Debbie Smyl

In 2010 my daughter, Debbie, was diagnosed with a rare disease — Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). The disease attacks the nerve endings, leaving her in terrible pain and prone to falling. Debbie currently receives 4-8 hour infusion treatments every week. Until recently there was no cure for this disease, but now there is hope. Debbie has been approved to receive a life-saving stem cell transplant in late June at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago (the only hospital in the U.S. that can treat this rare and debilitating disease).

The transplant involves the collection of Debbie’s own stem cells, followed by chemotherapy to wipe out her immune system. Following chemotherapy, Debbie’s harvested cells will be reintroduced into her body, resetting her immune system. The process takes at least two months, and Debbie will have to stay in Chicago during this time.

Even with insurance, Debbie will have many uninsured transplant related expenses such as: co-pays and deductibles, travel, meals and temporary relocation housing near Northwestern (rotating caregivers for two months). These expenses will total approximately $21,000.

To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Debbie’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Mid-Atlantic Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please click the DONATE NOW button today — your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Debbie hopes to walk without pain and end the painful weekly infusions, with their terrible side effects. But more importantly, she just wants to keep up with Danny and spend time with her family. Your donation of any amount will help bring Debbie one step closer to her “second chance at life.” Thank you in advance for your kind generosity and please continue to keep Debbie and her family in your thoughts and prayers

Helen Holroyd