Support Luna's journey to recovery

Dear Friends, Family, and Community,

My 15 yr. old daughter Luna was suddenly stricken with a rare autoimmune disease in December. What started out as a dry cough thought to be bronchitis quickly turned into a very rare reaction to mycoplasma pneumonia called RIME disease.

RIME disease, also known as Reactive Infectious Mucocutaneous Eruption, is a rare skin and mucous membrane reaction that occurs after an infectious illness. Luna's immune system attacked all of her mucous membranes, resulting in widespread painful blisters, peeling skin, inflammation, and blisters covering the inside of the mouth, throat, nose, and eyes.

While RIME disease is very painful, it is self-limiting and patients typically recover. However, in Luna's situation, it hit her eyes extremely hard, and she laid in the hospital for days without sight. She had lesions on her corneas and extreme eye inflammation. Special amniotic membrane lenses were inserted to help heal the lesions. Luckily, her sight was mostly restored, but she now has permanent mucosal ocular cell damage, eyelid scarring, and Symblepharon. These complications have resulted in a rough recovery with numerous doctor visits. Three months later, her eyes are still inflamed and she has to use lubricating eye drops every 15 minutes.

As her sole parent, I have been by her side the entire time advocating for the best care possible. It has been difficult due to the rarity of this disease and the lack of medical research as to how to treat it. I have missed an inconceivable amount of work as Luna has averaged 1-2 doctor appointments a week since January. I am a public school elementary art teacher who normally can provide for my daughter. However, due to having to miss so much work, I am bringing in considerably less income and have considerably more medical expenses. I am asking for help so I can continue to care for Luna and to pay for her eye needs as she heals and adapts to the unfortunate circumstances of this disease.

Every contribution—big or small—will make a difference. Please share this post and pray for Luna's recovery.