Please help Craig get back on his feet.

About Craig:

My nephew, Craig Andrianos, has recently been diagnosed with Chronic inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). Craig was a 20 year old college student, studying Exercise Physiology and running on the track team at SUNY Brockport, when this disease struck.  Craig must now use crutches and/or a wheel chair to get around.

What is CIDP?

CIDP is an autoimmune disorder which causes the body's immune system to attack and destroy the myelin sheath (which covers and protects the peripheral nerves).  The resulting symptoms are similar to MS--tingling and pain in the hands and feet, progressive muscle weakness, loss of deep tendon reflexes, fatigue, and difficulty walking. 

Is CIDP treatable?

Craig's neurologist has prescribed weekly Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, which is effective, but extremely expensive.

What expenses are not covered by health insurance?

Although Craig's family has health insurance, their deductible is $11,000.00; his family must pay this amount each year before the insurance will cover his treatments.  Although they are managing this year's deductible with a payment plan, their deductible resets on December 1 and they must pay another $11,000. Craig's weekly IVIG treatments will meet that amount in only 2 weeks and his family will have to come up with that amount. 

PLEASE HELP CRAIG, AN AVID RUNNER, GET BACK ON  HIS FEET!