A Helping Hand for Colleen Walters

Prior to Saturday, July, 29th, Colleen Walters was a healthy, vibrant, fun-loving 24-year-old woman. She is a daughter, a sister, a sister-in-law, an aunt, and loved by many other family members and friends. She was admitted to the hospital for what she thought was an allergic reaction, as her tongue suddenly began to swell and she was losing the ability to talk or breathe. To the surprise of not only her but also her family, Colleen was diagnosed with a chronic disease known as Myasthenia Gravis (MG). This is a rare neuromuscular disorder that causes the immune system to break down the junction between the nerves and muscles, thus causing a disconnect between the muscles and the brain. On Monday, July 31st, Colleen woke up on a ventilator and feeding tube, with the inability to even open her eyelids. She was only slightly able to move her legs and hands, and her only source of communication was to use all her strength to write down her thoughts. In relation to her disease, her body had gone into what is known as a crisis state. This was the beginning of a long and terrifying journey for Colleen. While MG is treatable, it cannot be cured. The treatment for her in a crisis state included several days worth of plasmapheresis treatments, which involves the transfusion of blood plasma. After 9 days in the ICU, she was able to have her ventilator removed and can open her eyes again. She has made great progress, however, as she has been told time and time again, her recovery will be a marathon and not a sprint. She will be in the hospital for another week and will require several weeks of acute rehabilitation in order to regain control of the muscles affected by her crisis state.

As one might imagine, not only is this an unprecedented time for Colleen and her family, but it also has the potential to bring about financial hardships. Thus, we are attempting to raise a goal of $10,000 for Colleen, in order to assist with not only medical bills from her lengthy hospital stay, but also the acute rehabilitation she will need, and the ongoing treatment this disease will require. It is uncertain when Colleen will be able to return to work at this time, which is why we are hoping that this fundraiser will take a weight off her shoulders during an already traumatic and trying time.

If you are able to donate, we would greatly appreciate contributions of any amount. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser so that we can get the word out and raise as much money for Colleen as possible. Thank you all for taking the time to learn about Colleen’s story, and considering helping us to help her return to her normal, vibrant, and fun-loving self.