My name is Charmaine, and I am living with a rare autoimmune disease called systemic vasculitis. This illness causes inflammation of the blood vessels, and for me, it has severely affected my lungs and nervous system. Because I live in Saint Lucia, where specialized testing and treatment for rare diseases are limited, I have had to travel abroad repeatedly to access lifesaving medical care.
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A Note About My Previous GoFundMe
In 2019, many amazing people came together to support my first GoFundMe campaign (https://gofund.me/6597dc63d), which raised over $20,000. I am forever grateful for the kindness and generosity shown during that time. Because of those donations, I was able to receive 9 months of lifesaving treatment in New York in 2021, including specialist care that helped stabilize my lungs and overall health.
That support truly kept me alive. I will never forget it.
Earlier this year, we updated that same campaign in hopes of raising additional funds for new medical needs. However, as the campaign was originally created years ago, it had stopped gaining traction. Many people were hesitant to share a page that looked “old,” and new donors could not easily understand the urgency of my current situation.
For transparency and clarity, we made the decision to close the old chapter and start a new, up-to-date campaign focused on my health challenges now.
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Why I Need Help Again
Systemic vasculitis is a chronic, unpredictable disease. Despite the treatment I received in New York, my condition has been worsening, especially my breathing. I am experiencing progressive respiratory issues, neuropathy, and other challenges that now interfere with daily life.
My medical team is concerned that the disease may be damaging my breathing again. To understand what is happening and prevent irreversible harm, I need a specialized diagnostic procedure that is only available privately in Saint Lucia. This test—and the follow-up care it will require—is essential for creating a treatment plan that gives me the best chance at stabilizing my health.
What Recent Support Has Accomplished
Thanks to donations earlier this year, I was able to receive one infusion treatment, which has helped slow down the progression of the disease. But I need additional treatments and ongoing specialist care to stay stable.
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How Your Donation Will Help
Your support will go toward:
* The advanced diagnostic procedure needed for my worsening lung disease
* Follow-up specialist consultations
* Additional infusion treatments
* Medications
* Paying down medical debt accumulated over years of treatment and hospitalizations
Every contribution—large or small—helps reduce a significant financial burden and brings me closer to the care I urgently need.
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Why This Means So Much
Starting a new campaign was not an easy decision, but it allows me to share my story honestly and clearly, without the confusion of an old page from 2019. It gives me a fresh chance to reach people who may be able to help during this new and difficult stage of my illness.
Your kindness, whether through donations, sharing the link, or simply keeping me in your thoughts, means more than I can express. This community has already changed my life once. I am humbly asking for your support again as I fight for my health and hope for better days ahead.
Thank you for reading, caring, and standing with me.
With gratitude,
Charmaine and family