Join us in Shelly's Fight for Life and Health

Hello,

My name is Brian Apodaca, and I am reaching out to you to help send my loving wife, Rochelle (Shelly), for a lifesaving treatment at the Healing Hands Clinic in Pune, India. Shelly was first diagnosed with Colitis and Crohn’s disease 30 years ago and has been battling this life-altering and threatening illness for three decades.

For many years, the illness was manageable with supplementation and diet restrictions, but for the past 15 years there have only been small improvements, quickly followed by a devastating flare that has painfully taken away her quality of life. Over the years we have seen numerous Gastroenterologists, but the only solution has been Steroids, Auto Immune Suppressants, and Surgery to remove her colon. Shelly has tried four different IV Biologic medications and numerous rounds of Steroids. None of the treatments have worked and they have had big side effects and risks involved. The IV Biologics and Steroids have only produced more side effects.

Shelly has seen at least 10 different Naturopath Doctors within the United States as well as other countries across the globe to regain her health. Over the years, we have spent tens of thousands of dollars on various protocols, and practitioners. Sadly, the best of the best have not been able to make a difference. These protocols have included working on Viral Loads, Parasites, Detox Cleansing, Mold Toxicity, IV Therapy, Fecal Matter Transplant, Hyperbaric Chamber Oxygen Therapy, and more. Shelly has tried every diet protocol including Paleo, Mediterranean, Vegan, Plant Based, Raw, Keto, Carnivore, Elemental (liquid), 30-day juice fasting, and more. None have been able to make much, or any difference.

Just this week Shelly was hospitalized again as there are now Fistulas that have created abscesses, causing an infection. We are told by the doctors the Fistulas Shelly has are considered “Very Complex” due to their location and the organs that are involved. There is little hope they will heal on their own and an extremely high chance they will remain a hindrance to her recovery. The Fistulas have left an open gate for bacteria to move through her body potentially causing continuous infections, which can lead to life threatening sepsis at any given time.

Food of any kind is not tolerated, and Shelly has been reduced to a liquid diet yet again, leaving her malnourished, extremely weak, and with severe brain fog at times. The psychological effects of the years of suffering have created heart breaking PTSD. Anything she is set on doing takes a Herculean effort. I truly believe that it’s only because of Shelly's sheer will to live and her love for her 2 sons and brother, her spirit is unbreakable. She’s still here, fighting every day.

For over 15 years, I have been, as needed, Shelly's full-time caregiver, emotional support person, motivator, supportive friend, healthcare advocate, legal medical guardian, and most importantly, her loving Husband and protector. I can honestly say, I have never known a more tenacious, tougher person than my Wife. Together, we are a force that will never give up.

Along with her dedicated healthcare team, we have been searching for solutions. Although we have the utmost respect and gratitude for Shelly’s physicians. Unfortunately, at this moment we've exhausted all efforts and the prospects that are available in the United States.

We have been praying for an alternative, and that’s where the Healing Hands Clinic comes in – serendipitously, we were recently connected to the hospital, learning of many other Americans, as well as people from all over the world, who travelled there for successful treatment of their fistulas. The clinic uses cutting-edge laser technology with specialized 3D imaging used during and after surgery. Aftercare is also critical to the overall healing success of the surgery. Depending on the severity of Shelly's case, there may be a need for an additional surgery. The studies show that this type of laser surgery with advanced imagery has a success rate near 100%. The specialized surgery is far less invasive than the surgeries that are available in United States and the trauma to the body is greatly reduced. We have not been able to find the combination of 3D imaging, Laser type, technique, and aftercare anywhere in the US, Canada, Europe, or Australia. Dr. Ashwin Porwal of the Healing Hands Clinic is considered to be the best and most successful in dealing with the most severe cases.

Although this illness has cast a shadow on Shelly’s life, she still strives to be the vibrant, extremely caring and giving woman she’s always been. Shelly is a loving momma bear of two sons, sister to her brother, mother of her two dogs (fur) babies, and an amazing wife. – Shelly is the person you call when you need a friend, no questions asked. She has always looked out for people less fortunate and made a point of giving. Shelly is known for her kindness of spirit, her love for people, animals, nature, and her passion for life with positive vibrations. Everywhere she goes, there is an essence.

Shelly and I are humbled to be in the position of reaching out for help, not something we normally do, Shelly has always been the giver. But we have allowed ourselves to be vulnerable and open to receiving the love and support she so greatly deserves.

The doctors in Pune are aware of the seriousness of Shelly’s case and have agreed to take her as soon as our circumstances permit. The treatment will require travel to Pune India for an extended stay. Given the complexity and severity of Shelly’s condition, they have estimated approximately 4 months. The doctors believe after the surgery is complete, Shelly will be in remission and be able to heal. There are many cases where Fistulas can be the main driver of Crohn's and or Colitis disease. We have spoken with and verified that there are many people who have gone into remission for years with no medications after this procedure. It is vital we get Shelly to the clinic ASAP, so we are acting swiftly to prepare for the upcoming journey.

Below I’ve outlined our fundraising goal and how the funds will be allocated for each step of her continued care. We won't know exactly how long we will be gone or how many procedures Shelly will need until we meet with the surgeon in India which is why we are raising funds to help with any unforeseen or exorbitant costs.

On behalf of Shelly, our family and dear friends we want to thank you for taking the time to listen to Shelly’s story. During these dark days, we’ve often asked ourselves, why? We know that countless people around the world are suffering and in need of support, so we truly have immense love and gratitude for any way that you can contribute. Whether that be a monetary donation, sharing this post (please share, share share!) or with your positive energy, prayers and well wishes – we are grateful for all of it!

We strongly believe in the power of collective positive intention and the goodness of the human spirit. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Shelly and Brian

*Fundraising Goal: $60K (US dollars)

*Estimated Overall Costs: $60K +

*What Funds Raised Will Be Used For:

*We are aiming to raise $60K to help with the costs of sending Shelly to the Healing Hands Clinic in Pune, India. The breakdown of expenses is for Shelly's treatment.

*Travel - airfare (multi), ground transport and other travel-related expenses

(15K)

*Accommodations and living expenses for up to 4 months in India

(10K)

*Cost of lifesaving treatment at Healing Hands Clinic (35K)

How You Can Help:

SPREAD THE WORD! - Share this GoFundMe link to all of your social media channels. Tell people about it!

Donate what you can – any amount helps!

Air Miles - consider sharing Air Miles

Info/Connections - Let us know if you've travelled to Pune and have any contacts

Surround Shelly with positive energy!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!