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Mary's Medical Bills

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Hi everyone! I'm Mary and when it comes to asking for help, I'm not sure where to start.

I'm 21 years old and just last summer I was thrown into what seems to be a never ending medical battle. My whole life I've had arthritis pain and other unexplained symptoms, and last year my health reached a breaking point and I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called sarcoidosis. Since then, I've been also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Based both on my symptoms and my family history, my rheumatologist suspects I may also have lupus. However, autoimmune diseases are hard to diagnose and differentiate, and often overlap. I've started physical therapy, which helps with my strength and pain management. At my PT's suggestion, I use a cane for any "long outings" including simple things like trips to the mall. But I still don't have answers and I'm not getting any better, so I need to take the steps to rule out any other diseases, like multiple sclerosis (MS). Ruling out MS is not simple. It's expensive.


The problem is I have to pay everything out of pocket.


Every rheumatologist appointment costs me just under $200. Simple things like blood work can cost upwards of $1,500. I'm 21 years old and I'm a nanny, I simply cannot keep up.


My goal right now is $2,500. This money would cover expenses specifically for ruling out MS.


To rule out MS, I will need to go to a neurologist. I've called my local hospital, and a new patient appointment will cost "at minimum," $500. From there, I've been told I will need an MRI. ($1,500.) And again, another neurologist appointment to go over my MRI results.

In the last six months I've been forced to roll down my hours as a student and a nanny because my body can no longer handle that rigorous schedule. The work hours I've lost have not help with my medical bills.


In the last year, I've spent thousands of dollars on medical bills. My immediate family has helped, but my savings have dwindled. As I type this I am frustrated and disappointed by the fact that I've had to spend my savings on medical bills. I started working when I was in middle school and I have almost nothing to show for it.


So that's it. I need help. It is humbling and humiliating to reach the end of my rope, but here I am.


Anything you give will go directly towards my medical expenses. If by some miracle I exceed my goal, they will go towards future medical expenses. And if by some bigger miracle, my health or finances improve, I will be sure to donate all proceeds to a GoFundMe page similar to my own.


Thank you for reading my page! If you can, please pass this page along.


And thank you for donating, it means the world to me.

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Donations 

  • Christina Bennett
    • $50 
    • 11 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $500 (Offline)
    • 11 yrs
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Organizer

Mary Caroline Taylor
Organizer
Ridgewood, NJ

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