Tina's Help For A Miracle
Donation protected
What would you do for one more day with your children, one more kiss from your husband?
What would you give to see your grandchildren grow?
The answer is the same for us all: Anything.
This is why I need your help.
My name is Concetta Skiba but everyone calls me Tina. I am 55 years old and a wife, mother and grandmother. Five years ago I was told I only had six months to live. After two years of seeking a diagnosis for my deteriorating health, I was told I had Systemic Amyloidosis, an unforgiving and very rare disease that attacked every organ in my body.
With faith and the support of my family, we launched a war on this death sentence. Two years of nonstop chemo, countless hospitalizations, and with literally everything to lose, we marched forward – giving anything, including our life savings. But it was worth every second and every cent because in February 2017 a new immunotherapy drug became available and against the forecast of every physician I saw; I went into remission. This was the news and the gift we had fought so hard for, and it made us all realize the power of family and of God’s work.
The unfortunate reality, however was that even though the amyloids are no longer attacking my organs, there is no treatment to reverse the damage they inflicted. The disease damaged every organ in my body, but my heart was effected the most.
I am left with only 20% heart function and am in chronic heart failure. I need a walker or wheelchair and am confined to my house most days. But, I am here – watching my children become adults and through the birth of two beautiful grandchildren. The last five years have been a challenge but I am thankful for the time that God has allowed me to be with my family.
Today I begin a new fight – one towards healing beyond remission and extending my life. I have the opportunity to become a pioneer for a new procedure that shows promise in the repair of heart related illnesses such as mine. I was accepted to receive stem cell treatment. The research for this treatment is being done in the United States, however it is not allowed to be administered here. I will have to travel to Panama City, Panama in order to receive it. The procedure is just over $28,000 and I will most likely need two. Needless to say, insurance does not cover this next step in my quest to heal.
Before I was diagnosed I was just like you, a very active wife, mom and business owner. My day to day is drastically different now; but all I want is to spend as much time as possible with my family. I don’t expect to fully heal, but I am hopeful this procedure will extend and improve my life.
It is with joyful anticipation that I ask for your prayers and monetary assistance to help me make my miracle happen. The opportunity to be able to see my grandchildren grow up is one of God's greatest blessings and with this treatment it may be possible. My youngest daughter, who is special needs, just wants me to be able to drive again so we can go get out of the house together like we use to. I stand ready, once again, to do anything it takes.
Any and all donations are sincerely appreciated. Thank you and God Bless – from the bottom of my heart.
What would you give to see your grandchildren grow?
The answer is the same for us all: Anything.
This is why I need your help.
My name is Concetta Skiba but everyone calls me Tina. I am 55 years old and a wife, mother and grandmother. Five years ago I was told I only had six months to live. After two years of seeking a diagnosis for my deteriorating health, I was told I had Systemic Amyloidosis, an unforgiving and very rare disease that attacked every organ in my body.
With faith and the support of my family, we launched a war on this death sentence. Two years of nonstop chemo, countless hospitalizations, and with literally everything to lose, we marched forward – giving anything, including our life savings. But it was worth every second and every cent because in February 2017 a new immunotherapy drug became available and against the forecast of every physician I saw; I went into remission. This was the news and the gift we had fought so hard for, and it made us all realize the power of family and of God’s work.
The unfortunate reality, however was that even though the amyloids are no longer attacking my organs, there is no treatment to reverse the damage they inflicted. The disease damaged every organ in my body, but my heart was effected the most.
I am left with only 20% heart function and am in chronic heart failure. I need a walker or wheelchair and am confined to my house most days. But, I am here – watching my children become adults and through the birth of two beautiful grandchildren. The last five years have been a challenge but I am thankful for the time that God has allowed me to be with my family.
Today I begin a new fight – one towards healing beyond remission and extending my life. I have the opportunity to become a pioneer for a new procedure that shows promise in the repair of heart related illnesses such as mine. I was accepted to receive stem cell treatment. The research for this treatment is being done in the United States, however it is not allowed to be administered here. I will have to travel to Panama City, Panama in order to receive it. The procedure is just over $28,000 and I will most likely need two. Needless to say, insurance does not cover this next step in my quest to heal.
Before I was diagnosed I was just like you, a very active wife, mom and business owner. My day to day is drastically different now; but all I want is to spend as much time as possible with my family. I don’t expect to fully heal, but I am hopeful this procedure will extend and improve my life.
It is with joyful anticipation that I ask for your prayers and monetary assistance to help me make my miracle happen. The opportunity to be able to see my grandchildren grow up is one of God's greatest blessings and with this treatment it may be possible. My youngest daughter, who is special needs, just wants me to be able to drive again so we can go get out of the house together like we use to. I stand ready, once again, to do anything it takes.
Any and all donations are sincerely appreciated. Thank you and God Bless – from the bottom of my heart.
Organizer
Concetta Skiba
Organizer
Virginia Beach, VA
