Help Jessie Reich with Medical Care for MCAS
Donation protected
After two years of suffering with increasingly more frequent and severe medical issues, affecting multiple systems of her body, my daughter, Jessie, was finally diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) in late September 2018. After seeing one specialist after another for her chronic and progressive health issues, and still not getting any answers, we were relieved to finally receive an accurate diagnosis for her. Little did we know at the time, it would be the treatment of this disorder that is an even bigger hurdle.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is a complex disease affecting the way mast cells work. Mast cells are immune/defense cells and our bodies' first line of defense when a "threat" is detected. When working properly, they release a wide range of potent chemical mediators that help us heal from injury or protect us from environmental or other assaults. In people with MCAS, mast cells are inappropriately and excessively activated, causing chronic inflammation in multiple organs/tissues/systems and resulting in multiple symptoms and illnesses. There is no cure for MCAS, but it can be managed with proper treatment.
Jessie's immunologist, who diagnosed her, admits that he is still learning about MCAS, as it is a relatively newly discovered disorder and not widely understood or even recognized by most physicians. He has referred Jessie to see Dr. Lawrence Afrin, one of the nation's leading MCAS experts/specialists, to help him develop a treatment plan for Jess.
We very much want this too, as she is not responding to her current treatment regimen and she remains in poor health. She has been unable to go to work for months now and she struggles to function normally each day, as she continues to endure chronic and often disabling symptoms. As a mother, it's heartbreaking to watch as my child continues to suffer with this debilitating illness.
Devastatingly, Dr. Afrin, the MCAS specialist, does not participate with any insurance providers. The cost is $2000 for the initial consultation, another $2000 for the following visit, and $650 for any subsequent visits after that. This, of course, does not include the cost of any laboratory or other necessary testing that may be not be covered by her insurance.
For this mother, who works two jobs and is already living paycheck to paycheck, the cost of this opportunity for a comprehensive and appropriate treatment plan for my daughter is prohibitive, and the reason for this fundraiser.
It is in great humility and hope that I ask you to please consider contributing to Jessie's fund to enable her to get the specialized medical care that she needs. She deserves the chance to live a somewhat normal and productive life, and we believe that she will be able to with proper treatment for this complex disease. Please help me help my intelligent, soulful daughter return to her vibrant, adventurous self again.
I should also say, while we raise money for at least three appointments with Dr. Afrin, which could be at least a few months out, we could also use some relief for daily living expenses for Jess as she has been unable to work and is otherwise very limited due to her MCAS symptoms.
We appreciate anything you might be able to give, and promise to pay it forward.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is a complex disease affecting the way mast cells work. Mast cells are immune/defense cells and our bodies' first line of defense when a "threat" is detected. When working properly, they release a wide range of potent chemical mediators that help us heal from injury or protect us from environmental or other assaults. In people with MCAS, mast cells are inappropriately and excessively activated, causing chronic inflammation in multiple organs/tissues/systems and resulting in multiple symptoms and illnesses. There is no cure for MCAS, but it can be managed with proper treatment.
Jessie's immunologist, who diagnosed her, admits that he is still learning about MCAS, as it is a relatively newly discovered disorder and not widely understood or even recognized by most physicians. He has referred Jessie to see Dr. Lawrence Afrin, one of the nation's leading MCAS experts/specialists, to help him develop a treatment plan for Jess.
We very much want this too, as she is not responding to her current treatment regimen and she remains in poor health. She has been unable to go to work for months now and she struggles to function normally each day, as she continues to endure chronic and often disabling symptoms. As a mother, it's heartbreaking to watch as my child continues to suffer with this debilitating illness.
Devastatingly, Dr. Afrin, the MCAS specialist, does not participate with any insurance providers. The cost is $2000 for the initial consultation, another $2000 for the following visit, and $650 for any subsequent visits after that. This, of course, does not include the cost of any laboratory or other necessary testing that may be not be covered by her insurance.
For this mother, who works two jobs and is already living paycheck to paycheck, the cost of this opportunity for a comprehensive and appropriate treatment plan for my daughter is prohibitive, and the reason for this fundraiser.
It is in great humility and hope that I ask you to please consider contributing to Jessie's fund to enable her to get the specialized medical care that she needs. She deserves the chance to live a somewhat normal and productive life, and we believe that she will be able to with proper treatment for this complex disease. Please help me help my intelligent, soulful daughter return to her vibrant, adventurous self again.
I should also say, while we raise money for at least three appointments with Dr. Afrin, which could be at least a few months out, we could also use some relief for daily living expenses for Jess as she has been unable to work and is otherwise very limited due to her MCAS symptoms.
We appreciate anything you might be able to give, and promise to pay it forward.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kim Reich
Organizer
Auburn, NY
Jessie Reich
Beneficiary