Five years ago, after contracting COVID-19, my cousin’s life changed forever. What seemed like a temporary illness turned into a long and painful battle for survival and quality of life. She began experiencing seizure-like episodes that led to two intubations and multiple ICU admissions. The initial diagnosis was refractory epilepsy.
However, after two years of uncertainty and countless medical tests, doctors discovered that she wasn’t actually having seizures. Instead, she was suffering from intense neurological crises causing extreme stiffness in her torso and limbs—so severe that they can break bones. These episodes mimic seizures and require immediate emergency care.
Eventually, we received a devastating diagnosis: Multiple Mononeuropathy, Stiff Person Syndrome, and Transverse Myelitis—all serious and rare neurological disorders with no known cure. The only option is to manage the symptoms to maintain her quality of life.
She now undergoes regular plasmapheresis (a type of plasma exchange), receives intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)treatments, and takes several medications. In addition, she must attend frequent speech therapy and physical therapy sessions, which are essential to prevent her condition from worsening.
We urgently need help to buy a custom wheelchair and to make our home wheelchair-accessible. The cost of treatment, therapies, and daily care is overwhelming and far beyond what our family can afford.
We’ve organized local fundraising efforts and are blessed with a few loyal supporters, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been enough. My cousin has lost her parents and grandparents, but we believe they are watching over her from above.
Now, we’re reaching out to kind-hearted souls who believe in the power of community and compassion. If you’ve read this far, please know that you are a truly special human being. Those who take the time to listen to someone’s pain are rare—and deeply appreciated.
From the bottom of our hearts—thank you, and may God bless every single person who chooses to help.
Let’s walk together on this journey of hope.
#OnTheRoadToHope | #ACaminhoDaEsperança
