Alvina Mitchell Almost Home

This is my daughter Alvina. She was born with a genetic disease called Cystic Fibrosis. This is a terminal disease that affects many parts of the body http://cdn.differencebetween.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/450px-Blausen_0286_CysticFibrosis.png 
. Alvina was born in 1973 and was not expected to live more than a year. With faith, love, and the grace of God she is still with us today, 42 years later! Alvina’s grandmother and namesake passed away on Alvina’s first birthday. We believe in our hearts that she gave her life for that of her grandchild.
Alvina has struggled through many obstacles over the years, including many hospital stays for pneumonia. The treatments she must endure during these stays are very aggressive and painful, yet she handles them all with a positive attitude and amazing grace. She has a 14-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter that inspire her to be the best she can be and never give up!
This has been a particularly hard year for Alvina. The entire month of October was spent in the hospital trying to find the cause for her diminished lung functions. Although she did not have pneumonia, breathing had gotten very difficult and her weight had dropped significantly. Things improved somewhat and she was allowed to go home with a feeding tube in place to help her get much-needed nutrition. Unfortunately shortly after Thanksgiving Alvina’s lung functions dropped again. She couldn’t walk more than 15 feet without struggling for air. She was readmitted to the hospital on 12/19/2015 and after more testing was told that she has mold growing in her lungs. Thankfully, although very serious, this is treatable and she is starting to respond to antibiotics. She will remain in the hospital until her lungs are mold free.
It has been determined that this mold has been growing in several of the walls in Alvina’s home, and will have to be removed before she can safely return home. It is estimated that with removal and then renovation, it will cost between $ 12,000- $15,000. We are hoping that through the generosity of family, friends and the community we will be able to help Alvina and her children get home soon. Any help is greatly appreciated and our hearts full of gratitude!