Sullivan is my 18-year-old nephew. Once a star athlete and student, Sullivan’s life has come to a screeching halt with the onset of Long Covid. The idea of Long Covid is hard for people to grasp. Even the doctors are trying to understand how to tackle it. But it is very very serious. There is not one system in Sully’s body that works properly - heart palpitations, fainting, muscle weakness, brain fog, digestive issues…these are just some of the symptoms. He has not gone to school for the entirety of his senior high school year. He can’t. He sleeps, wakes to do homework, and simply struggles to get through the day. He’s depressed and afraid.

Because it is a multi-system illness with each patient presenting differently, it is a huge challenge to find comprehensive and effective treatment in this country that is covered by insurance. Despite that, Sully has undergone multiple procedures and taken an abundance of medications. All to no avail. He is now fainting multiple times a day, losing weight and most importantly, hope. He thinks he is dying. Our family has turned to a known clinic in Germany where they administer a procedure not available in the U.S. (Heparin assisted Apheresis). Although not guaranteed, many kids his age have gotten better there. He will be going for at least a five week stay. The cost of this? An initial payment of $55,000 for the medical treatment alone. Again, health insurance does not cover this. Many loving friends and family have donated to date but this is an enormous expense which the family cannot afford.

If you haven’t donated and would like to or would like to pass along this fundraiser to others who might, the family would be so appreciative. At the very least please keep Sully in your hearts and wish him the best for his recovery.