Susie's Mayo Clinic expenses

My friend Susie was recently diagnosed with HAE type 3 or Hereditary Angioedema type 3, an illness that is characterized by episodes of severe swelling throughout the body. This is not only painful, making it difficult to use her hands and to walk and to just move around, but the swelling can cause her throat to close and cause asphyxiation. She keeps a EpiPen with her at all times for such an emergency.

Her rheumatology specialist began treating her condition with steroids about a year ago but because of the long term side effects the doctor decided in July to try infusions of cynrize, an expense drug that costs $64,000 a month. Fortunately her health insurance is covering this costs. But it seems that it is no longer as effective as it had been.

Because this condition is so rare, her local doctor has referred Susie to a specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, with the goal to confirm the diagnosis and gain control over her episodes. Her health insurance will cover the medical expenses but she needs help to pay for gas, food and lodging. It's a 6 hour drive one way between Olathe KS and Rochester so each trip will require at least 1 overnight stay. She is uncertain how long she will need to be in the area or how many times she may need to make the trip.

Susie has worked as a data operator at a local high school for the last 9 years. She loves her job and her involvement with the students, but like many of us, her paycheck just gets her from month to month. And she has missed 8 days of work in the past month. She has also had 3 trips to the emergency room.

Many of her friends have asked how they can help, so it occurred to me that a Go Fund Me account would be just the thing! I hope that if you're able you will join me in helping Susie fund her trip.