Help Vik & Roe avoid homelessness and access care
Donation protected
Hello all,
It’s been 2 years into this campaign already and we are still desperately trying to reach our goal.
Many of you know us, Vik and Roe, from Pearl and Lotus Co. Since 2007, Viktoria has been fighting a battle to find care for multiple chronic illnesses. For years, she has been placed on multiple medications including chemotherapy and immunosuppressants, with damage from the side effects, still prevalent today.
In 2017, Vik underwent an emergency LIFT procedure in Rochester, MN at Mayo Clinic to remove an abscess that was turning septic in their body. This involved a surgery that removed muscle in the back tailbone area. This has led to permanent scar tissue that in turn has started causing a possible re-opening and ability to become septic , inside the former surgical area. On top of this, in February 2023 , a T4/5 mass was found on Vee’s thyroid that was suspicious at the time. The biopsy was supposed to happen within 6 months along with a much needed follow-up. But because of the loss of Vik’s father unexpectedly from a massive brain stem stroke and medical negligence, the sudden move cross country became real. Having to leave much of our belongings and life behind (couch, table, furniture, shop materials and machines, medical opportunities, income, friends, etc), we have found ourselves unable to bounce back or afford basic necessities. On top of this, there is an ongoing legal battle with the DOJ regarding the discrimination and loss of housing experienced during this time difficult (April 2023). On top of this move, the thyroid storms since last year have gotten worse, there is a new brain lesion present, and a visit to the ER at the start of January 2024, has been absolutely exhausting. Due to the loss of work and extreme pay cut that had to be taken in order to also be a caretaker for their mother and father at this time, there have been no funds to help cover the costs endured from the move, loss/shift in careers, basic essentials and to help with upcoming medical appointments and expenses.
Viktoria is a previous chemotherapy/immunotherapy patient for Carcinoid syndrome. However, doctors suspected something else was at play. Before it was discovered, Vik’s body shut down and lead her to emergency cholesysectomy with bile salt backup. The treatments and removal have led to a whole host of new problems that we can’t access care for. We work tirelessly to afford it, but are now stuck in a medical wasteland with no specialists.
Mayo Clinic in Phoenix has offered Vik a spot to receive medical care but insurance does not fully cover many of the procedures needed. On top of this, the need for hotels, food, and medicine are also expected. The first trip is February 14-21, 2023 and Roe will have to take time off of work that cannot be afforded followed by scheduled follow- ups for both this surgical consult and the thyroid biopsy. The trip by car is 6 hours and is the easiest and least expensive way to travel.
Both of us, Roe and Vik work hard but are unable to barely keep afloat from the last 2 years. With the upcoming medical expenses, there is a great need for help to get us to a place where we can actually take a step back and attempt to grieve and heal.
*We are so appreciative of any and all help that we do and have received. We know right now if a very hard time for so many and appreciate you all for taking the time to read our story.
It’s been 2 years into this campaign already and we are still desperately trying to reach our goal.
Many of you know us, Vik and Roe, from Pearl and Lotus Co. Since 2007, Viktoria has been fighting a battle to find care for multiple chronic illnesses. For years, she has been placed on multiple medications including chemotherapy and immunosuppressants, with damage from the side effects, still prevalent today.
In 2017, Vik underwent an emergency LIFT procedure in Rochester, MN at Mayo Clinic to remove an abscess that was turning septic in their body. This involved a surgery that removed muscle in the back tailbone area. This has led to permanent scar tissue that in turn has started causing a possible re-opening and ability to become septic , inside the former surgical area. On top of this, in February 2023 , a T4/5 mass was found on Vee’s thyroid that was suspicious at the time. The biopsy was supposed to happen within 6 months along with a much needed follow-up. But because of the loss of Vik’s father unexpectedly from a massive brain stem stroke and medical negligence, the sudden move cross country became real. Having to leave much of our belongings and life behind (couch, table, furniture, shop materials and machines, medical opportunities, income, friends, etc), we have found ourselves unable to bounce back or afford basic necessities. On top of this, there is an ongoing legal battle with the DOJ regarding the discrimination and loss of housing experienced during this time difficult (April 2023). On top of this move, the thyroid storms since last year have gotten worse, there is a new brain lesion present, and a visit to the ER at the start of January 2024, has been absolutely exhausting. Due to the loss of work and extreme pay cut that had to be taken in order to also be a caretaker for their mother and father at this time, there have been no funds to help cover the costs endured from the move, loss/shift in careers, basic essentials and to help with upcoming medical appointments and expenses.
Viktoria is a previous chemotherapy/immunotherapy patient for Carcinoid syndrome. However, doctors suspected something else was at play. Before it was discovered, Vik’s body shut down and lead her to emergency cholesysectomy with bile salt backup. The treatments and removal have led to a whole host of new problems that we can’t access care for. We work tirelessly to afford it, but are now stuck in a medical wasteland with no specialists.
Mayo Clinic in Phoenix has offered Vik a spot to receive medical care but insurance does not fully cover many of the procedures needed. On top of this, the need for hotels, food, and medicine are also expected. The first trip is February 14-21, 2023 and Roe will have to take time off of work that cannot be afforded followed by scheduled follow- ups for both this surgical consult and the thyroid biopsy. The trip by car is 6 hours and is the easiest and least expensive way to travel.
Both of us, Roe and Vik work hard but are unable to barely keep afloat from the last 2 years. With the upcoming medical expenses, there is a great need for help to get us to a place where we can actually take a step back and attempt to grieve and heal.
*We are so appreciative of any and all help that we do and have received. We know right now if a very hard time for so many and appreciate you all for taking the time to read our story.
Organiser
Roe Sierra
Organiser
Moorhead, MN