A Friend in Critical Need
Tue., Jul. 5. 2011 9:18am EDT
About a year ago, we asked you to pray for our old friend DelRay Sugden's girlfriend, Patricia Stuva, a 25-year old woman with a severe case of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus, which has in the past attacked her brains, kidneys, skin, and digestive system.
Patricia came to our concert in Olathe KS last year and is a very sweet young lady. Her mother, Kristen, contacted us this past week and informed us that several weeks ago, Patricia almost died. While we rejoice that she is still alive, she faces many big challenges and needs a lot of prayer.
Since then, she has been approved for a new procedure for patients with severe Systemic Lupus in Chicago using her own stem cells (her family is pro life and is opposed to embryonic stem-cell research). The doctors want to save her kidneys from permanent damage (she is currently on dialysis) so they want to start the procedure July 18. Her family will be leaving the Kansas City area and living in Chicago for approximately two months.
As her mother told us:This is a very expensive procedure. Living in Chicago for the two-plus months we would be there, will be costing us in excess of $5000 and that does not count any outpatient co-pays and the final 20 percent Medicare won't cover of the actual procedure, which I know is over $100,000.00. I know DelRay and Patricia plan on marriage in the near future and this whole procedure will be in her name; saddling them with a huge debt right after marriage. Please pray for Patricia and her family. As Kristen told us:I don't underestimate the power of prayer; not at all! It is because of the prayers of our family and friends that Patricia has pulled through all of this. I have no doubts! To read Kristen's blog about Patricia's Lupus and her experiences as Patricia's mother:
http://www.facebook.com/l/3AQDf-f2mAQAzzkh_903KVjG1zrdktKQouuxlXOFsaQKShA/lupusamothersstory.blogspot.com
If you wish to give financially, Kristen has set up a special bank account for Patricia and have received a tax ID number, so any donations will also be tax deductible. Furthermore, if any of you have had similar experiences or expertise in the field, Kristen welcomes your correspondence. Her facebook page is http://facebook.com/MomOfPS
Thank you.
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