Support Diana Sanzone: CIDP Medical Relief Funds

DIANA SANZONE urgently needs your help! Since 1986, when Diana was diagnosed with

CIDP ( Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) she has become weaker and weaker. She has gotten to the point where she is now unable to walk. CIPD is an autoimmune disease in which Dianas immune system attacks the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath covers the peripheral (not the brain that is the central nervous system. ) The sheath attempts to grow back but does so in an onion- layered way preventing the nerves from getting the electrical stimulation they need to keep her muscles strong as they would in a normal human anatomy. Diana has been using a walker for at least 20 years. Up until recently, she was able to use her walker to get around from room to room until she fell and injured herself which is what led to her current state of being unable to walk. This is just not affecting her legs and mobility but also her hands, arms, back , and speech muscles, etc.

This like most other autoimmune diseases is very progressive and she now needs 24/7 care. She had to get a new power wheelchair to accommodate her greater weakness and has to start in home PT and OT within the next week so that hopefully she can get back to being able to at least use her walker and be able to get in and out of bed as well as accommodate her restroom needs. She has been renting a hospital bed to assist her current caretaker. Her medical costs and need for round -the- clock care are far above what she can afford even after what Medicare and supplemental insurance covers.

For her entire adult life Diana has been a community activist. She participated in Anti Vietnam War protests, as well as been a huge ally & supporter for human & civil right. Despite having this rare disease, she has continued to be a leader in her community. Before the COVID 19 pandemic hit, she volunteered regularly at the local family homeless shelter. She has been chair of TKS (The Kensington Stewards) since 2013 and a member of Abermarle Neighborhood Association for at least 20 years. She is currently the Vice President of ANA and has held that position since 2015. Her goal is to bring people of all backgrounds and communities to learn about and appreciate the various cultures in her community. She also wants to make sure everyone has a voice.

At this point Diana needs donations to help cover the costs of a full time overnight caretaker ASAP as well as the many other medical costs which are not covered by insurance. Our hope is that people can support this fundraiser just like she has always went above and beyond to support her community. 

We greatly appreciate any donations, shares, likes and comments in advance.

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