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Alex Fonstad is a 22-year-old man who is very ill. Alex was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in April of 2015. After exhausting all of the traditional treatments for CIDP, Alex is now in need of a transplant. Alex, who is one of the kindest people you will ever hope to meet, needs our help because the cost of the transplant is overwhelming.
Alex grew up in Chesterfield, Michigan and graduated from Anchor Bay High School in 2011. Alex has played ice hockey all his life and now struggles to take a few steps every day. Alex was continuing his education in Orlando, Florida, when he was diagnosed with CIDP. Due to his illness, Alex had to drop out of school and return home to Michigan for treatment.
After many years of helping others, Alex needs your help. Insurance does not cover Stem cell transplants and everything must be paid out of pocket. Some of these are lab fees, transportation to and from transplant center (Chicago) and relocation expenses at time of transplant.
To help with the financial burden of Alex’s expenses, a fundraising campaign in his honor has been established with Help Hope Live. Alex has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your prayers, support, and generosity.
With sincere gratitude,
Karyn B. Kazyaka, Alex’s mother
Updated: 10/4/2019 -
Alex went back to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Dr. Burt for his 3 year follow up on his stem cell transplant. Dr. Burt and staff were amazed that Alex's has made a fully recovery from his CIDP. His nerves are fully regenerated and he has returned to a normal and healthy life. He does not need to return to Northwestern again. We are so grateful for Dr. Burt and Northwestern Memorial Hospital and all the good work that they are doing for patients with CIDP. Alex has even taken up waterskiing and wake boarding, which is a far cry from not being able to walk and go up and down stairs! I want to thank each and every one of our family, friends and coworkers for their emotional and financial support that they have provided Alex during this difficult time in his life.
Alex is making a remarkable recovery. He has returned to work and no longer requires the assistance of his cane. Around October 17, Alex said he woke up and felt different! He noticed that his coordination had improved and has been noticing small improvements every day. He is also able to stand without having balancing problems and jump. I am so grateful for everyone's support during this difficult time in our lives.
Alex has has been home a couple of weeks now and is recovering very slowly. He is working on regaining his strength and stamina and his spirits are up, knowing that his future holds great promise of a full recovery from this devastating disease.
Alex has completed the stem cell transplant and we came home Wednesday night from Chicago. Alex had a couple blood transfusions and some nausea, but all-in-all, he is doing very well. He goes to the primary care physician on Monday to go over the stem cell transplant and get lab work done. He no longer requires the care of a neurologist and does not require any more steroid infusions. He should be gaining his strength back over the next few weeks. He will also be starting physical and occupational therapy.
Alex was admitted today at Northwestern Hospital for the final stages of his stem cell transplant. He will be receiving chemotherapy for 4 days to kill his immune system. Dr. Burt will engraft Alex's own stem cells on the 5th day at the hospital. Once his immune system starts to grow again, he will be sent home! Alex is feeling very optimistic about the stem cell transplant. Thank you to all his family and friends who have supported us through this very difficult time in Alex's life.
Alex has returned from Chicago after having his stem cells harvested. The whole process has gone well. He will be returning to Chicago on July 24 for the next stage in the stem cell transplant. I am happy to report that Alex experienced very little side effects from the first round of chemotherapy and the neupogen shots he received to boost his stem cells.
Alex is at Prentice Hospital for mobilisation today July 1st.
Alex is in Chicago during the week of June 20 for pre-transplant testing. He is getting anxious about the treatment.
So happy for you.
Love you.
Grandma Ellen
Praying for you Fonz. Stay strong
Raquel
I'm praying for you Fonize. I know it's been awhile but you will always be my brother. If their is anyone that can do this, it's you.
Pringy
Praying for you Fonz! I had no idea I know it's been awhile but just know max and I are praying for you and we are going to help as much as we can!!! We love you!!!! Stay strong xoxo
Kayla Roberts
Stay strong
Henry VanReyendam II
Praying for you Alex
Carie
Hey bud sending prayers your way.
Steve zawicki
Prayers are being sent your way. Continue to stay strong and keep fighting.
Ashley
Thinking about you and wishing you the best in your upcoming treatments Alex.
Kris, Tony, Keegan and Kaitlyn
Hugs and positive vibes that treatment is successful.
Jeff and Billie Jo
Heather and I have been thinking of you and will continue to do so. We hope that everything turns out well for you.
Wayne and Heather Graf
Always thinking of you Alex
Pat and Eli V.
Wishing you the best. So sorry to hear you're going through so much. Working with you at Beaumont was always so much fun! I'll do anything I can to help.
Sammi Russell
We are all wishing you the very best-love you.
Grandma Ellen
Thinking of you
Kim Noble
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Alex Fonstad
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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