Lora's Heart and Neck Fund

My name is Lora Johnson. I was born with multiple rare birth defects that without proper treatment will prove fatal.

My heart isn't structured like most people's and as a result I'm now dealing with congestive heart failure that has come on with age. I've begun treatments and medications that I must have if I am to live. The daily fatigue is debilitating and I'm very limited physically. My heart failure also makes any other surgeries I need, such as on my neck, far more dangerous.

The inside of my neck did not form properly, causing chronic mass infections, loss of healthy tissue and difficulty swallowing. My treatment was badly mishandled by a surgeon when I was a child, though his three-year, nine-operation treatment of me seemed at first to have helped. But my condition returned with a vengeance and visits to other doctors revealed what poor care I'd received.

The severe neck infections I suffer are intensely painful and require surgery. They flare-up without warning, swelling massively and causing my neck to rupture. With each occurrence they grow worse and have begun to move into my upper chest, where they may go systemic. I've become resistant to antibiotics, even the powerful ones they give me intravenously. After years of searching I've finally located a specialist who can help, but she does not accept Medicaid or the insurance I was assigned.

Any amount donated makes a difference. Many small donations will help me to reach my goal.

Thank you for your time, and for your kindness. Blessings always.

Lora