Hi everyone,

We have had the privilege of calling Ciara one of our good friends for the last five years. If you know her, you know she's the kind of person who is always there for everyone else. She's an incredible mom to four kids, a loving wife, a cherished and hardworking teacher, and someone who rarely asks for help. Today, we are asking on her behalf because she deserves to focus on healing—not worrying about how she's going to afford it.

On May 27, Ciara went in for what she thought would be a routine annual checkup with routine blood work. A short time later, she received a phone call asking her to come back because her platelet count was alarmingly low. Hoping it was simply a lab error, they repeated the blood work.

Instead of improving, her platelet count had dropped even further—to just 24,000. For comparison, a healthy platelet count is between 150,000 and 450,000. Her doctor immediately sent her to the hospital, where she was treated with high-dose steroids before being referred to a hematologist and oncologist for extensive testing.

After many appointments, blood draws, and tests, Ciara was diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), a rare autoimmune disorder that causes her immune system to attack and destroy her own platelets. There is no clear explanation for why this happens, but it is happening to Ciara.

With platelet counts this low, something as simple as a fall or cut can become life-threatening. Even more frightening, spontaneous internal bleeding is a very real possibility. Every day now comes with a level of uncertainty that no one should have to face.

As a busy wife and mom of four, Ciara's biggest concern isn't just herself—it's her family. She wants nothing more than to stay healthy enough to continue being the mom and wife they need.

Her doctors have recommended starting treatment immediately with a series of four infusions over the course of one month. Each infusion can take up to three hours, requiring her to miss work and lose income she simply can't afford to lose.

The infusion alone comes with an out-of-pocket cost of approximately $2,300. While that will help meet her deductible, the financial strain doesn't stop there.

This treatment only has about a 60% chance of working, and there are no guarantees. If it is successful, Ciara will still need blood work every two weeks for at least the next year to closely monitor her platelet levels and make sure they remain stable.

If this first treatment doesn't work, the next step is a specialty oral medication that she may need to take indefinitely. The estimated cost for that medication is currently around $2,800, adding yet another financial burden to an already overwhelming situation.

No one plans for something like this. Overnight, Ciara has gone from a routine doctor's appointment to facing a lifelong autoimmune disease, expensive treatments, constant medical appointments, lost wages, and unimaginable uncertainty.

If you're able, please consider donating to help cover her medical expenses, treatment costs, frequent lab work, and lost income while she fights this disease. No donation is too small, and every dollar truly makes a difference.

If you're not in a position to give financially, we completely understand. Sharing this fundraiser with your family and friends or keeping Ciara and her family in your prayers is just as appreciated.

Thank you for helping carry some of this burden so she can put her energy where it belongs—fighting for her health and being there for her family.

With gratitude,

Taylor, Mary, Kelsey, & Diandra