Rachel Will Walk
Donation protected
My name is Rachel MacLean, and I have an extremely rare autoimmune disorder called neuromyelitis optica (NMO) . My immune system attacks my optic nerves, spinal cord, and other parts of my central nervous system. I was diagnosed in 2012 after my first bout of transverse myelitis that left me with residual damage to my right hand and arm, as well as chronic fatigue. I've also suffered with two attacks of optic neuritis in 2004 and 2010 before I was diagnosed, which has left permanent damage to my right eye. I receive regular treatments to help battle further harm to my central nervous system, but unfortunately in February I was hospitalized with the biggest battle I've had yet, which has left me wheelchair-bound and unable to walk at this time.
I have never let NMO hold me back. I was diagnosed when I was a junior in nursing school, and even though it was a heavy blow I was determined to finish school and get my degree. Against the odds, I graduated cum laude as a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society of nursing, and entered the workforce helping others full-time on a high-risk pregnancy unit. In fact, I believe that because of my experiences with health problems and NMO throughout my life I have become a better nurse and person. I know what it feels like to be in the hospital bed terrified out of your mind, not knowing what’s going to happen to you. I’ve been that person, and because of that experience I feel like I am better able to treat my patients emotionally and physically. I love what I do, and even though it’s challenging, I wouldn’t give up being a nurse for the world.
On February 6th, 2016, I suddenly experienced excruciating back pain, causing me to seek immediate medical attention. By the time I reached the hospital, after about an hour and a half, I was no longer able to walk. I was admitted to the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania for five days for high-dose IV steroids, and then transferred to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia for intensive inpatient rehabilitation. I was supposed to have four to five weeks of intensive physical and occupational therapy to start learning to walk again, but I was released after about two and a half weeks. At that time they believed I would make a full recovery. I received home care for about three weeks before I was back in the hospital, this time at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital due to my gait, walking, and strength decreasing. It was at that time that the doctors read a more recent MRI of my spinal cord and found an inactive lesion on my thoracic spine. It's believed that that specific lesion started all of this in February and was just missed by the first hospital and doctors. Right now I'm fully bound to the wheelchair, but I have been taking some steps during therapy which is a huge accomplishment. My family and I have been doing necessary things to accommodate me and my wheelchair with ramps, a stair lift, grab bars, and more. I'm even getting a brand new wheelchair soon, which is going to change my life by giving me more access out in the community and house, and it'll be easier for me to use.
We have no idea if I'll recover more than this level of functionality and what the ultimate outcome will be like, but my family and I do our best to remain optimistic!
I look forward to getting stronger every single day and working to get my life back again. Every time I stand up is another accomplishment, and every step forward is a celebration. I am determined to walk again, and I will continue to push myself until I am able to. I want to get back to my life: spending time with my family and friends playing games, walking around town, bowling, ice skating... anything!
Currently every week I receive two sessions of physical therapy and two sessions of occupational therapy at my parent's home. This is a temporary arrangement until I am able to get transportation to an outpatient Magee facility in mid-June. All of this is to train my body and brain on how to balance, step, walk, and even just stand still without falling over.
I have a long journey ahead of me, and there's a lot of therapy and work to be done!
I am making this GoFundMe page because the truth is that I need your help. Honestly, I have no idea how much money I will need in the near future. I have a lot of bills that need to be paid: my rent, utilities, student loans, car payment, and also the extensive medical bills, which are surely adding up as I type this. I don't know how long I'll be out of work, and I don't know if I'll be able to cover the costs of everything on my own. There’s no other option than to ask you to help me in my journey to becoming independent again.
This is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I'm not one to ask for help hardly ever. I have always prided myself in being independent and strong, but I recognize now that I am in a time of extreme need. Raising money would ease so much pressure on me. This would allow me to focus more on my recovery and less on worrying that I'm going to run myself into debt for the rest of my life. It's terrifying enough to go from an independent nurse to a fully dependent patient.
