My name is Ronda and in January 2025, my life took an unexpected turn. I started to have random vision loss, and when I went to the doctor, I found out that my head was essentially falling off internally. I had a severely compressed spinal cord, significant cervical instability, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, and a whole bunch of other problems in my neck. Within 2 weeks, I was in for surgery. I had ACDF surgery on C3-C4 to secure my head and make my condition less lethal.

I was informed that I had a connective tissue disorder, and after genetic testing, received a diagnosis of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Recovery has been very slow, and after trying for a few months, working is nearly impossible. I am no longer employed and cannot work for the foreseeable future. Losing my income and not having the potential to earn one has been terrifying. I've applied for different programs and disability, but everything takes time. My utilities are being turned off left and right, my car is close to getting repossessed, and I am extremely stressed, which is making recovery harder. I need a cushion and space to breathe. Any help would be more than appreciated.