Getting Brian Fichter UP!

Brian suffers from CIDP a rare neurological disease and has not been able to walk without an assisted device (and for a few months not at all), since February of 2015.  However, as you read on you’ll see a cure is within reach! Let’s all rally around Brian, Lauren ,
Call to Action- Read Brian’s story below and help us help Brian, Laruen and their children. Brian has always been there for me, and I’m sure I speak for thousands who can call him a colleague, a friend and a brother who always lend a help hand, sage advice and champion his local Pro Sports team!


Here is his story…

What is CIPD? Two years ago Brian was diagnosed with CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) a rare neurological disease in which his body produces a foreign antibody that attacks his myelin sheath, disrupting communication from his brain to his nerves (much like MS).  CIDP impact; ~5 cases per 100,000 people; that means out of 7.4 B citizens on earth, less than 400K have CIPD.  

Impact; Since Brian was diagnosed we have been through a lot emotionally and financially.  We have had to have lifts put in our previous house, a ramp built, purchased wheel chairs.  These things are not covered by insurance.  


Children from oldest to youngest Dalton. Charlotte and Brayden

By the grace of God, we happened upon the house we are living in now with an elevator, ramps and a first floor master bedroom which have been great for Brian and his ability to do more and not be so restricted as in our previous home.  With that said we were not able to sell our previous home due to the market collapse since we bought at the height in 2006 and are forced to rent just to help pay some of the mortgage until we can sell.  

While all that is hard, we are so lucky and blessed that he works for such a great company who has been so understanding!  A lot of people in his situation have lost their jobs or gone on disability.  For that we are so thankful!!!

Journey: Here is a brief synapse of what has been going on....

Since his diagnoses Brian has been re-diagnosed as having refractory CIDP, which means he has not responded to traditional treatments for the disease.  

·       He has undergone IVIG infusion (every 3 weeks for a few months)

·       Plasmapheresis and 6 months of a high dose Chemo treatment called Cytoxan.  

·       All have failed to give him the improvement that was expected.  He also was re-tested for other possible diseases but all came back to the original diagnosis of CIDP.

HOPE; We are so fortunate to be under the care of great Doctors at University of Penn.  After doing some research I came across an article from a German Doctor in which the Dr. was able to isolate a specific antibody in patients with refractory CIDP, and that those patients who carry this antibody responded to a drug called Rituximab.

·       Fortunately, when we brought this up to our Dr. at Penn they were the only University in the U.S. that could attempt this test in their lab.  They were able to find this particular antibody in Brian.  

·       Unfortunately, with 3 appeals to the insurance company and the pharmaceutical company the request to try Rituximab has been denied.  

As with any illness the expenses have built up over the years between the high deductibles, various equipment not covered by insurance as well as the stays and travel to and from Philadelphia.  

One infusion of Rituximab averages around $20K, and multiple treatments will be required.

Life is hard, but we never expected this at such a young age and with three young children!!  We are so grateful to the wonderful friends that have put this together to help our family!!!  

Thanks you with all our hearts!!  

Lauren & Brian Fichter