Rich will Be Strong and Live Strong

I have recently been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called Aplastic Anemia.  My coworkers have kindly advised and insisted on setting up this GoFundMe account to help me with my bills. I was initially reluctant due to my discomfort with asking for help but they would not have any other way. I am thankful and humbled. Aplastic Anemia affects fewer than 20,000 people in the US per year. Go figure. My immune system has mistakenly targeted my bone marrow (autoimmune) causing a catastrophic failure to produce red white and platelets blood cells leaving me anemic, a bleed risk and susceptible to viral fungal and bacterial infections. Initialy I was given   red blood cell transfusions to correct anemia, platelet transfusions to treat or prevent serious bleeding, and antibiotics to treat or prevent infections. Being too old for a stem cell transplant I was given four 8 hour  ATG treatments (chemo like ) with cyclosporine and promacta and steroids at the University of Chicago Hospital for 24 days. I am home now be treated with Promacta ( platelet producer) cyclosporine ( immune system suppressor) steroids, anti virals, and a handful of other drugs. These are intense drugs and i fight the side effects every day.  I will be on this therapy for 6 months initially waiting for results which can take 6 months or more. Meanwile I have a picc line in my arm to recieve transfusions and also get blood work. I visit several Drs between 1 -3 times weekly for blood work , transfusions and if needed dosage adjustments. My wife flushes my picc line daily and home health nurses change the dressing weekly. My hospital bills, prescriptions transfusion and outpatient visits costs are piling up daily. I am on short term disability recieving only partial  salary. Though I am hopeful there are no guarantees that i will be able to return to work in 6 months as more treatment most likely will be needed and cause for extended disability and time off work. I have set my fundraising goal at $1 because most of my needs are unknown. Any contribution will be helpful and appreciated. I will be strong and live strong. Thank you! Richard Dluski.