Hey everyone, my name is Kathleena and I am Erin’s best friend. We have known each other for 8 years now and I consider her a part of my family. We met in my freshman year of high school and have been inseparable since. I have created this GoFundMe because since September of this year, Erin has been sick with H.Pylori and SIBO (small intestinal bacteria growth). Erin is a very low-key kind of person who does not put her business out there so not many people knew she has been battling this bacterial infection in her stomach for the past three months. We thought she was going to get better sooner but things have only gotten worse with her health. Erin has lost over 20lbs since September as she has gone through multiple tests, have had incompetent doctors misdiagnose her illness and is now spending money out-of-pocket to see a naturopathic doctor that is not covered through her health insurance. Erin has already spent over $5,000 of her savings paying for medical tests and treatments not covered by her insurance. Last month in November, Erin had taken over 150 antibiotics in a two-week span to treat her H.pylori and she is still feeling symptoms today as there is a high chance of recurrence. 

Erin unfortunately had to quit her jobs in September in order to focus on her health. 

Erin is now battling SIBO. SIBO is abnormal bacteria growth in the small intestine that can cause weight loss, sore muscles, sore joints, vitamin deficiency, malnutrition, abdominal pain and discomfort, anxiety and depression. SIBO has affected her daily life and it causes her pain from daily activities such as eating, drinking and even breathing. Now, Erin will soon begin the Elemental Diet. This diet is a series of powders that is mixed with water and consumed up to 4-5x per day for the next two weeks. During this treatment, Erin will not be allowed to consume any other foods or drinks (except for water) in order for the treatment to work effectively. Research shows that the Elemental Diet reduces the amount of hydrogen gas that is being produced in her small intestine that is caused by the abnormal bacteria growth. This treatment is not covered by her insurance and she is looking at over $700 to cover these expenses. In addition, the naturopathic doctor she is seeing charges $300/hr. Erin has only gone to see the naturopathic doctor once so far and has incurred a $500 doctor’s bill. I am reaching out to our friends and family who know Erin and/or myself to please support her on this journey to recovery. Erin is currently unemployed and has been able to sustain herself with her savings for now. However, this pandemic has caused a lot of financial instabilities and insecurities for many, including Erin. I hope that those who have the means to donate can do so, but I understand if you are struggling financially that you may reach out to Erin and pray for a speedy recovery and to give her some positive vibes as she is feeling the lowest she has ever felt in her life. I hope that with creating this GoFundMe for Erin, it will take off some of the financial burdens that her and her family are currently experiencing.

Much love to everyone and I hope that you all are staying well and healthy during these uncertain times. Erin will appreciate your love and kindness.