Stem Cell Transplant&Other Expenses

 facebook.com/serenasjourney ‌
Serena is a seventeen year old who's fighting for her life instead of enrolling in college. For the past ten years, she has been living with a primary immunodeficiency disorder that has worsened over the last several years. Her lab results are so off the charts that she does not have a name for her particular disorder and there is no known cure. She has endured countless medical tests, treatments, surgeries and hospitalizations. This condition leaves her body unable to fight off viruses/infections. Therefore, she is on meds, administered continually into her port by IV pump, which she wears in a backpack, for six to eight months each year plus her current on-going treatment which requires going to the hospital for two days every three weeks for infusions. Afterwards, she is violently ill for five or more days.

Her oncologist, Dr. Sunnenberg, believes a stem cell transplant offers hope for a longer and more normal life for her without constant infections and superbugs. Her mother, Lisa, works steadily and tirelessly at random jobs just trying to keep her household afloat (Serena’s father having died six years ago). Caring for a seriously ill child prohibits Lisa from having a more permanent position. The stem cell transplant would happen at a hospital far from their home in Pensacola, Florida and they would have to remain in that area for no less than 100 days incurring additional expenses there in addition to their normal monthly living expenses at home. The percentage of the medical costs Serena's family would be responsible for is overwhelming.

Please visit Serena’s Face Book blog titled 'Serena's Journey'.  Also, take a few minutes to view the video that was created by Dr. Sunnenburg, her Oncologist, that has been posted on Serena's Journey, facebook.com/serenasjourney.
Recently, she wrote that she knows her condition is worsening and treatment options for viruses/infections are becoming more limited. There is an urgency in having the stem cell transplant before she contracts something that her weakened immune system would be unable to overcome. Her doctor has likened it to being chased by a dragon. Without the transplant, the dragon is going to catch her and kill her. It's just a matter of time.

Please help the friends of, Serena Schewerdfeger, give her the opportunity to experience life rather than just survive. Your financial donations/gifts could provide the miracle she desperately desires and needs. More than anything Serena and Lisa ask for your prayers.

We ask that all persons reading Serena’s story (whether you donate or not) to share her story with all your friends with the request that they also share and so on. We need to get her story to as many people as possible.