Help Deshon pay his medical bills

Hi my name is Lori Beth. Deshon and I met as a result of the hardest year of our lives. I was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) in December 2020. Not long after, at the same neurological office, Deshon was diagnosed with something that presents similar to MS called NMO (Neuromyelitis optica). We were strangers suffering through debilitating diseases that were quickly wrecking our lives. My bible study/prayer sisters reached out to my amazing doctor's office for someone we could bless in my name. It really does help the spirit to help someone else in need and "D" as we knew him, was suffering a great deal more than me. Deshon allowed the office to share his name and eventually we were able to meet in person! 

Deshon was diagnosed with NMO (see info about this rare disease below) at age 27. His diagnosis followed several months of worsening, disabling symptoms. He was unable to walk without assistance, he could not control his bladder, his vision, memory, and cognition were impaired. He also lost function of his hands. He became unable to work for several months and therefore lost his insurance coverage. Deshon was also hospitalized for a period of time. During this time, his medical bills began to pile up.

 

Thankfully with the help of medicine and much needed weekly infusions, Deshon began to heal. He is a true miracle!!! He has been able to return to work and regain his insurance coverage. Unfortunately, the medical expenses have continued to climb and he struggles weekly to just be able to pay his bills. Many times he goes without money for groceries.

 

This GoFundMe is set up to help Deshon completely get back on his feet in every way! Any amount you can give is so greatly appreciated and you will be a part of making this miracle of a man truly succeed. Deshon is a light and we know he has a lot to offer this world! He is just getting started! See below for more information about this rare disease...

 

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare, yet serious, auto-immune condition where the person's own immune system damages the spinal cord and the nerves of the eyes (optic nerves). NMO can affect anyone at any age. Each person will experience different symptoms, which can range from mild to severe.

Symptoms may include:

eye pain

loss of vision

colors appearing faded or less vivid

weakness in the arms and legs

pain in the arms or legs – described as sharp, burning, shooting or numbing

increased sensitivity to cold and heat

tight and painful muscle spasms in the arms and legs

vomiting

bladder, bowel and sexual problems

 

There are several possible complications of NMO including:

Visual impairment or blindness

Paralysis or weakness of one or more limb

Stiffness or muscle spasms

Loss of bowel or bladder control

Depression

Fatigue

 

NMO patients experience attacks with relapses of symptoms. Symptoms can last days to weeks. Symptoms may not resolve completely based on damage being caused to the central nervous system. Disability from NMO is very common and may become worse over time. Patients may need to work with an occupational therapist or social worker to address their disabilities.

NMO is a lifelong illness that requires lifelong treatment.