It is with a heavy heart that I reach out to you today. My wife, Marina Filippova, has been on an incredibly difficult journey since suffering a sudden injury in early July. While swimming near the shore, a powerful wave struck her, severely damaging her leg and resulting in a broken femur that required immediate surgery. Link

Although the surgery took place soon after the accident, Marina’s recovery will be long and challenging. Link Her situation is further complicated by myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes extreme muscle weakness. She was diagnosed with this condition at just 14 years old. Before that, Marina was an active sports enthusiast, but since then, she has had to endure numerous treatments, including immunoglobulins, rituximab, and zoledronic acid, all of which are crucial for managing her illness but come with significant side effects.

The steroids necessary for her treatment have caused further complications, including type 2 diabetes, severe vision loss (leading to cataract surgery at just 35), and osteoporosis. These conditions have weakened her bones, making her healing process even more difficult. With countless hospital visits on top of everything, the strain on Marina—and on us—has been overwhelming.

In our journey toward healing, we relocated from Washington State to Myrtle Beach, hoping the saltwater might help improve some of the skin issues Marina developed due to long-term steroid use, such as stretch marks. Unfortunately, the ocean, rather than offering relief, brought unforeseen challenges, resulting in this severe injury.

The financial burden we now face has become overwhelming. The costs of her treatment and postoperative care have far exceeded what we can manage, and unfortunately, not all of these expenses are covered by insurance. Beyond her medical needs, we are also struggling with day-to-day household expenses, as I’ve become her full-time caregiver, dedicating all my time and energy to her care over the past two months.

Marina has had a remarkable career as a psychologist, working in pre-abortion clinics, helping to prevent abortions, and supporting military personnel struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Her artwork, which she shares through her gallery here, is another passion of hers. She also teaches art classes, something she deeply loves, but due to her current condition, she is unable to continue teaching. Right now, her health is our primary focus, and her recovery is our top priority.

This isn’t just about financial strain. It's about giving Marina the peace of mind she needs to focus on healing without the constant worry of medical bills and living expenses. She deserves the chance to recover without these additional burdens weighing her down.

Despite everything, Marina and I remain hopeful for brighter days ahead. Your support, whether through a donation or a prayer, would mean the world to us. In this difficult time, your kindness and compassion would be a lifeline for our family.

Thank you for standing with us, offering your love and support as we navigate this challenging journey. We will keep you updated on Marina’s progress and continue to pray for her strong and steady recovery.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Sergey