FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – A Fort Bend County woman who has helped so many is now in need herself as she hopes to undergo a life-changing treatment to reduce the effects of her chronic illness.
Mikaela Aschoff, better known as Mik, says life has been very unpredictable for her over the past six years. The now 20-year-old was diagnosed with dysautonomia in 2011. The largely unknown illness attacks her autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms like fainting, extreme fatigue, and disorientation to name a few.
"I'm in pain, migraines," describes Aschoff. "Sometimes seizures if it's really bad."
In the midst of dealing with her illness Mik founded a charity to send care packages to chronically ill teens and young adults who were hospitalized or homebound. That has expanded to a prom night for teens who are too ill to attend their own. But now Mik is the one who needs the help, a last-ditch stem cell treatment that would reduce or eliminate her debilitating symptoms. She recently got engaged and wants to finally live a normal life.
"(She has) the hope that she could walk down the aisle on her own and stand at her own wedding," says her mother Keri. "And be able to make it the whole night without collapsing would be such a gift."
"This honestly (is) my last hope of getting a chance at a semi-normal life," adds Mik.
The Aschoffs are hoping to raise $50,000 to pay for the pre-work, procedure, and travel associated with the stem cell treatment. They have set up a GoFundMe account. If you'd like to help or learn more about Mik Aschoff's charity click on one of the links below.