Some of you have offered to help our sister Lisa and asked that we set up a gofundme account. Lisa, 42, has a terminal illness. She was diagnosed a few years ago with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). There is no cure. She has lost the ability to move her body, is in a motorized wheelchair, and has mostly lost her ability to speak.

Two weeks ago, she moved in to live with her sister, Michelle, and her family. Michelle is now her legs, her hands, and her voice. Lisa was hospitalized with an infection for several days this week, but is thankfully home with Michelle again, who is caring for her 24/7. 

Michelle is exhausted, her family is stressed, and we haven't been able to get enough help. Michelle said, "I would not trade for one minute my sister living with me. I've never been so challenged yet laughed so hard in two weeks. I just want to make what little time she has on earth to be comfortable and stress-free for her."

Promises that were made for care in Illinois by her case manager in Utah have evaporated. Due to a switch in insurance and red tape, some of her medications are covered, but not all. She is getting very limited home health visits each week. 

We are in the process of trying to arrange for additional care for her such as aides and medical supplies and equipment. While in the hospital, she started to receive oxygen, which improved how she felt and her ability to speak. She's been prescribed oxygen, but it costs $151.50 a month and isn't covered by her insurance. The medications that aren't covered also run about $150 a month. We've found home care aids cost on average between $16-20 an hour.

 We have all contributed to Lisa's care over the last couple years, and will continue to do so . Until we get new services in place, it would be wonderful to have some funds to hire aids to come in to give Michelle a break and to pay for the equipment and medications not covered. A gift to help Lisa would be very much appreciated.

Our sincere thanks,

Lisa's sisters: Michelle, Amy and Wendy