As many of you know, Stephanie Bodden was diagnosed with Systemic Sclerosis in 2016. After that followed diagnoses of several other subsequent diseases, including Addison's disease and interstitial lung disease. All of these have been not only debilitating, but extremely difficult to treat out even manage. Stephanie's team of physicians advised her to quit working due to the combination of diseases, however, Stephanie was able to continue working for one more year. Last year, due to a multitude of complications caused by the diseases she had to make the difficult decision to leave her dream job as an elementary school social worker.

As with many things in 2020, Covid-19 negatively affected Stephanie's social security disability claim process. Despite having filed last Fall, delays in getting records from the dozens of medical practices, the ability to work with the local representative group, and the processing at the Social Security Administration have led this to be a much longer process than usual. The loss of Stephanie's income and insurance has continually dealt large financial blows to her family, especially in the last couple of months.

Andy, Stephanie's husband of almost 10 years, has taken on as many extra shifts at work as he has been able, but being a dedicated firefighter also means being away from his family from 24 to 72 hours at a time. On his days off at home, Andy must often take on the role of caregiver. Stephanie and Andy also have their 8 year old daughter Rogue, who was born with a rare genetic disorder, ichthyosis. This requires a great deal of daily extra care, out of town medical specialist visits, as well as the daily medications, care and treatments.

This sweet family has not wanted to ask for assistance, however, circumstances have changed recently. Stephanie had to take two unplanned trips to Seattle for treatment which caused a strain to the families finances. They have also been faced with hundreds of dollars in car repairs this last month. With no savings left, no stimulus payments being received since the first one (for some still unknown reason), no income yet from Stephanie's social security, and no additional medical insurance assistance until Stephanie qualifies for Medicaid, the family is really feeling the weight of financial burden.

Stephanie and Andy are the first ones to volunteer to help those those in their tribe. They have a deep dedication to each other and to their beautiful daughter. As parents, Stephanie and Andy have instilled in Rogue a deep sense of love for humankind. Stephanie, Andy, and Rogue care deeply for their community and have often been the source of compassion, resources, and support for others. Please consider donating to support their family now during this difficult time. If you are unable to donate, please share this fundraiser so we can reach as many people as possible. Thank you :)

Hugs and love,

Melany, Stephanie, Andy, and Rogue