Maleah’s Medical Journey- Support for Lupus Treatment

The last several years have been difficult but none like the last six months. It’s not easy to ask for help, but we’re in a position where we are in need of support. The medical bills and costs surrounding treatment has been a big financial burden to our family.

In 2021, Maleah was only 15 years old, during the height of the pandemic, when she started having rashes, severe body aches, and other whole-body symptoms. Very soon after she was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, better known as lupus. Despite such a serious diagnosis in such a young person, Maleah completed high school as salutatorian and enrolled at the University of New Mexico in the fall of 2024 hoping to pursue a career in the medical field. 

Unfortunately, before Maleah had even completed the fall semester, she was hospitalized for several days and was forced to withdraw from school. Worsening symptoms led to a second hospitalization in March 2025, where it was discovered that her left lung collapsed and her kidneys were failing because of lupus nephritis. She was put on dialysis and a chemotherapy medication to control the disease and its consequences, which may need to be continued for several months even after she leaves the hospital. As of today 4/8/2025, she has been hospitalized for 25 days.

Maleah and her family are local to Rio Arriba county in northern New Mexico, so access to the hospital and specialists requires a four-hour (240 mile) round trip. If Maleah is released from the hospital on dialysis, the nearest location is a two-hour round trip. These expenses are especially hard on her mother, Monique, who is a therapist, primarily working with school-aged children.

After exhausting every other avenue, we are posting this GoFundMe to ask for your generous assistance with co-pays, travel expenses, and other costs related to Maleah’s complex care. Every little bit helps, and we are grateful for our family's and friend’s support and generosity. We continue to ask for prayers as she transitions home, and we thank you for your consideration.

4/17/2025 Update: Maleah was discharged late last night after 32 days. I can honestly say it’s been the most exhausting scary month of my life. People reaching out and knowing others were praying for us was encouraging, so thank you.

Maleah will continue to be followed closely by her specialist team at UNM. She was discharged with several new medications and oxygen which will be an adjustment for her. She will continue biweekly chemotherapy and start a new medication after six sessions. Maleah is now on a low phosphorus, low potassium, and low sodium diet which will also take some adjustment. During her hospitalization, she lost over 30 pounds between her dietary changes and taking off the extra fluid with dialysis and diuretics. Thankfully her kidneys recuperated enough with three rounds of dialysis to not need it outpatient at this time. She has quite a few follow-up appointments and treatments in the next month.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed, reached out, and donated money. We appreciate all the support and care we’ve received this past month. So many people have rallied around us and reminded us how lucky and blessed we are for our family, friends, and caring strangers. God bless you all!