The Salzman Family

Mandi was a happy healthy teenager until life threatening illness struck and changed her life forever. Our family has struggled for many years leaving domestic violence,  raising my children as a single mom and now trying to juggle being a single mom, working and Mandi's full time caregiver. Recently I've been notified that I will lose my job in the fall due to my remote position ending. This will be a huge hardship on our family financially. Mandi's medical bills, copays and the amount of work I've had to miss have really impacted our life. We struggle to afford everything and worry about getting behind on our mortgage and other bills. Mandi is unable to work and most days she is housebound or bedbound due to her worsening health. She always remains positive through everything she's been through, but realizes that we just cannot do this alone. Mandi suffers from rare illnesses that only a few doctors have knowledge of. There's no approved treatment and no cure. The only doctors who can help her are thousands of miles away at John's Hopkins. We hope to get there if we are able, but are worried we won't be able to afford the trip with me losing my job. Mandi requires a feeding tube due to having life threatening reactions to almost every food. She has a central line (iv) for fluids and medications. The medications she's on cause her to be severely immune compromised and infection is a constant risk. Recently mandi has acquired a very serious infection and after 4 different antibiotics she still is very sick. We are scared for her. We are hoping that our new family here can wrap their arms around Mandi and help her to not have to worry about affording her health and concentrate on getting well. We are blessed to have each and every person and the prayers and love they have sent since mandi got ill. Mandi is an amazing human being who does her best to help others and give of herself when she is able. She regularly donates feeding tube comfort items and toys to the local children's hospital. Her heart is pure and she's always thinking of ways to brighten others day. Thank you for reading our story.