Hi, my name is Angela and I am Annika’s mom. I am fundraising to help with costs incurred due to Annika’s illness. Annika is a sweet, artistic, loving 13 year old. She has always enjoyed being active and spending time outdoors. She really likes nature hikes and ice skating. This disease has robbed Annika of her quality life. She has been bedridden for months, not having the energy to even walk up the stairs. She has lost a frightening amount of weight, falling to 67 pounds. The spark of joy has left her eyes, and as a mother that is one of the toughest things to see.

Annika was recently diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Ulcerative Colitis, which signals her body to attack her large intestine and stomach, causing inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding. Her joints have also been affected and she has become dangerously anemic due to Anemia of Chronic Disease. Because of this she has required several hospital stays and blood transfusions with more expected.

The most promising treatment for her Ulcerative Colitis is infusions of Remicade, an immunosuppressant, which has great results, but is needed every 6-8 weeks for as long as it continues to work for her. As of now insurance has declined to cover these infusions.

We are asking for donations to help with the mounting medical expenses incurred and for her infusions, which can give her that spark of joy back. Please consider donating so Annika can continue her fight against Ulcerative Colitis. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for taking the time to read our story!