The Carsten Family

Did you know that anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychological illness?  The mortality rate is 10%!  Did you know that eating disorders are not simply a choice, but a complex biopsychosocial disease?  Our daughter Amanda has been in and out of hospitals for the past 4 years.  She has a life-threatening condition that can cause low blood pressure, slowed or irregular heart rate, low body temperature, abnormal blood counts, and electrolyte abnormalities, among many other physical problems.  Her condition often requires treatment out of state since our military retiree insurance only covers certain hospitals and treatment. She has extended periods of separation from most of her family.  

Amanda has 5 siblings.  Her mom can't work due to the intense nature of the treatment that she is receiving and the travel it requires when I accompany her.  We are thankful for insurance, but the travel and lack of an additional income has drained most of our savings and one of our retirement accounts.  In 2018, Amanda was hospitalized for 8 months, and so far has been hospitalized since December with several months to go.  We could really use help with the cost of mom staying with Amanda for all these many months. The cost is about equal to our mortgage payment.  Every little bit helps.  Thanks!  P.S. The photo is of Amanda on an outing.