Hi, I'm Karyn, your friendly costumer and animal lover. If you know me, you know the past couple of years have been a medical mystery. Some of that mystery was solved with a diagnosis of Pemphigus Vulgaris. If these words aren't new to you, it's probably because you remember my father having the same thing shortly before he passed away. No, I'm not dying. The medical field has advanced significantly since 2007 with this incredibly rare autoimmune disease. The problem is PV has completely zapped me of everything. I have virtually no energy to do the things I love, like making costumes and TNR the cats in the alley, let alone have energy to do the things I need to do, like take care of my body and my abode. When flare ups happen they can be anywhere. Itchy blisters form on patches of skin before sloughing off and leaving open wounds on my scalp, back, legs, and in my nose and mouth most frequently. The pain is so great that I have trouble sleeping and sometimes can't remember where i am in a sentence. I have had to give up work since my body refuses to cooperate and allow me to work when needed and meet deadlines. So when those medical bills came rolling in, I wasn't able to cover them.

The treatment available happens in 2 doses through infusions of rituximab. Insurance covers some of this but not the regular blood tests that happen to see where my levels are. I have to get regular bloodwork in between the infusions. I just completed my first round this spring and the next round will be in 6 months. I will have to do this until either remission happens or for the rest of my life. As of this time, there is no cure.

With your help I'll be able to pay my medical bills and take care of other things like rent, regular bills, cat food, etc. Anything helps and is appreciated!