Kim Anderson, a dear wife, mother, grandmother, retired educator, and friend, was recently diagnosed with an incurable disorder called Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
Common symptoms include severe drops in blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension), which can cause dizziness or fainting. It also causes urinary incontinence or retention, constipation, and sexual dysfunction (impotence in men).
MSA is a progressive disease, meaning symptoms worsen over time. It typically develops in adulthood, usually around the age of 50 to 60. The progression is often faster than Parkinson’s disease, with individuals typically becoming wheelchair-bound within a few years of symptom onset.
MSA is a rare, degenerative neurological disorder affecting the body’s involuntary (autonomic) functions, including blood pressure, heart rate, bladder function, and digestion. It shares many symptoms with Parkinson’s disease, such as slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, and poor balance.
Caring for Kim is heavily focused on managing the autonomic and motor symptoms through medication and interventions. Because Kim requires 24/7 care, her husband, Chester, had to quit his job to ensure she receives the care she needs. Losing his income has put them in a financially difficult situation, hence this GoFundMe request.
As MSA progresses, Kim will require increasing support with daily tasks. Installing grab bars, shower chairs, toilet risers, and removing tripping hazards like rugs are a necessity.
Elevating the head of the bed by 4 to 6 inches to help regulate blood pressure during sleep, and using CPAP machines for sleep apnea and assistance with feeding and ensuring adequate hydration, which is vital for blood pressure maintenance.
We are asking for $10,000.00 at least to assist them with the medical and personal bills that must be paid. Please help Kim and Chester with whatever donations you can.