Dying when I don't have to yet,??

Hi, my name is Terri. I am raising funds for Tamara (Kayci) Labinski relating to a very rare disease called Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener's disease. Only 0.001% of all people have GPA, meaning that very little medical research is done for treatment of this disease. What has been accomplished is very expensive and not covered by insurance, patient assistance programs, or large "associations" such as exist for Cancer, Heart, or Diabetes.

GPA is a form of Vasculitis (inflamed blood vessels), primarily of the head, lungs, trachea (windpipe) and kidneys. However, it can appear throughout the body. Vasculitis slows the blood flow to organs, causing intense pain and eventually death of those organs. Remission can be achieved in some cases with treatment, but there is no cure.

Tamara's symptoms are typical of GPA and to date have included:

Fortunately, the disease has not yet affected the kidneys, a common symptom with GPA.

Even with insurance, Tamara owes thousands in medical bills and can expect to owe thousands more. There is one prescription which would greatly help her skin necrosis, but she cannot afford the $800 a month out of pocket price tag. She must cover her body several times daily with multiple lotions to slow the dying of her skin. She also must see several doctors weekly for tests and any treatments they can provide (if there are any). Just transportation and co-pays eat up $200 a week. Pain management is also an ongoing concern.

All funds donated will go to handle these expenses for Tamara. Please donate if you can. The stakes are several years of life. Whether or not you choose to help by donation, please take the time to share this with your contact list. The next person may be the difference in whether or not Tamara sees her daughter graduate from high school or get married. PGA patients do not have time on their side unless we give it to them.