Helping the Murphys- Ashley's Fund

Two years ago, my beautiful little sister, Ashley Murphy, was given a scary diagnosis: CVID (common variable immune deficiency). While this is called 'common' it is diagnosed in about 1:25,000 people. My sister's type impacts all 3 major types of immunoglobins and she essentially has no immune system. This was a huge shock to Ashley and her young family as she has 3 children aged (almost) 8, 11, and (almost) 15. 

Over the last 2 years, Ashley has been seen regularly by an Immunologist and an Oncologist. She is on a regimine of 5 infusions a week to try to give her body some immune system- the infusions take about an hour each time and leave her terribly exhausted as well as with side effects such as debilitating headaches. Her infusions cost $4500 a month. Her doctors aren't sure why her lab results are not getting any better, and they've now done 4 bone marrow biopsies, which are excrutiatingly painful. She has to continue to do them every 6 months because she has abnormal T cells and is showing markers for cancer. Her doctors are confused, frustrated and searching for answers. Ashley is exhausted, perpetually ill, and scared. With each new doctor appointment or biopsy, there is hope. Only to be left without answers. 

The wonderful news is that Ashley was just approved to go to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN! She is scheduled to be there January 29th-February 4th, 2017. The Mayo Clinic is world renown for superior diagnostics and treatments of complicated diseases. Ashley's insurance, which won't cover her infusion medication, has agreed to cover 80% of the treament and diagnostics at Mayo. She was also approved by Angel Flight to have private pilots fly her from her home town of Salina, KS to Rochester- free of charge.  Ashley is finally feeling hopeful! Hopeful that she will get some answers as to why her numbers aren't improving, answers to questions about additional diagnoses (her oncologist suspects a form of cancer), and answers on the best treatments to finally help her feel a little bit better so she can have some energy again to play with her kids and work as a paraprofessional with children diagnosed with autism. 

How can you help? Anything is welcome and greatly appreciated! My sister is very humble, and asking for help has been very hard for her. Unfortunately, she is at a point where the kindness of friends, family, and strangers is very much needed. Her medical bills have been overwhelming and a 7 day trip of medical appointments at Mayo will be very expensive, even with insurance covering 80%. She also has medications costs and her regular household bills, where the money to cover the basics has become increasingly difficult to find. Ashley has been too sick to work on several occassions and misses work for mandatory doctors appointments- the monthly income is quite small. 

Any donation, even $5 will add up to help her cover medical expenses, or to buy groceries. Every single dollar raised will pay for her mounting medical bills, her treatment, or to cover the basic household needs such as groceries for her lovely family. Other than cash donations, gift cards to grocery stores in Salina are also appreciated. Lastly, if you cannot afford to give monetarily at this time, we all understand. Your prayers, well-wishes, and support are so meaningful! 

My little sister turns 34 years old a week before she goes to the Mayo Clinic.  Ashley has always been a fighter and stronger than most people I know, but 34 is much too young to be fighting for your life, afraid of a simple virus which could mean hospitalization or worse. Her children deserve to have their mom be able to do things with them. 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your time and consideration. 
Holly