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<div>Check on your strong friends they said...I am that strong friend and in this moment I need support.
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<div>Be Vulnerable they said...
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<div>Closed mouths don't get fed they said...
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<div>Don't hesitate to to ask they said...
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<div>As posted on FB - When God turns your test into a testimony it is your duty to share your story to move, touch and inspire others!
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<div>I ASPIRE to INSPIRE before I EXPIRE so here goes....
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<div><strong>LONG STORY SHORT</strong>
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<ul>
<li>2017: Diagnosed with Lupus
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<li>2018: Publicly shared the diagnoses for the 1st time
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<li>2020: Left Lung Collapse
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<li>2021: Learned Lupus is attacking my lungs
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<li>2023: Diagnosed with ILD (Interstitial Lung Disease)
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<li>Jan 2024: Placed on Oxygen
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<li>Mar 2024: Progression of ILD making lung functionality 39%
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<li>Mar 2024: Was told my best course of action is a lung transplant
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<li>Mar - Aug 2024: Transplant Eligibility Evaluation Process
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<li>Jul 8, 2024: My case presented to and accepted by the selection committee
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<li>Aug 12, 2024: Got the call that I am officially on the Transplant list
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<li>Aug 28, 2024: (11:30 am): Donor Match Found
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<li>Aug 28, 2024: (4:00 pm): Admitted to the hospital and started the prep for the surgery
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<li>Aug 29, 2024: (5:08 am): Wheeled to the OR
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<li>Aug 29, 2024: (7:00 am): Surgery started
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<li>Aug 29, 2024: (2:30 pm): Wheeled to the Recovery Room
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<li>Sep 19, 2024: Discharged to continue <strong><em>My Journey To Recovery</em></strong> at home
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<div><strong>POST TRANSPLANT CARE - COST BREAKDOWN</strong>
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<div>While rejection can happen at any time, the first year is critical with the 1st three months being the MOST critical. I am prepared and ready for the journey which will be full of:
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<li>Doctor's appointments twice a week for the 1st four weeks, followed by weekly appointments until the 6-month mark, then monthly appointments until the 1-year mark. Appointments will be added as needed based on the results of the tests/labs/scans that happen at EVERY appointment. <strong><em>The co-pay for these appointments are $30-$50 each.</em></strong>
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<li>Home nurse visits twice a week for the first 2 weeks and then once a week for 3 more weeks.
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<li>Bi-weekly lung biopsy until the 6-month mark, then monthly lung biopsy until the 1-year mark. <strong><em>The co-pay for EACH biopsy is $200</em></strong>
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<li>Post-transplant meds. I take meds two times a day - 19 tablets at 10am and 12 tablets at 10pm. <strong><em>The co-pay totals $425 for a month supply of all my meds.</em></strong>
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<div><strong><em>This next year has a base medical price tag of $10,100 without additional appointments added when necessary, and gas money or car service money to get back and forth. I round the medical price tag to $15,000</em></strong>
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<div><strong>GRATITUDE REPORT</strong>
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<div>If I can say thank you in 2017 languages it would not be enough to everyone who have called, texted, sent videos, brought me (and my caregivers) a home-cooked meal, sent me items from my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2YC11MNUY8JIG" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMAZON JOURNEY TO RECOVERY LIST</a> , sent me Instacart or VISA or Shell Gas or Door Dash or Uber Eats gift cards, prayed, checked-in, and/or lifted my spirits. <strong><em>MY Support System is SO DOPE... I tell people all the time - YOU ARE THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS.</em></strong>
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<div><strong>WHY GOFUNDME</strong>
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<div>After prayer, much thought and conversations with my caregivers and my LS (#5), I decided to set up this GoFundMe for my medical expenses for this next year as I am on a restoration of health sabbatical (praises to God for 70% pay which is better than no pay FMLA leave...I can still eat and pay my rent/bills).
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<div><strong>MORE THAN JUST ASKING, I AM ROLLING UP MY SLEEVES, DOING MY PART FOR ADDITONAL $$$:</strong>
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<div>I am building my business MILE HIGH TRAVEL.
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<div><strong><em>"We at MILE HIGH TRAVEL are excited for the opportunity to help you plan your next unforgettable getaway. At MILE HIGH TRAVEL, we are dedicated to turning your travel dreams into reality. We are group-travel specialists specializing in destination celebrations. YES, we do plan trips on all levels - solo, couple, Family, etc. Our travel advisor team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable planning process. Let MILE HIGH TRAVEL plan your next trip."</em></strong> <a href="https://traveljoy.com/bookings/4tdyyJ6YqYgnmb1DAs2exuPQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED</a>
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<div>#LupusWarrior #LupusAwareness #PutOnPurple
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<div>I have a story to tell
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<div>I am Enough
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<div>I am Worthy
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<div>I am Trusting
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<div>I am Powerful
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<div>I am a Purple Ribbon-Butterfly Warrior &amp; Thriver
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