Medical Expenses

Not many people know, but in 2005 our mom Loretta was diagnosied with a systemic auto-immune disease called Sarcoidosis of the lungs. Most people have heard of this disease as it's claimed the lives of actor Bernie Mac and Baseball legend Reggie White. Other famous celebrities affected with this disease are Floyd Mayweather Sr and Bill Russell. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ in the body. It is characterized by an exaggerated cellular immune response in involved tissues (basically the body/organs affected attack itself). The cause of this disease is unknown. The most common form of treatment is a medication called Prednisone. Since diagnosis of this disease in 2005, she has recently had a severe relapse starting December 2016 that she hasn't been able to bounce back from. Prednisone therapy alone in high doses has become ineffective. Methotrexate, another common drug has caused intolerable side effects. Physicians here in the Peoria area have admitted they don't encounter many people with this disease nor know how to treat it. She has been experiencing extreme fatigue, arrythmias, shortness of breath, dizziness and unable to perform activities of daily living that most of us take for granted. Doctors are now suggesting that the disease is in and affecting her heart. Heart involvement can be deadly/has a high mortality rate. Her Cardiologist has recommended a type of testing called a Cardiac PET Scan which is performed in the Chicago area (closest to Peoria). They have also referred her to a specialty Clinic in Cleveland Ohio for further evalutation and treatment. We are asking for any donations to help lessen her burden of transportation costs and medical expenses .  Any donation amount is of tremendous help and we are thankful to all whom can contribute. We all know that quality of life outweighs quantity. We want the best treatment for our mom! If you know her, you know she has the biggest heart, is full of life and would do anything for anyone!