Hello friends.

Our dear mother, Tofu Alofipo, finds herself in a precarious situation as she struggles to perform basic daily activities in her battle with Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. In Rheumatoid Arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and in severe cases it attacks internal organs. Tofu's case is SEVERE. Prolonged RA can also lead to bone erosion and joint deformity, both of which she is currently experiencing.

Tofu was first diagnosed in 2014 and has progressively gotten worse, to the point where today she can barely get herself dressed, brush her teeth, or walk. Even a simple accidental brush of her hand or wrist will cause unimaginable pain. Currently there is no cure for RA. One can only medicate with prescription drugs such as prednisone & leflunomide. But these medications do not tackle the problem itself and only suppress the pain to a manageable state for only a short period of time. This is a daily struggle for Tofu. The medications have taken a toll on her body over the years and has begun to yield other negative side effects that affect her in other ways that are just as painful and harmful. Those well acquainted with our mother know how beautiful she is inside and out.

By all outward appearances she is healthy, strong, and vivacious. However, inside, RA is tearing her down in every way. But she puts on a smile, remains positive and presses forward as best she can.

With the help of dear friends, we were referred to a potential solution that we believe is the best treatment for our dear mother. The treatment is stem cell therapy performed outside of the United States. Like any other major operation, treatment, or surgery, nothing is guaranteed. But after careful scrutiny and consulting with trusted professionals, we like our chances. Sadly, the treatment is not covered by insurance and costs $50,000. We humbly seek any support that can be given so that our mother can get her life back.

Sincerely,

The Alofipo family.