Scot Rambo here (without help from AI). Let me start by saying that I am the last person to think I'd be asking for help. Asking for help isn't easy for me, but I'm at a point where I have no choice. The short story is that I have a very rare lung disease caused by several bouts of COVID starting in September of 2021.

I have been in and out of the hospital many times over the past four years with each stay last between 5 and 10 days. In an 8 month span between summer of 2023 and spring of 2024, I totaled over 80 hospital nights with several nights spent in the ICU.

I am receiving care from Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota Hospital. There are only a few documented cases of what I have and no cure available. I have been kept alive by daily high dosages of steroids along with 27 other medications.

The years of taking high dose steroids has ravaged my body and caused numerous other conditions. A partial list of what I have is as follows:

I have the best medical team in the country involved in my case and, despite the odds, I am not giving up. I am sick every day and tethered to an oxygen tube 24x7. With no immune system, I am not allowed to be out in public or have visitors at the house.

I have had some small victories and am currently in stable condition and able to move around. I lost the ability to see anything except shape and color in May of 2024. After several surgeries, my eyesight has been completely restored. It is wins like this that give me the hope and strength to keep fighting.

I managed to continue working through mid-April of 2024 but got so bad working was no longer possible. I am now in the Social Security Disability program with a fixed monthly income. Until a few months ago, my wife had to quit her job in order to care for me. She has since been able to pick up a few hours per week.

Our medical expenses are over $1,500,000, much of which has been covered by insurance. The medications that are keeping me alive cost over $10,000 per month. I have been able to cover for the medical expenses and loss of income through our savings (401k, etc.). Our savings is now completely depleted, and we now face the prospect of losing our COBRA health benefits. We have moved into a small apartment and cut as many expenses as possible. I haven't driven a car since October of 2023. Even with all we've done, our current income is not enough to cover our basic expenses.

I am seeking some help to get us through the next few months. Again, I am very uncomfortable asking for help. Please know that prayers are just as welcome as money. I truly miss all of you and having a normal life. Thanks and God Bless.

Scot Rambo