Hello, my name is Amanda Farrow. I'm 44 years old and I have Functional Neurological Disorder or FND. FND is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system as well as how the brain and body send and receive signals. It is often related to physical and emotional trauma resulting in both physical and psychological symptoms. For me, acute physical symptoms started over 3 years ago, first with pain and numbness in my legs, and then the complete loss of all feeling and motor control from the waist down. This is very hard for me, as I have made a living working in the health-care system as a porter: a very physical and interactive job which I love. I am unable to work or earn an income. I was living at the hospital but moved to a long-term care facility in April of 2023. This move has its own set of challenges, and I am still struggling with my ADL’s and transferring.

I have been working with specialists, therapists, and social workers to try and find appropriate treatment. This has led to being transferred in and out of multiple facilities locally and in BC with no progress or change in my condition. My own personal research has led me to a clinic overseas that specializes in FND and has helped many patients experience healing and regain their abilities. But this requires patients to stay in the clinic for a minimum of 3 months, which is a costly and therefore unattainable option for many people in this situation, including me.

We unfortunately do not currently have any inpatient clinics like this here in BC or in Canada that specialize specifically in FND. Going to the clinic Switzerland would be life changing for me as it may mean gaining the ability to walk again. My request to our health authorities has been turned down, and I am currently being told I will have to spend the rest of my life in long-term care.

If you are still reading this, thank-you. I appreciate your support as it is very hard for me to be so publicly honest and vulnerable about my situation. There is so much life ahead of me still, and I would love to be able to explore all options to gain back my mobility. Options within my own country have been explored and are limited and not specialized. I humbly ask that you consider donating to my efforts to raise funds for treatment in Switzerland. With your help, this could bring back my quality of life.

The pursuit remains Switzerland but there are also increasing medical expenses being in long-term care.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Sincerely,

Amanda J. Farrow ❤️