VALDOSTA The team of neurologists could beckon Mandy Painter and caretaker Phil Painter to Boston to treat her debilitating neoplastic syndrome any day now, but the couple still needs your help to fund the possibly three months of therapy needed as Mandy battles to restore full function of her cerebellum and subsequently, her limbs.
The quest to find healing in New England may not be possible, without contributions from the community. The couple struggled with setting a goal for their quarter-year trip to have Mandy treated by doctors in Massachusetts General Hospital's Ataxia Unit, because there are many unknowns associated with the cutting edge program she'll attend to regain control of her motor skills, according to Phil and Mandy.
We need help with airfare, hotel expenses, food expenses and we have to take care of expenses back home, said Mandy. We're also asking that if someone has any frequent flier miles that they can donate for them to do so.
Mandy's immune system began attacking proteins in her cerebellum that resembled those associated with a tumor that was discovered back in 2008, according to Phil and Mandy. The assault on Mandy's cerebellum continued long after the cancer had been removed from her right breast, but the damage done to her cerebellum left her on the fringes of death.
The damage to her cerebellum, the portion of the human brain that's associated with motor skills, is reversable and she has experienced small
improvements over the last year, according to the couple. Shes regained control over her hands and eyes over the last few years in physical therapy and she can walk short distances with help, but her true breakthrough could be in Boston.
The National Institute of Health has expressed extreme interest in Mandy's disease and could collaborate with Mandy's team of doctors to conduct case studies on the rare disease, stated Phil.
I just got off of the phone with Dr. Ferguson and we discussed Mandy's situation, said Phil. He's nationally renowned for having dealt with rare diseases of the nature she has. He definitely feels like this is the best place for Mandy to go, as he's met with Dr. [Jeremy] Schmahmann before. He said we picked the right place to go, from the National Institute of Health's standpoint.
Support Mandys efforts to find healing in Boston by contributing to her GiveForward fundraiser at Giveforward.com/fundraiser/87f2/amanda-c-painter-rare-disease-assistance-fund or search the Amanda C. Painter Rare Disease Assistance Fund on Giveforward.com
Frequent flyer miles may be gifted to Mandy via her American Airlines AAdvantge account, AAdvantage number 4BVN126.
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Couple raising funds for medical treatment