Hello, my name is Avelina Francisco, most know me by Abbey, and I’m reaching out with a humble heart to ask for your help during one of the most challenging times in my life. I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in December 2014 which is a lifelong autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells. Flare ups often happen every two years, but this past year has been different. I had one flare-up in March 2024 and another in November.
I normally undergo a series of medications to treat my flare-ups and recover within a few months. However, around February 2025, my flare-up did not improve, which led my doctor to recommend a different medication called anifrolumab. It is an IV medication specifically designed for patients with lupus and helps reduce the overactive immune response and administered for 6 months.
At the time, I did not have insurance and was a full-time nursing student working a part-time job just to afford medications and lab tests. I called several pharmacies on Guam, and only one was able to order the medication but the self-pay price was $6,400 per dose, which would total $38,400 for six months. I knew I couldn’t afford that, so I applied for Medicaid in February, but was denied because I was a college student “pursuing a higher degree education.”
As a part-time employee, I was offered insurance through work, but I would have had to cover 100% of the cost which would have been the majority of my paycheck. I also tried applying for a loan, but I wasn’t approved. Realizing that paying for the medication locally was not an option, I decided to pursue treatment in the Philippines, where the estimated cost is $1,500 per dose self-pay. Even though it was significantly cheaper, I still didn’t have the funds for both the medication and the flight, so I had to delay treatment due to lack of finances, no insurance, and trying to complete my final semester of nursing school.
From March to May, I was closely monitored with monthly lab tests and had to take extra precautions, as even a minor infection could have seriously affected my health. I recently graduated from college and applied for Medicaid again, and this time I was approved but unfortunately, Medicaid does not cover anifrolumab.
My health remained stable until mid-May when I started developing flu-like symptoms. I knew it was urgent to start the medication immediately, as getting sick could have been life-threatening due to a high risk of infection. With a small amount of savings, I booked a flight and was able to receive my first anifrolumab infusion on May 27.
It’s not in my nature to ask for financial help, but this situation has left me with very few options, and I’m truly grateful for any support. With a limited income and no insurance coverage for this medication, I’m struggling to keep up. That’s why I’ve created this fundraiser, with the goal of raising $10,000 to help cover the cost of my infusions, doctor’s fees, and airfare to the Philippines for the next five months.
Every donation, big or small, will make a real difference in my life and help ease the burden during this difficult time. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this with your friends and family. Your kindness, support, and prayers mean the world to me.
