Dina Marie fight her battle with Gastroparesis

Hi, my name is Sera and I’m fundraising for my sister, Dina.

As many of you know, she was diagnosed with Gastroparesis in March of 2023. Since then, Dina has lost over 40 pounds. She cannot eat any solid food or drink water without excruciating pain. Even if she tried to get through the pain, her diagnosis means her digestive system won’t process anything she eats, or very slowly at best. In addition, she has a pancreatic insufficiency. This also means she is not producing enzymes needed to process her food.

She is currently surviving only from a nasogastric feeding tube that provides her formula and water. She has recently switched local Boise GI doctors, and her new doctor does NOT recommend surgery. This means Dina cannot have a J-Tube placed and will need to deal with intermittent feeding tube issues at unpredictable times until a more permanent plan is put in place.

That brings me to how all of you can help. Dina needs to be seen outside of Boise by specialists in order to get through this difficult time. She has very, very clearly reached the end of any expertise Boise can provide. Her new doctor at IGA told her very frankly that she needed the Mayo Clinic or the equivalent, so the fact we had already been trying to get her in elsewhere was the right instinct. She has been accepted at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio which provides world renowned care for gastroparesis. We are so grateful for this…

While this is a blessing and she and her family are all waiting anxiously for her to be seen, the reality is that this will be a huge financial hit to Dina and her family. Having to receive medical care that far away from home means hotels, food for her caretaker and food for her family at home in Boise. Not to mention the cost of the medical care.

Dina is a bright light to all who know her. Always laughing, adventurous, and has spent her career as a paramedic helping those who are in need. We are asking for anyone who is able to please help Dina and her family get through this. Even if it’s just a share to your community, we appreciate anything you would like to contribute. This will help us make sure she can get the care she needs, and give her the peace of mind that her family and home are taken care of as much as possible.

All our deepest appreciation….

Dina’s family and friends