Tammy's Hospitalization

Hi, this is Angie and Margaret, Tammy's daughter and Tammy's youngest sister. We are reaching out to get any help we can for Tammy with hospital expenses and bills.

On June 23rd while on vacation - Tammy went to the ER in Lima, OH because she had high blood pressure, swelling in her face, a feeling of being unwell and very fatigued, and also severely dehydrated. Anyone who knows Tammy - she is never sick!!

The hospital admitted her that day and ran several tests. Her kidney function was abnormal, and they ran multiple MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds and blood tests. We wanted to continue with additional antibody blood tests and even requested a kidney biopsy however; the hospital did not agree. She was given blood pressure meds and a few other medications and was discharged from Lima Hospital on June 29th.

Tammy returned home to Fort Wayne with her blood pressure still running high, and still having trouble with her kidneys. She went to the ER 2 more times in Fort Wayne!! Once for her blood pressure and again for a blood clot that formed in her right arm from the IV she had at the Lima Hospital. She was then put on blood thinners and could not get a kidney biopsy done because of the blood thinners.

On July 9th, the 3rd ER visit, Tammy was again not feeling well, very fatigued and kidney function was decreasing. She was admitted at Parkview and is still in the hospital. Thankfully, she has a much better medical team at Parkview. The kidney biopsy and antibody blood tests were completed this week as we requested and she has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Goodpasture's disease (antibodies attack your kidneys and lungs). We are still trying to work out the next steps day by day as she is now getting multiple treatments (steroids for kidney inflammation, plasmapheresis to reduce the antibodies, and is being put on immunosuppressant medication).

As of July 23rd, Tammy is on day 14 at Parkview, we have several developments. Wegener's disease, some type of lupus (not specified which one yet), Goodpasture's disease, and also retinal vasculitis. She started having blurry vision a week ago, has gotten better. Her kidney function is roughly 5% and is doing another round of Rituxan today (chemo treatment). If her kidneys do not improve, she will be put on dialysis. There is a possibility she will need a kidney transplant in the future. This is all very difficult news for us and we are worried about the future. Continued prayers are welcomed!

This is going to be a long road for Tammy as her life has been completely turned upside down in a matter of weeks. Tammy will be out of work for more than 6 months, she lives on her own and is her sole provider. We have already filed for short-term disability, and all other forms of help provided by her employer. Many of her friends and family have asked if a gofundme page could be setup! Tammy is a strong woman, a shining light, and anyone who knows her knows that she is the kindest and most loving person. We are asking for any assistance so that Tammy can spend her time healing and not worrying about how to pay her bills.

We greatly appreciate any donation, it would be an absolute blessing for us during this difficult time for Tammy.

If you are unable to donate, we welcome you to pray for Tammy and also share this page with your family and friends to spread the word.

Thank you all so much!

Angie and Margaret