Help Renee Paul with Medical Expenses

My cousin Renee began having major issues with her pancreas in 2016 In June of 2022, after four lengthy hospitalizations, and three different hospitals, she was sent home with a diagnosis of acute pancreas, a few pain meds, and told to follow up with her gastrointestinal doctor. Even after all the hospital stays and different G.I. doctors consulting, they said there was nothing further that could be done and she was told to try contacting The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota-which is a teaching hospital. After The Mayo Clinic reviewed her case she was luckily accepted into their esteemed research hospital. Renee and her mother, Arlene, traveled there last week. After extensive testing, the prognosis of chronic pancreatitis was given. Throughout the testing process, it was discovered that there were over 25 stones inside Renee’s pancreas. These stones were determined to be the cause of her constant pain. Pancreatic stones are similar to gallstones, but unfortunately, they cannot be removed or broken up. At this time, surgery is not an option, but there is a slight chance that it could be performed in the future. With chronic pancreatitis, digesting food through the pancreas causes extreme pain. In order to relieve some of the pain, a feeding tube was inserted through Renee’s nose into her stomach. This is done to give her pancreas a break. All of Renee’s nutrition will be sent through the feeding tube and will hopefully help here gain back some of the weight she has lost, and relive some of the constant pain she experiences every time she eats. The feeding tube will deliver the nutrition that she needs to survive. In June of 2022 Renee weighed 135 pounds-now in April of 2024 she is down to 86 pounds. A normal weight for a woman her age and height should be 125 lbs to 169 lbs. Renee is currently at a 12.7 BMI-normal is 18.5 to 24.9. The special food Renee needs for her feeding tube (PEPTAMEN) is $50 a day. Renee will have to be on a feeding tube for at least three months. This brings her “grocery bill” to around $4500 for the next three months. On top of her first trip to The Mayo Clinic last week, she will also require at least one more week long trip at the end of May for more testing and evaluation on the success of the feeding tube. Since there is no cure at this time, Renee will most likely deal with this her entire life. This disease has severely impacted her ability to work and the medical bills are getting overwhelming. If you’re able to contribute anything , Renee and her mom Arlene would be extremely thankful.