By Rachel Lewkowicz
The Feldschneider family, residents of Voorhees, New Jersey, are currently facing an unimaginable medical crisis that has turned their lives upside down. Michelle and Barry Feldschneider, a loving couple in their early 50s, have been struck by a series of debilitating health issues, leaving them in need of support from their community.
Michelle, a dedicated early intervention time therapist, began experiencing concerning symptoms earlier this year. Twitching in her facial muscles and hand eventually progressed to frequent falls, leading to her hospitalization in late April. Despite initial tests showing no serious issues, Michelle’s condition worsened, and she started experiencing severe seizures, culminating in a near-death experience on May 25, 2023.
After a spinal tap, the results finally provided a diagnosis: Michelle has been diagnosed with limbic encephalitis, an extremely rare autoimmune disorder that affects only one in every three million people. This disease has caused blindness, hearing loss, seizures, insomnia, anxiety and brain trauma. While medication has been found to control the seizures and manage related health issues, Michelle has lost the use of her left side, and has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation therapies.
Barry, Michelle’s devoted husband, has been by her side throughout this ordeal. However, due to extended hospital visits and stays, he contracted sepsis, requiring surgery to remove the infection. Now, both Michelle and Barry are sharing a room at the rehabilitation facility as Barry receives daily infusions of antibiotics to fully eradicate the infection from his system.
Their college-age daughter, Maddy, has taken on the responsibility of managing their home, caring for their cats, and working two jobs to help cover expenses. The family has received some emotional and financial support from friends and relatives, but the road to recovery and establishing a new normal is long and uncertain. With depleted savings and limited disability benefits, they are in need of additional assistance to cover medical expenses, bills and ongoing care.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received thus far, but the financial strain is overwhelming,” said one of Barry’s cousins. “Michelle and Barry’s lives have been forever changed, and they need our help to navigate this challenging journey.”
The Feldschneider family humbly appeals to the community for assistance during this difficult time. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in their lives. Financial support will help cover medical expenses, ongoing care and daily living costs. Together, we can provide them with the resources they need to focus on healing and rebuilding their lives.
To contribute to the Feldschneider family’s recovery fund, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/michelle-and-barry-need-your-help or contact Rachel Lewkowicz at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +972(0)54-341-3509 (TEXT ONLY). Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.
