Brooke and family during her time of need

Hi, my name is Lisa (Brooke's mother). I'm writing to ask for your help and support. My daughter, Brooke woke up one morning to try to walk to the bathroom, just to find that she was unable to lift her legs out of bed. She was hospitalized for over 2 weeks. Within that time doctors ordered several labs, scans and a muscle biopsy. In early June of this year, Brooke was diagnosed with dermatomyositis. Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease that causes dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), and muscle weakness in the neck region, upper arms, hips and thighs. It may also cause a red-purple skin rash. There is no cure for dermatomyositis, but the symptoms can be treated.

Brooke was working as a KMA (Ky. Medication Aide) before this setback in her life occurred. She has dedicated her life to helping others. One day she plans to go back to college to fulfill her life dream of becoming a registered nurse. Unfortunately, Brooke has not been able to drive or work for going on 2 months now, due to some of the symptoms that she continues to experience. She continues to suffer from intermittent pain in her upper arms and legs. There will be times when her legs feel like giving out on her. She will have discomfort in the back of her neck, in which the pain will radiate down to her lower back. She has recently had some swelling around her neck, which has caused some episodes of trouble swallowing.

Brooke has recently started outpatient intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. She will receive 2 treatments a month, in addition to her current oral medication. The ultimate goal of this therapy is to normalize a compromised immune system.

Brooke is a beautiful, great personality, determined, strong young lady who is compassionate about life. This diagnosis has negatively impacted her ability to take care of her 3 young children and her future stepson. She has faced and overcome many challenges in her life. One major challenge was losing her father at a young age. Her friends & family are determined to make sure she doesn't have to do this alone.

This diagnosis may have disrupted her family's summer and the upcoming school year, but we consider this a temporary setback in her life. We are asking for your support, whether it is sending prayers, positive vibes or a donation of any kind. With any donations given, our goal is to help pay medical bills (that are not covered by insurance), medications, utilities and car maintenance. Together we can make a difference in the needs of those that need it most.

Our belief in God tells us that this is a temporary setback in Brookes's family's life. With our strong family values in faith, we believe that Brooke's health will be restored. She will be stronger than before and believe that with patience, faith and remembering that God will not allow more than we can handle. God is in control.