cause.
Each day is a testament to Kim’s fortitude; there are not many people who could face such a disease with such a strong conviction as Kim has done. Kim’s suffered from an inability to walk so the fact that she took care of her home single handedly has been upsetting. Kim walked and gardened, neither of which she is able to do at this time. Kim is very much dependent on her walker.. For Kim to leave her home, it is a challenging feat to get from her front door down her walkway to the street. She cannot leave through her house to her garage due to the steep steps inside her home. To think of assisted living at this time is a daunting thought for Kim when every penny counts and time with her family and friends is precious. Her parents help as much as possible with driving Kim to appointments, getting groceries, and helping to emotionally support Kim at this crucial time in her fight against this disease There is a constant concern with blood pressure issues, dizziness, unsteadiness, and it is Kim’s mother, father and children who are her ever supportive companions ensuring that Kim is getting the best care, love and support that she needs..
It is hard to watch my friend battle this disease; it is even harder to watch her worry about money and care - something those of us with insurance and income can take for granted that Kim no longer has the peace of mind to do the same. Please help me in helping her; it is my fervent wish to make her life easier in the only way that I can at this time. If we can help Kim with her financial challenges, I can only hope that God will help Kim with her medical ones and together we can hopefully help ease her a bit so that she can use her energy to fight a much more formidable foe. Please keep this lovely lady in your prayers and any amount that you can contribute will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Vita Ciullo
Organizer and beneficiary
Vita Ciullo
Organizer
Middlebury, CT
Kim Seman
Beneficiary