Kate Miele and family

August 10, 2022, was the day Kate Miele’s world was flipped upside down, smashed into pieces and scattered to the wind. Life as they knew it was about to get a lot worse. Kate was diagnosed with MULTIPLE medical issues, but the most severe and life-threatening is Chronic late-stage Lyme disease, also known as Lyme Cancer. It has completely stripped away her neurological system leaving it with multiple deficits and severe disability. Some of which can be permanent. Though they are thankful to have answers, they weren’t expecting the magnitude of the devastation done to her body, primarily her brain and nervous system, but also her vital organs and more. What was initially a slow decline in Kate’s overall health and well-being -more in particular over the past five years. She began seeking medical treatment and tests, including multiple surgeries to her heart, major spine surgery, lumbar fusion and multiple other invasive procedures. Yet, the doctors kept turning up with dead ends and zero answers and passed her off to someone else. No one thought to stop and ask the simple question, “Why?”. With the last two years being the worst of them and especially the past five months, Kate’s health began rapidly deteriorating at an alarming rate, leaving her bedridden about 90% of the time as she continued to ask doctors about her symptoms and illnesses. She was often dismissed and not taken seriously, undiagnosed and untreated, leaving her to require assistance with the simplest of personal/independent tasks. Kate is often faced with wondering how she can continue to survive any longer in this state. She often utters words of not wanting to be here anymore, that she's not living but just surviving. There are countless nights when Kate has prayed she wouldn't wake up in the morning because her desire to rest is much stronger than her desire to live because of how sick she is. But the guilt would kick in as she thought about her babies growing up without their mom.

Unfortunately, due to such a late diagnosis, the course of treatment now is long and treacherous. The cost of treatment is close to $60,000 per year (which is entirely uncovered by insurance-including necessary doctor appointments and travel to DC for the treatment), and Kate is facing a minimum of two years. Without it, she will lose her life, her husband will lose his wife, and her three beautiful babies will lose their mommy. Kate and Mike are out of options and have zero alternatives, so they are now left with the daunting task of covering the financial burden they can’t afford. You’d think this disease in and of itself would be more than enough to have to try to juggle, the mental and financial toll of this disease is highly overwhelming, and it is tough to navigate especially while being a mom to 3 little ones. Her children need their momma, and her husband needs his wife. I’m asking you to do what you can to donate or share so that Kate can continue to be there for her children in all of their life stages!

They are so thankful for all the outpouring of love and support they have received. It is often very hard in a time of need to ask anyone for help in any way- but for those who have asked what they can do to help, this is it. Nothing is too little. Every cent and share helps take the financial burden off their shoulders so they can still support their three children.

To hear Kate explain her diagnosis, click this link

On behalf of Kate, Mike Miele and their three beautiful babies-

Sincerely,

Amanda Ciancaglione