Ray of Hope is raising $2,000 ($500 x 4 months) to help Candy with her daily expenses while she awaits treatment.

46-year-old Candy leads a simple life. Despite her own dire health and financial circumstances, she devotes her time to serving those in need.

Candy was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome at age 15 and her health has worsened significantly over the years. Although she grew up in an abusive household, Candy was resolute in wanting to serve the community. She taught students with special needs for 15 years and conducts a free support group for people suffering from complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), so that they can get the help that they need.

In 2018, Candy was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP – https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/chronic-inflammatory-demyelinating-polyneuropathy/). There is currently no cure for the disease and her nerves will eventually deteriorate into a permanent disability. Without proper treatment, Candy’s ability to perform simple daily activities, such as walking without assistance or using her arms to lift objects overhead, will be lost.

Candy’s only hope lies in intravenous immunoglobin therapy. Recommended by her doctors, the treatment will slow down the progression of the disease. Sans treatment, Candy will soon be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Each round of immunoglobin therapy costs roughly $2,500. Her doctors have recommended 5 rounds for the first course of treatment, which amounts to over $12,500.

With depleted savings, Candy relies on income from giving tuition to make ends meet.

*Candy’s social assistance ended in October 2021 and is currently being renewed.