The outpouring of love and support that I have received from friends and family is so touching. I am truly blessed to have so many people that care so much about me. I am eternally grateful just for your prayers and well wishes. Even if you can't donate a penny, just sharing this page could help me in some way... and even if I don't raise any money at all, maybe this page can spread awareness of NMO.
Thank you so very much for your time, consideration, love, and support.
Sincerely,
Rachel MacLean
(Updated May 30, 2016 with the current situation I'm in.)
I have never let NMO hold me back. I was diagnosed when I was a junior in nursing school, and even though it was a heavy blow I was determined to finish school and get my degree. Against the odds, I graduated cum laude as a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society of nursing, and entered the workforce helping others full-time on a high-risk pregnancy unit. In fact, I believe that because of my experiences with health problems and NMO throughout my life I have become a better nurse and person. I know what it feels like to be in the hospital bed terrified out of your mind, not knowing what’s going to happen to you. I’ve been that person, and because of that experience I feel like I am better able to treat my patients emotionally and physically. I love what I do, and even though it’s challenging, I wouldn’t give up being a nurse for the world.
On February 6th, 2016, I suddenly experienced excruciating back pain, causing me to seek immediate medical attention. By the time I reached the hospital, after about an hour and a half, I was no longer able to walk. I was admitted to the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania for five days for high-dose IV steroids, and then transferred to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia for intensive inpatient rehabilitation. I was supposed to have four to five weeks of intensive physical and occupational therapy to start learning to walk again, but I was released after about two and a half weeks. At that time they believed I would make a full recovery. I received home care for about three weeks before I was back in the hospital, this time at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital due to my gait, walking, and strength decreasing. It was at that time that the doctors read a more recent MRI of my spinal cord and found an inactive lesion on my thoracic spine. It's believed that that specific lesion started all of this in February and was just missed by the first hospital and doctors. Right now I'm fully bound to the wheelchair, but I have been taking some steps during therapy which is a huge accomplishment. My family and I have been doing necessary things to accommodate me and my wheelchair with ramps, a stair lift, grab bars, and more. I'm even getting a brand new wheelchair soon, which is going to change my life by giving me more access out in the community and house, and it'll be easier for me to use.
We have no idea if I'll recover more than this level of functionality and what the ultimate outcome will be like, but my family and I do our best to remain optimistic!
I look forward to getting stronger every single day and working to get my life back again. Every time I stand up is another accomplishment, and every step forward is a celebration. I am determined to walk again, and I will continue to push myself until I am able to. I want to get back to my life: spending time with my family and friends playing games, walking around town, bowling, ice skating... anything!
Currently every week I receive two sessions of physical therapy and two sessions of occupational therapy at my parent's home. This is a temporary arrangement until I am able to get transportation to an outpatient Magee facility in mid-June. All of this is to train my body and brain on how to balance, step, walk, and even just stand still without falling over.
I have a long journey ahead of me, and there's a lot of therapy and work to be done!
I am making this GoFundMe page because the truth is that I need your help. Honestly, I have no idea how much money I will need in the near future. I have a lot of bills that need to be paid: my rent, utilities, student loans, car payment, and also the extensive medical bills, which are surely adding up as I type this. I don't know how long I'll be out of work, and I don't know if I'll be able to cover the costs of everything on my own. There’s no other option than to ask you to help me in my journey to becoming independent again.
This is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I'm not one to ask for help hardly ever. I have always prided myself in being independent and strong, but I recognize now that I am in a time of extreme need. Raising money would ease so much pressure on me. This would allow me to focus more on my recovery and less on worrying that I'm going to run myself into debt for the rest of my life. It's terrifying enough to go from an independent nurse to a fully dependent patient.
The outpouring of love and support that I have received from friends and family is so touching. I am truly blessed to have so many people that care so much about me. I am eternally grateful just for your prayers and well wishes. Even if you can't donate a penny, just sharing this page could help me in some way... and even if I don't raise any money at all, maybe this page can spread awareness of NMO.
Thank you so very much for your time, consideration, love, and support.
Sincerely,
Rachel MacLean
(Updated May 30, 2016 with the current situation I'm in.)
Organizer
Rachel MacLean
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA
