Please help Samantha

Several weeks back my niece became ill. It began as illnesses often do, she was achy with a fever. She exhibited signs of flu and other symptoms that, by themselves, weren't overly alarming. After a week it was off to the family doctor. At that point, the plan was to continue to treat symptoms of what appeared to be a common illness. What was supposed to be a minor passing bug, quickly became worse instead of better. My little niece was wracked with horrible joint pain and terrifying fever spikes that would regularly top 103.5 degrees on a daily basis. Flash-forward through a frustrating several weeks of teams of doctors and specialists trying to narrow down a diagnosis, and all the while my niece was worsening. She was wasting away before our eyes, losing over 30 pounds in 4 weeks. At long last, a specialist in Montana, felt confident in a diagnosis of "Stills Disease". The Medical team decided that no more time could be spared, and they would life-flight Samantha to Salt Lake.

Since arriving in Salt Lake Samantha and her parents have been through a myriad of tests. As much as we were terrified by "Stills" we have heard names that scared us even more. Leukemia, Lupus, Bone-Marrow cancer, infectious disease, and auto-immune diseases. Instead of driving her little jeep and preparing to graduate with her friends, my little niece has been facing the hard truth that she may be facing a long-term disease.

At this point we still do not know the name of the faceless enemy that is attacking my niece's immune system and vital organs. But she is a warrior, and she is fighting for her life.

During all of this, Samantha's parents have missed a considerable amount of work, burned through vacation time and savings, and not made any income (as they are out of state supporting their daughter). Anything you can do to help, can help this family stay above water. It would be a tragedy if these dedicated parents can't make ends meet as they fight to save their daughters life.