A local family in Fort MacMurray is using GoFundMe for fundraising in order to meet the medical expenses for their 4 year old daughter. Melissa Qerimi was born with an auto immune disease called chronic idiopathic thombocyopenic purpura (ITP), and the little girl was also deaf at birth. Medical bills have been piling up, and the family must take the little girl to Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton for monthly treatments. Melissa has also had bilateral cochlear implants and the family is facing mounting medical bills as a result of treatments that the child needs. According to Melissa’s mother, Fatime Qerimi,“She (had her) surgery for cochlear implants in September 2012, In a year, how much we’re spending for her is $10,000, “I’m not the type of person … to ask for help, but right now any help would be appreciated, It’s a bit of a struggle as Melissa’s medical bills are piling up plus the gas, food and expenses for cochlear implant.”
Fundraising has become necessary so that the family can afford Melissa’s medical expenses plus the usual living costs. ITP can be treated by removing the spleen because this organ breaks down platelets by producing antibodies, however this surgery is not an option until the toddler is at least 9 years old. For the next 5 years the Qerimi family will need to continue the current treatment regimen, and the cost is expensive but without the monthly treatments Melissa could die. Hopefully the Fort MacMurray community will rally around the family and help out. Recyclable can and bottle donations are also being accepted by the family.