Medical Fund for Mandi Brace

Hi, my name is Leslie Nease. My niece, Amanda Brace (Mandi) is in a fight for her life. Her journey began in the first week of 2023. Mandi ended up in the hospital in MN with severe and debilitating abdominal pain. The doctors realized quickly that her gallbladder had to come out, so they performed the surgery. She thought this would be the end of her troubles, but it turns out, her troubles had just begun.

Her symptoms actually seemed to get worse and she wound up back in the hospital on January 15 where she was admitted for 12 days and discharged with no plan of care. The doctors could not figure out what was causing her pain - and now she was struggling to eat and drink without vomiting.

On January 29, the day after her discharge, Mandi's Aunt Julie took her to Mayo Clinic in MN because she was in terrible pain. She was admitted with a cellulitis infection and two life-threatening blood clots. They began treatment for these serious infections. They also ran a ton of tests and gave a few possible diagnoses, but they couldn't figure out the real cause of her pain and suffering. She was there until February 5, when they released her with a plan for her to connect with doctors in Mayo Clinic in Arizona, where my sister lives. It's easier for my sister to help her if she was closer in proximity. At this point, Marie (my sister) had been going back and forth several times and it was wearing on her.

From Feb 5 - March 16, Mandi worked with her primary care physician while they awaited appointments with specialists to figure out what her diagnosis was. She began to feel worse and worse and was diagnosed with diverticulitis on March 17. After treatment for this, she was still feeling worse and unable to keep food down to the point of malnutrition, so she was admitted to Mayo Clinic in Phoenix on April 5. Her pain has been unbearable. They released her to home pain management with her parents but she now has a feeding tube and is on several medications every single day while she awaits appointments with specialists.

There is still no official diagnosis, but finally, a doctor said they believe her situation is vascular. Basically, bloodflow to her major organs is being reduced and it is compromising her digestive system, liver, and other major organs. Until she sees a specialist, and they can help her figure out a treatment plan, she is in continual pain and on a treatment plan that makes it impossible for her to work.

Meanwhile, Mandi is a single mother who is separated from her 12-year-old daughter. Her daughter is in MN staying with her father, who is also chronically ill. She just finished short-term disability and when she went to apply for long-term disability, she learned that because she has been in her position for less than a year, she may be denied benefits.

Clearly, this will cause tremendous stress to her. The medical bills are piling up and will probably only get worse, as it looks as though there may be another surgery in her future. As of May 1, she will have to begin to pay for COBRA Insurance, and her salary (if her long term disability is approved) will only be paid at 60%. Meanwhile, she also has everyday life expenses that are beginning to pile up (rent, utilities, and a child). It's just so much for one young woman to have to contend with!

If you find it in your heart to help contribute, I'd be so very grateful. I don't know how else to help her at this point. I'm hoping with some financial help, perhaps she will be able to at least rest her mind a little so she can continue on the path to full healing. If you would prefer using Venmo, you can find her at @Mandi-Brace.

Thank you so much for your contribution. We would also love it if you would say some prayers for our girl's full and complete healing and wisdom for the specialists.

I will keep you updated as we know more!