Help Tori Combat CIDP

Tori is the 14-year-old daughter of a friend of mine. Recently, Tori was diagnosed with CIDP, a very rare disease that attacks the body's nerves and eats the coating known as the Myelin Sheath (the fatty coverings on the fibers that insulate and protect the nerves). Without the protection of the Myelin Sheath, the nerves become susceptible to permanent damage.

Tori has already sustained about 45 percent damage to the nerves in her feet, legs, and arms. She no longer has any reflexes in her legs and her mobility has been severely reduced due to the pain and instability inflicted by the disease. This has left her unable to move around without the aid of a walker.

Tori's doctors have prescribed infusions of Rituximab to combat the spread of the disease. Although there is no cure for the disease, Rituximab has proven to be effective for cases similar to Tori's. Unfortunately, Rituximab is extremely cost prohibitive (running at around $20,000 per infusion out of pocket), and her insurance is refusing to pay for the treatments.

My goal for this fundraiser is to raise enough money for two more infusions. While this will not cure her of the disease, it will buy her 3-6 months to settle a treatment plan through her insurance (or find a new insurance provider). If nothing else, it will enable her to enjoy her summer vacation without the near constant pain

Tori is an amazing young woman with many years still ahead of her. Please help her to combat this devastating and debilitating disorder.