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Jo SmithA British woman, a victim of two deadly diseases at once.
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Biography of Joe Smith
- The Battle with Rare Diseases
- Early Symptoms and Diagnosis
- The Battle with Lymphoma
- Determination and Challenges
- The Hope for a New Treatment
Biography of Joe Smith
Joe Smith is a British woman who has become a victim of two deadly diseases. This situation can be best described as a Catch-22. Unfortunately, Joe's luck has run out as she has become a victim of two rare and life-threatening diseases. The most terrifying aspect is that trying to cure one disease will inevitably lead to her death from the other. At the age of 36, Joe Smith has acquired a completely unique combination of illnesses. According to medical professionals, the likelihood of such a combination is approximately 5 billion to 1. However, Joe does not have time to be astonished by statistical paradoxes, as she urgently needs a heart and lung transplant.
The Battle with Rare Diseases
Joe Smith's life has been disrupted by a rare blood vessel disease called pulmonary hypertension. Rest is no longer an option for her. Unfortunately, she is not even on the waiting list for a transplant in the near future. This is a reasonable decision made by doctors, as Joe also suffers from cancer. Medical professionals do not see the rationale in giving rare organs to someone who is already in a critically ill state. Theoretically, the cancer can be cured through radiation therapy, but Joe's weak lungs and heart may not be able to withstand the procedure.
Early Symptoms and Diagnosis
The first symptoms of Joe Smith's illnesses, constant fatigue and lack of energy, were noticed six months after the birth of her son, Rudey, in October 2010. As time went on, more symptoms appeared, with chest pains being the most concerning for Joe. Further examination revealed that she was suffering from an incurable disease called pulmonary hypertension and urgently needed an organ transplant. Additionally, doctors strongly advised Joe against getting pregnant again, as her weakened body would likely not be able to handle the stress of carrying a child.
The Battle with Lymphoma
In 2011, during a routine check-up, a massive tumor was discovered in Joe Smith's body. She was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer of the white blood cells. Oncologists recommended that Joe not delay radiation therapy, but soon it became clear that this treatment option was not feasible for her. The doctors treating her pulmonary hypertension claimed that radiation therapy was too dangerous for her and would further damage her already weak heart and lungs.
Determination and Challenges
Joe Smith has always considered herself an optimist and does not allow adversity to control her life. She is still fighting and finds support from her young son, Rudey. Joe understands that her son depends on her and does her best to push away any thoughts of despair. Rudey recently learned about his mother's health problems and, like a true gentleman, tries to take care of Joe to the best of his abilities.
The Hope for a New Treatment
Currently, Joe Smith has one chance to break free from the vicious cycle of her diseases. Theoretically, a new type of immunotherapy treatment could help save her life. Unfortunately, this treatment is only available in Thailand. Joe sees the existence of this potentially life-saving treatment as a true miracle. However, the serious problem remains that miracles come with a price. Joe Smith will have to come up with a significant sum of money to afford the necessary medical procedure. Complicating matters further, her diseases have intensified, making it challenging for her family and loved ones to gather the required £30,000 within 30 days.
