She was hospitalized on January 17th. Susie had full on “Exorcist” experience from her hospital bed on January 21st; which included uncontrolled limb movement and speech, followed by an inability to speak (express) clearly. Thankfully, a doctor in hospital, with knowledge of conditions like an autoimmune encephalitis, was able curb her “Exorcist” experience – not soon to be forgotten.
Susie’s immediate family was informed of her severe reactive state and subsequent hospitalization on January 22nd. The family learned of her brother’s death on January 27th, the day Susie was being discharged (while still painfully reactive to light, heat, smells, and histamine).
In the days that followed, Susie was ruled homeless (unable to return to her former residence due to health and safety reasons), returned to Michigan for 20 days to help and grieve with family, had to withdraw from PT school with only one clinical rotation left (though she plans to pursue a dual DPT/PhD program), begun paperwork to apply for Disability SSI/D, has had a few more ER trips, and (after securing a doctor’s letter for necessary accommodations) will be entering the DHS shelter system until she can enter the supportive housing program of her choice (Breaking Ground).
Throughout it all Susie and her family have endured out of pocket expenses beyond their means. One of the most challenging aspects of being fortunate enough to receive government benefits, is that they don’t always meet the needs of an individual adequately. Fundraising for these deficits, if done incorrectly, can easily disqualify the individual from their state medical and food assistance benefits or SSI/D eligibility (such as a well-intentioned GoFundMe or in-hand donations to the individual or her family). Most people, including beneficiaries, are unaware of this risk.
Susie and her family have finally secured a safe way to ask for help through an individual ABLE Acount (checking account for Qualified Disability Expenses, including non-medical needs), and this non-profit medical fundraising organization called Help Hope Live.
The nonprofit Help Hope Live to funds uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Illness.
Susie has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible 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 support!
