Robin Knox Fund for Radiant Health
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My name is Robin Knox. I am 58 years old and am afflicted with several "invisible illnesses" including fibromyalgia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); the symptoms of these ilnesses have become debilitating at times in my life. I am currently disabled and unable to work enough to earn a living. I am raising funds to help me with my medical and rehabilitation expenses that are not covered by insurance.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month so I am encouraged to speak up and ask for your help. Being disabled by symptoms of invisible diseases that people don't understand can be emotionally brutal; one is repeatedly met with denial of help that is offered to those with better understood and less stigmatized, so called "physical disability". #stopstigma
Since being in a multi-car pileup on the interstate in 1993, I have been extremely challenged by chronic pain, memory problems, and extreme fatigue, depression, anxiety, panic attacks and suicidal ideation. I have twice now been bed ridden for more than a year and have been at a high risk of suicide for the past few years due to the worsening of PTSD and chronic pain symptoms.
Despite these challenges I have continued to work as an environment scientist and advocate. I want more than anything to return to my role in that capacity in a way that supports me. Right now I need help to get needed treatment, testing, and rehabilitation support for the next few months to help me take on the challenges of a vocational rehabilitation program that I hope will include returning to school for a higher level degree. A master's degree will offer me more opportunity in research and teaching at University of Hawaii, a job market not available to me right now.
I am extremely grateful to be alive, and for all my friends and family and colleagues who have supported me. I have slipped from the middle class into earning less than half of what is considered poverty level, but I have a roof over my head, and though it is hard to stretch my food budget, I manage to with a little help from food banks and friends.
My rent and utilities consume 82% of my income, leaving me $125 for all other expenses including phone, transportation by bus, any personal care items and all out of pocket medical expenses. I have received excellent health care and have a good prognosis for recovery, but I need somethings that are not covered by insurance such as a Pysiatrist (Doctor of Rehabilitation Medicine) Chiropractic, Accupuncture, and service animal costs. I know from experience that these are the modalities and accomodations that have reduced my symptoms and returned me to a more functional level.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month so I am encouraged to speak up and ask for your help. Being disabled by symptoms of invisible diseases that people don't understand can be emotionally brutal; one is repeatedly met with denial of help that is offered to those with better understood and less stigmatized, so called "physical disability". #stopstigma
Since being in a multi-car pileup on the interstate in 1993, I have been extremely challenged by chronic pain, memory problems, and extreme fatigue, depression, anxiety, panic attacks and suicidal ideation. I have twice now been bed ridden for more than a year and have been at a high risk of suicide for the past few years due to the worsening of PTSD and chronic pain symptoms.
Despite these challenges I have continued to work as an environment scientist and advocate. I want more than anything to return to my role in that capacity in a way that supports me. Right now I need help to get needed treatment, testing, and rehabilitation support for the next few months to help me take on the challenges of a vocational rehabilitation program that I hope will include returning to school for a higher level degree. A master's degree will offer me more opportunity in research and teaching at University of Hawaii, a job market not available to me right now.
I am extremely grateful to be alive, and for all my friends and family and colleagues who have supported me. I have slipped from the middle class into earning less than half of what is considered poverty level, but I have a roof over my head, and though it is hard to stretch my food budget, I manage to with a little help from food banks and friends.
My rent and utilities consume 82% of my income, leaving me $125 for all other expenses including phone, transportation by bus, any personal care items and all out of pocket medical expenses. I have received excellent health care and have a good prognosis for recovery, but I need somethings that are not covered by insurance such as a Pysiatrist (Doctor of Rehabilitation Medicine) Chiropractic, Accupuncture, and service animal costs. I know from experience that these are the modalities and accomodations that have reduced my symptoms and returned me to a more functional level.
Organizer
Robin S. Knox
Organizer
Kahului, HI
