Team Rita

I knew the mixed axonal demyelinating neuropathy, got the best of my extremely private & independent sister when she asked me for prayers & allowed me to share her story.  My sister Rita Brechbiel is 47 years young :) and is a loving wife of 28 years with two boys, one in college & the other still in high school.  Her and her family have quietly struggled for years with medical issues and finances, one crisis at a time.  But this final one is breaking her, not only physically, but mentally and financially.  I believe when she reached out to me, it was her saying "I cannot do this alone anymore" and accepted the fact she needs help from others since this illness is taking over her body. She has devoted the last 22 years of her life to serving & growing others' children as a 4th grade teacher.  I have seen my selfless sister serve God & others her entire life, but am slowly seeing her fade.  It has become too difficult to pay for routine things: bills, groceries, vehicles, mortgage, gas, college expenses, etc.  Right now she needs your prayers & financial support to alleviate the stress of how she can afford to help herself now.  We have the best parents that are helping in every way they know how, but over the years it has become too much for anyone to prepare for.  She struggles on a daily basis doing minor activities we take for granted: walking, standing, holding things, caring for herself and her family.  She suffers from fatigue and has trouble standing on her feet for hours to teach and simply holding a book.  She suffers from pain and it hurts her just to walk, ride in a car, or do her hair.  It has become dangerous for her to cook due to her inability to grasp things, randomly dropping things, & no feeling at times.  We are not sure how much longer she will be able to work.  She has been to many Doctors and various health facilities.  All we know is this type of neuropathy is progressive, they have no idea what caused this even after various tests & procedures.  She is being sent to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in the beginning of May for 8 days to hopefully find the cause & slow down the progression.  Yet another expense for her and her family, with flights, hotels, food, & medical bills.  She will be unable to go if they cannot afford it.  I'm begging you to please give my sister hope & allow my sister to receive the care she so much deserves.  I pray God, the physicians, & people from around the world help give her some relief from pain & sickness not only from physical standpoint, but also mentally, & financially.  This is a hardship no one ever wants to endure for themselves or their family, or even admit to others, but when times are tough you get desperate.  We thank you in advance as every little bit helps!