Imagine being in pain every day of your life for months and then suddenly you just stop walking because it hurts too much. You cannot even climb up and down the steps because it hurts to even do that. Putting on your shoes makes you cry. You wake up crying out in pain in the middle of the night and there is no medication that takes away the pain. You can no longer climb on the playground or play catch with your siblings or run around the house and play tag. These things happened to my son Alexander. He is 4 years old and was just recently diagnosed with a very rare disease called Juvenile Dermatomyositis. This disease has robbed my son of so much of his muscle strength and left him with possible permanent issues that will affect him for the rest of him life, scary serious issues such as lupus and heart issues. He has lost over 5 pounds already from this disease, which is quite a bit for a child his age and the medications he has to take have very scary and serious life long side effects.
Juvenile Dermatomysitis is a very painful and debilitating disease as well as a life threatening disease and without the proper treatment Alex will die. He has to take high dose steroids and he is now on chemotherapy with very serious side effects that will affect him for the rest of his life to help try and hopefully put this condition into remission and our insurance company only covers a portion of it. He has to go for weekly blood tests, sedated MRI's, muscle biopsies, and other painful testing. There is only a 75% cure rate for this disease. 25% of children that have condition die from this. A normal childhood illness turns into something much more severe for him because he has no immune system because of the medications he takes, for example a simple cold turns into pneumonia. I am terrified of facing the possibility of losing him to this scary disease. We have so far to go still to beat this monster and we have only just really begun. Any donations are so greatly appreciated to help Alex beat this dreadful disease. They will go towards paying for his mounting medical bills and medications he needs on a daily basis and upcoming procedures needed. Thank you all so much from Alex.
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN WHAT JM IS YOU CAN READ MORE BELOW:
Juvenile Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease in which
the body’s immune system attacks its own cells and tissues.
Approximately 1,000 new cases of JM are diagnosed in the United States
every year. This insidious disease can attack almost all systems of
the body. For many children with JM, it’s a challenge to simply stand
up or sit down. Extreme fatigue and weak, painful muscles make walking
difficult, while activities such as running or climbing up stairs can
be all but impossible. Many sufferers also develop a red skin rash due
to inflammation in the blood vessels under the skin and in the
muscles. Painful calcium deposits (known as calcinosis), vasculitic
ulcers, changes in cardiac function and joint contractures are other
possible complications. Esophageal and gastrointestinal inflammation
is also common in children with JM, causing difficulty swallowing and
severe stomach pain.
What is The Prognosis for JM?
Although medications can help alleviate the symptoms of JM, the
disease has no known cure. The primary medications used to treat the
symptoms of JM are immunosuppressants, corticosteroids and
chemotherapy. These medications themselves can cause severe side
effects, making JM challenging to treat. There is no cure for JM, but
with advances in early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, the outcome
has continued to improve. Some children experience a mild form of the
disease and may go into remission; others follow a more severe and
potentially debilitating course that can be life-long. About one third
of JM patients will have some functional disability. Some will battle
an array of serious complications, resulting in the inability to walk,
ongoing pain, disfigurement and even death. Whether the course of the
disease is mild or severe, JM is life-changing for all of these
children and their families.
Perks
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Personally autographed picture from Brooke Thiess. When this fundraiser is over Brooke will personally autograph this picture for you and it will be sent to you with your name on it.
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Personally autographed picture from Brooke Thiess. When this fundraiser is over Brooke will personally autograph this picture for you and it will be sent to you with your name on it.
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Personally autographed picture from Brooke Thiess. When this fundraiser is over Brooke will personally autograph this picture for you and it will be sent to you with your name on it.
- 1 claimed
Personally autographed picture from Brooke Thiess. When this fundraiser is over Brooke will personally autograph this picture for you and it will be sent to you with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her modeling days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her modeling days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her childhood days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her childhood days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her childhod days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her modeling days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her modeling days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 1 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her modeling days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her modeling days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her modeling days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her babyhood days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
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- 20 remaining
Lisa Wilcox will call you personally and speak with you on the phone for 15 minutes. You can ask her questions about her upcoming projects and just chat with her about what a great actress she is.
- 6 claimed
This is the Ultimate Elm Street Package which includes: ticket into the viewing of Nightmare on Elm Street 4 on the big screen q&a afterwards with the Elm Street stars in attendance autographed pic of your choice from each of the stars in attendance you may also take your own picture with the stars in attendance silent auction
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You will be Lisa Wilcox's personal vip guest at a future convention of your choice that Lisa will be attending. Travel will not be included or hotel but your VIP ticket will be paid for and one meal of your choice with Lisa Wilcox will be paid for. You will be given special personal time with Lisa wilcox as well as a personal phone call by Lisa Wilcox and a personal autographed picture.
- 1 claimed
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Lee Howard does wonderful drawings of horror characters and has graciously donated some of his art work to help raise money for Alex's disease. This is a 10x12 drawing of Jack Nicholson's Joker. Very life like and really detailed.
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Lee Howard does wonderful drawings of horror characters and has graciously donated some of his art work to help raise money for Alex's disease. This is a 10x12 drawing of Michael Meyers. Very life like and really detailed.
Highlights
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- 0 claimed
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Personally autographed picture from Brooke Thiess. When this fundraiser is over Brooke will personally autograph this picture for you and it will be sent to you with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
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Personally autographed picture from Brooke Thiess. When this fundraiser is over Brooke will personally autograph this picture for you and it will be sent to you with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
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Personally autographed picture from Brooke Thiess. When this fundraiser is over Brooke will personally autograph this picture for you and it will be sent to you with your name on it.
- 1 claimed
Personally autographed picture from Brooke Thiess. When this fundraiser is over Brooke will personally autograph this picture for you and it will be sent to you with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her modeling days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her modeling days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her childhood days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her childhood days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her childhod days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her modeling days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her modeling days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 1 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her modeling days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her modeling days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her modeling days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
These pictures are 8x10 pictures from the 1980's of Lisa Wilcox and have never before been released to the public. Lisa does not bring them to conventions. They are from her babyhood days. You will get a personally autographed 8x10 picture from Lisa with your name on it.
- 0 claimed
- 20 remaining
Lisa Wilcox will call you personally and speak with you on the phone for 15 minutes. You can ask her questions about her upcoming projects and just chat with her about what a great actress she is.
- 6 claimed
This is the Ultimate Elm Street Package which includes: ticket into the viewing of Nightmare on Elm Street 4 on the big screen q&a afterwards with the Elm Street stars in attendance autographed pic of your choice from each of the stars in attendance you may also take your own picture with the stars in attendance silent auction
- 0 claimed
- 3 remaining
You will be Lisa Wilcox's personal vip guest at a future convention of your choice that Lisa will be attending. Travel will not be included or hotel but your VIP ticket will be paid for and one meal of your choice with Lisa Wilcox will be paid for. You will be given special personal time with Lisa wilcox as well as a personal phone call by Lisa Wilcox and a personal autographed picture.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
Lee Howard does wonderful drawings of horror characters and has graciously donated some of his art work to help raise money for Alex's disease. This is a 10x12 drawing of Jack Nicholson's Joker. Very life like and really detailed.
- 1 claimed
- 0 remaining
Lee Howard does wonderful drawings of horror characters and has graciously donated some of his art work to help raise money for Alex's disease. This is a 10x12 drawing of Michael Meyers. Very life like and really detailed.