28 & Chronically ill -Can’t Afford Medical Bills

Hi, my name is Haley, and I am writing to you today to share my story and ask for your help because I don’t know where else to turn.

I am a 28-year-old who has been battling chronic illness for several years. When I was in college, I had a viral infection that triggered a rare auto-immune condition called Adult-Onset-Stills Disease (AOSD). This disease attacks my heart, liver, and other organs, as well as my joints, causing inflammation and deterioration. As the AOSD got worse I started having other issues as well and that is when we discovered another condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. This condition is genetic, and it also affects the organs and joints (a double whammy!), so as I finished college and was ready to start my life, everything changed direction.

From 2013 to 2023 I have had over 10 surgeries, including a double jaw replacement, and have been on over 50 medications to try to keep my conditions at bay and my body together. I have tried to keep a job and stay afloat and was doing well until I got COVID in January of 2023. COVID made my conditions exponentially worse and made it almost impossible for me to work outside of the house.

Everything hit the fan after COVID, as it has for so many. Unfortunately, due to my chronic health conditions worsening, and being immune-compromised, I have been advised by my doctor to work from home. Normally this would be great, but not when you are in dire need of a job to support yourself.

Recently, I applied for disability insurance to help cover my medical expenses and provide some financial support while I continue to look for a remote job. However, my application was denied because my conditions are pre-existing. This has left me in a difficult financial situation, and I am struggling to make ends meet. I am lucky to have the support of my family, but they have their own finances and can’t help me with everything.

With all of that said…I have started this GoFundMe page to raise funds to cover my medical expenses, bills, and other necessities. Your donation, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in my life. It will provide me with the support I need to continue fighting my illness, keep my health insurance, and allow me to focus on finding a remote job that will help me become self-sufficient.

I am determined to overcome my health challenges, not let them consume me, and make the most of my life. Your support will make a tremendous impact on my journey, and I cannot thank you enough for even considering donating!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and I hope you will consider making a donation to my GoFundMe page.

Haley

Update: Thanks to this page I have been able to find a job where I can work remotely. It was this GoFundMe page that connected me with an old colleague with whom I worked with to get my current job. I am beyond grateful for the support of everyone who has helped. You have literally kept me afloat.

How are things now?

I am able to get by with what I need and don’t need more than what I have.

Medical expenses are tight and I can’t pay for them all, however, I am managing, but I am always extremely grateful for support with these expenses where others are able.

Otherwise, I am simply grateful for the grace I have been given and the people who have lifted me up while I struggle. Making this page was not easy, and I’m thankful for my family and friends for encouraging me to take the next step and do it anyway. ❤️