Sera's IVIG Fund

When Sera was 10 years old she was diagnosed with P.A.N.D.A.S. (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus).  This is an autoimmune disorder that began with a strep throat  infection. Normally, when a child is exposed to an illness, their autoimmune system releases antibodies to fight the infection. In Sera, her antibodies attacked her brain (the basal ganglia)  inflaming it. This caused her to have severe neuropsychiatric symptoms. Some of these symptoms included anorexia, depression, OCD, emotional lability, separation anxiety, confusion, or inability to concentrate on tasks (especially school work), irritability and age regression.

 

One of the most effective treatments for P.A.N.D.A.S. is intravenous immunoglobulin or (IVIG). IVIG is a plasma product containing the antibodies from thousands of donors given to a patient intravenously. Sera received one IVIG treatment and was doing well for a few years. 

Unfortunately, one IVIG treatment was not enough to keep Sera well. When Sera was 13 she developed a form of Dysautonomia called P.O.T.S. (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). It is believed that Sera's dysautonomia is autoimmune mediated, and her antibodies are interfering with her Autonomic Nervous System. This means that Sera's body essentially cannot automatically regulate her heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow, breathing or digestion. On a daily basis Sera experiences severe fatigue, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, high heart rate, brain fog, visual disturbances, dizziness, heat and cold intolerance and much more.

In December 2017 Sera was diagnosed with SFPN (Small Fiber Polyneuropathy) and AAN (Autonomic Autoimmune Neuropathy). With these diagnoses Sera is able to receive IVIG and our insurance will pay a portion of it. 

In August 2019, Sera received a PICC line to administer her IVIG treatments because her veins were no longer accessible due to over usage. She had a severe reaction to the adhesive used to keep the PICC  line sterile and it needed to be removed.

In October 2019, Sera had surgery to place a port in her chest in order to receive her monthly treatments virtually painlessly. Sera is still in bed the majority of her days. She has not attended school for the past 3+ years and she struggles to complete daily life tasks like showering or eating due to extreme fatigue. Despite the limitations she has, Sera remains positive and hopeful that the IVIG treatments will begin to help her body heal. 

Any amount of money you can donate is greatly appreciated. All donations will be used for Sera's IVIG treatments, monthly medications and medical bills. If we raise more money than needed for her it will be donated it to the Dysautonomia International Foundation. 
Please note that your donations are not tax deductible.

 

Thank you!