Christine: Counting Her Blessings

September 23, 2020

Blessings and Challenges

Christine lives in Wyoming, with her husband and three children. It’s a place of many natural wonders, including Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Christine’s family has the blessings of living in such a beautiful place. But work is hard to find in the rural areas. Because of this, they live on a low income. “My husband just started his new job,” said Christine, “so money is tight.” She has also been “fighting to be put on disability for almost two years.” 

When a family’s resources are low, an unexpected illness can turn into an impassable mountain. And that’s exactly what happened to Christine and her family. Christine was diagnosed with two autoimmune conditions: Dystrophic Calcinosis and Dermatomyositis. 

Double Diagnoses

Dystrophic Calcinosis is where calcium deposits build up under the skin and in the muscles. It can lead to muscle wasting and even organ failure. Dermatomyositis often overlaps with Dystrophic Calcinosis. Signs and symptoms range from painful rashes to inflammation of the blood vessels and chronic pain. 

 

Little is known about what causes these two conditions. Also, they are rare, with few specialists who can effectively help patients who suffer from them. Worse, the specialists are often in a big city. Patients who live in rural areas, like Christine, have little hope of finding the care they need. 

 

Hopes Dimmed...

The host of conditions were reducing Christine’s quality of life. “Treatment is hard to come by in my hometown,” she said, “so I had to travel all the way to Bethesda, Maryland to the National Institute of Health.” 

 

The renowned healthcare facility would provide care for no cost – but she’d have to pay for her flight. The trip was more than 1,500 miles one way, which would have pushed her into debt. “Due to extreme financial hardships,” said Christine, “it was questionable if I’d make it.” 


...Now Brighter

That was when Mercy Medical Angels flew to the rescue. Through a partnership with United Airlines, Christine was able to fly from her home to the care she needed at the National Institute of Health. 

 

“All my conditions and zero immune system makes for rough travels,” said Christine. “But everyone I talked to at Mercy Medical Angels was extremely caring, professional, and extremely pleasant to work with.” 


"Thank You for This Opportunity..."

Now, Christine’s life is improving. She’s feeling much better and the diseases are under control. She and her family can once again count their blessings, walking together in the light of hope. 

 

“The team at Mercy Medical Angels is the best! Truly life-saving - thank you for this opportunity! We are very blessed!” 


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