BlueCross BlueShield Member Story

Helping Taneka Find Hope With Specialized Care

Taneka, A 31-year-old member living in DuPage County had been managing a rare neurological condition called Mitochondrial Disorder since she was a teenager. Although she had a personal assistant through the Department of Rehabilitation Services and support from her family, she had not seen a neurologist familiar with her condition since her original pediatric specialist. For over 13 years, her family had struggled to find a provider who understood how to treat her specific diagnosis. Most doctors she saw focused only on treating her related conditions and avoided addressing the disorder itself.

While supporting another member with Muscular Dystrophy, a Case Management Specialist realized that Mitochondrial Disorders fall within the same clinical category. That discovery sparked new hope. The specialist began making calls to several organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Mitochondrial Disorder Support Association, and the University of Illinois Muscular Dystrophy Clinic.



After thorough outreach, the Case Management Specialist found a neurologist at the UIC Neurology Clinic who specializes in Mitochondrial Disorders. They worked with the member’s primary care provider to secure the necessary referral and arranged transportation for Taneka, her mother, and her service dog to make the visit possible. They also supported Taneka’s mother, who serves as her power of attorney, in navigating the appointment scheduling process.

Now, for the first time in over a decade, Taneka and her family are feeling hopeful. They are excited to meet a provider who understands her condition and looking forward to having a care plan tailored to her needs.