Help support Heather Geesaman for CIDP journey

Hi, I’m Emily and have been best friends with Heather since I was 16 years old. I’ve known Cory since high school and am the godmother to Alaina, their 13th year old daughter. I love their family.

 

I want one help raise funds for their family because Heather was recently diagnosed with CIDP (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy). It is a rare autoimmune disease that affects nerves as well as myelin (which cover nerves). She started having mild signs a year ago- tripping more frequently, a leg that seemed slower to respond, muscle weakness, and the signs were progressive. After almost a year of testing, she has a diagnosis. She now has to use a walker and sometimes a wheelchair to get around. She can no longer drive. She has profound muscle weakness and nerve tingling/pain due to nerve damage. Heather’s vision has been compromised as well.

 

She is getting injections in her eyes to try to help improve her vision. She had a port placed to get plasmaphoresis (plasma exchange) on a regular basis as it is a treatment approved for the disease. There is hope for recovery- but it could be several months- and no one knows how much improvement there will be. We are hoping and praying for improved muscle strength, less nerve pain, and better vision- and overall, a better quality of life.

 

Heather was off of work on FMLA initially. The three month time frame is up. Her specialists have approved short term disability for now (it can last for up to one year). The paperwork (lots and lots of it) has been submitted, but we were told it could be at least a few months until it is approved. Their family has been on one income for about 4 months now.

 

I would love to help since Heather is currently unemployed, has frequent medical treatments and appointments, as well as increasing medical bills. Since I can’t cure the disease, or sit with her at appointments (thanks Covid), I wanted to help the best way I know how.

 

Heather has the biggest heart. She always has so much love and joy to go around. She is a giver, and has done so much for her family and friends (including myself). I would love to let her know how much she is loved. I would love for her (and Cory) to not have to worry so much about their finances. They have enough to worry about already.

They will also take all the hugs, prayers, notes of encouragement, hope, and love. 

 

So, please consider donating money to their gofundme.

 

Other options without fees

1) Venmo: @Heather-Geesaman

2) PayPal: profile name is the Geesamans

Contact me for it. The website does not allow me to list an email.

 

Please contact me with questions.

Thanks so much,

Emily Spingler