ʔuuʔałuk (Taking Care of) our dear Sheila Charles

Help support Sheila as she remains in the hospital and is unable to work. Her muscles have weakened and she has lost most of her mobility over the past month. Doctors have determined Sheila has myositis, which could completely change her life going forward.

To family, friends and members of Sheila Charles’ community near and far, 

Our beloved Sheila has been going through a major health crisis. She needs our support during this difficult and frightening time.

Sheila’s health has been getting worse rapidly over the past month. She first noticed an unexplained rash. She then began losing strength in her neck, arms and legs to the point where she lost most of her mobility. Sheila’s mom Rose became her nurse as Sheila fought to continue daily life and go to work.

Her condition continued to worsen as she waited for the result of several blood tests. On April 23, an Emergency Department doctor grew extremely concerned and admitted her.

Since then, doctors have put Sheila through a battery of tests as they try to figure out what is happening to her.

On May 5, we took some baby steps closer to a diagnosis. Biopsy results show Sheila has myositis, an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the muscles. We are still waiting on other results to determine what kind of myositis it is.

Sheila is doing the important work of keeping her spirits high. Loved ones are by her side and visits from family and friends continue.

At the same time, she is going through scary experiences including a sudden loss of mobility in her legs on May 4. She is now unable to walk or stand. Due to weakness in her tongue and neck muscles, Sheila has had to change her diet and is presently only able to eat pureed foods.

"There is no cure as of yet, only treatment. I'm still counting on a miracle" she says.

Shortly before she became ill, Sheila started a new job that she was very excited about. Given her need to be in hospital, unfortunately her employment was terminated. Sheila also holds a mortgage and has to keep up with payments. This means financial worries on top of a very frightening and life changing health situation.

As an extremely independent person her whole life, Sheila has had difficulty asking for help until now. In this time of need please support our beloved Sheila with any amount you are able to.

With many hands we can help keep her spirits lifted and her needs taken care of while she focuses on healing. All funds will go to basic living costs while Sheila is in hospital and as she returns home and learns to live with this new reality.

**Please share this page with others who know Sheila**

She is unable to respond to everyone’s messages now. She tells us she appreciates all the love, well wishes, thoughts and prayers. Keep them coming as we support our happy, independent, amazing, loving friend.