Makila’s fight against EDS and Mastocytosis

Hello, I’m Makila and I’m 22 years old. I’m currently a college student studying nursing to be a pediatric oncologist nurse. I would say I’m like most other 22-year-olds but there’s something that makes me stand out a little more and has caused me to have a more difficult life than most. I have EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). EDS is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder that results in faulty collagen throughout the body making it a multi-systemic condition. Collagen is found throughout one's body; organs, skin, joints, blood vessels, etc. it’s pretty much the glue that holds the body together. EDS has drastically affected my life over the last few years. And NOW I am currently dealing with new health issues and am now having to see a hematologist and oncologist to see if I have a blood disease or something called Mastocytosis which can affect my life drastically and can become cancerous. I’ve had to give up a lot of things including work, hanging out with family and friends, and even stop going to school because physically my body just can't handle it, it’s caused me to have issues with walking and holding things, constantly feeling tired, not being able to eat and so much more.

The reason I’m starting this campaign is simply that my medical bills are piling up, and because there is no cure to EDS and mastocytosis is a lifelong disease where I’ll have to get treatments weekly or if I get bad can cause me to end up in the hospital, this is a lifetime battle I will have to face. I can’t work the full hours any “normal” person my age could and my parents work as much as they possibly can but still, we all know how expensive medical bills can be. Taking some of the financial burdens off would not only help my family but it would help me as well! Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read a little bit of my story
 With love, Makila