At just 17 years of age, my daughter, Charisse Bowe was diagnosed with systemic scleroderma, a rare auto immune disease that causes the immune system to attack the body and destroy healthy tissue mistaking it for a foreign substance or infection. Sadly, there is no cure and very few treatment options are available to slow its progression. Coming from a small island in the Bahamas, the diagnosis came as a shock.
Adding insult to injury, resulting from the scleroderma, she was also diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. This condition causes scarring of lung tissue making it difficult for oxygen to enter the bloodstream to distribute it to the rest of her organs. Charisse likens the experience to having a panic attack, where she feels like she is suffocating and unable to breathe.
Though she has maintained a positive outlook, Charisse’s lung function has decreased drastically over the past 2 years. Her body is literally trying to kill her. The decrease in oxygen saturation is placing too much pressure on her heart, and Charisse now requires 24-hour oxygen to avoid adding heart issues to her already lengthy list of health problems. Her only option now is to receive a double lung transplant.
During the transplant evaluation process in Orlando, FL, Charisse was diagnosed with yet another serious complication of scleroderma, Esophageal Dysmotility. Fortunately, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) has accepted her into their transplant program based on their past successful surgery rates. She must now step away from her full-time employment, pack her bags, and relocate to the Pittsburgh area as it is a requirement to live within 4 hours of the hospital to be added to the waiting list.
As you can imagine, the costs for her relocation, transplant surgery, hospitalization, caregivers, anti-rejection medications, and follow-up care are astronomical. Charisse will now have to go on disability with no way to cover these out-of-pocket costs. This is where you can help Charisse – our scleroderma warrior, dear friend to many, and loving daughter of mine – beat the odds and have a successful transplant.
To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Charisse’s honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the Southeast Lung Transplant Fund and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
For credit card contributions, please click the yellow Donate Now button.
Charisse is an inspiration to all who know her. She strives by the motto to never let her outside appearance match the way she feels on the inside. To the naked eye, Charisse looks like a healthy easy-going 29-year old, but her medical chart tells a completely different story. Your gift of any amount is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for reading Charisse’s story and for your prayers and financial contribution towards her future.
With sincere gratitude,
Agnes McIntosh (mom)
407-580-5892
