Rik’s Fighting! He needs OUR HELP this time!

Hi, my name is Stacey and I’m trying to raise money to help my brother Rik in his battle with the rare autoimmune disease polychondritis. (Some of you might remember him as Rik Shannon). This debilitating disease is so rare that only one study is being conducted in the United States, and it’s in Philadelphia. Unfortunately he doesn’t live in Pennsylvania. Let’s help him get there!

Polychondritis is a degenerative autoimmune disease that attacks and dissolves cartilage during flare ups, making it difficult to walk, talk, and breathe. That’s horrifying to say the least, when you think about every joint in your body! Each flare up leaves less cartilage, causing so many other problems. He has already lost his hearing permanently in one ear, and his eyes water constantly. Not to mention the constant pain from his recently diagnosed fibromyalgia.

As a veteran, he is currently waiting months for doctors appointments at the VA, just to see a doctor that has no idea what polychondritis is, and isn’t interested in learning.

Rik has two boys, two dogs, and the work that comes from being a single (co-parenting) parent. Our goal of raising $10,000 will go directly towards getting him the care he needs, as well as the care his kids and pets need while he’s away. Any amount will help!

I would be grateful if you could pass this along, as we know our posts don’t always reach very far!

Thank you ❤️