This is my cousin, Ghamiah - a sweet, compassionate, and cheerful 34-year-old woman who has sadly been plagued with a rare and fatal autoimmune disease. Following multiple misdiagnosis due to the rarity of her condition, at 30 years old Ghamiah was diagnosed with diffuse systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), complicated by inflammatory polyarthritis, inflammatory polymyositis, interstitial lung disease (pulmonary fibrosis), malnourishment and renal failure due to scleroderma renal crisis. Ghamiah has begun treatment at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, under the care of one of the only scleroderma specialists in the world. With hope and optimism, Ghamiah has begun the long journey of taxing and complex therapies, medical procedures and regimens including ventilation, intensive steroids, and daily dialysis due to kidney failure. For the past two months, Ghamiah’s loving mother and sister have been staying at nearby hotels to ensure they are close enough to be by her side day in and day out. Ghamiah’s family has been supportive both emotionally and financially, however, medical expenses and hotel accommodations are accruing rapidly and causing additional distress. It is my hope that Ghamiah’s story can not only bring awareness to this terribly sad disease, but also bring much needed support to Ghamiah and her family. At the least, please keep Ghamiah in your thoughts and prayers as she navigates these unfortunate circumstances. Thank you for your help and love!