Medical Crisis: Support for Gayle Mallan

I'm writing on behalf of my "angel mom," Gayle Mallan, and my dad and brother. She is admitted and staying at AdventHealth Winter Park with a Myasthenia Gravis crisis. My mom, a retired registered nurse, was diagnosed with systemic lupus more than 30 years ago. She has lived and suffered with it while diligently caring for her family, always smiling, no matter how much pain she's in and what our family is going through.

Along with lupus, my mom developed several comorbid illnesses, common in autoimmune disease prognosis, especially as one gets older. Myasthenia Gravis is also an autoimmune disease, more specifically, a neuromuscular junction disease, which means her nervous system and muscles are not working together correctly, simply put. Her neurologist has surmised she's had it for a few years, and now a diagnosis is confirmed.

Right now, because of the severe widespread and debilitating muscle weakness, she can't walk on her own, swallow, and struggles to open her eyes and speak. Thankfully, she can breathe on her own at this time, which is sometimes not the case for patients like her.

My mom's neurologist wants my mom to receive IVIG therapy, which will extend her hospital admission by about a week. My understanding is that it's $15,000 a dose, along with an extended hospital stay. Medicare covers a portion of the immunotherapy, though my family, who has always lived humbly and has suffered due to my mom's long-term illness and more, needs help and has needed it for a while. We all juggle more than anyone will ever know. That's why I humbly ask those who are willing and able to help my family, just as you helped Julian and me when we needed it most, in any way you can. Whether it's a donation, a meal, a card or your prayers, my mom and family will be very grateful for your love and support. Any donations will go to my dad to help with her medical expenses. Thank you for reading.

"My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." ~Psalm 121:2

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." ~Matthew 7:7-8

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." ~Psalm 41:10

"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord" ~Isaiah 38:17