More than 4 years ago, shortly after graduating college, I contracted COVID-19. The infection was not severe and I expected a normal recovery. Unfortunately, my health never returned and has continued to decline to a severe state, worsening each year.

I am now 100% housebound and am 90% bedbound. This means I am unable to safely leave the house and I must lie in bed approximately 90% of my day to avoid further deterioration of my condition. Most of this time must be spent in a low-stimulation environment—I stay in a darkened room because light, sound, and cognitive stimulation trigger worsening of my neurological symptoms. Even a 20-minute virtual doctor appointment causes a multi-day crash.

I have an official diagnosis of Long COVID and am currently in the process of being diagnosed with several other severe neuro-immune conditions that have greatly limited my ability to function.

​The Situation

I moved to Arizona with my brother in 2023, but he had to move back home a year later. Since then, I have been managing on my own, but my health has continued to decline. I now struggle with basic daily tasks like mail, trash, and cleaning. I rely on neighbors to help with these chores. During bad flare-ups, I’m sometimes forced to choose between bathing or eating because I'm unable to do both.

​I’ve realized that I can no longer safely live without nearby support. I need to move to Pittsburgh to be near my family to get reliable support.

Because of my illness, I am unable to work enough to cover my monthly expenses. I'm asking for your support to make this move safely.

​The Logistics

Moving 2,100+ miles is a massive undertaking for someone with my condition. I experience Post-Exertional Neuroimmune Exhaustion (PENE), which means even small amounts of activity can trigger a neuroimmune crash that lasts for weeks or months. Sometimes, these events are unrecoverable.

​While I can sit up for short periods to cook or eat, I cannot sit upright in a car or plane for the 30+ hours required to get across the country. The noise, vibration, and physical strain would cause a severe, long-term (or permanent) deterioration of my health.

Additionally, I have severe food sensitivities that require extremely strict dietary protocols. I have only two safe foods that must be sourced and shipped from out-of-state, then handled and cooked properly. I cannot tolerate any deviations without triggering immune system reactions that last weeks or months. This adds significant complexity to the trip.

The only medically low-risk option is non-emergency medical transport. This involves lying flat for the entire trip without needing the leave the vehicle except for hotel stops.

​The Cost

Previously the cost for this transport was $12,000, but the cost has been cut in half thanks for the gracious support of volunteers, meaning that labor cost has now been fully eliminated.

The estimate for this volunteer-supported transport is $6,000.

Estimated GFM fees: $214

Total to be raised: $6,214

This only covers my medical transportation. If the goal is exceeded, additional funds will be allocated towards my other moving/health expenses.

​I am asking for your help to get me home safely. This move is about finding a sustainable way to live with this illness and giving myself the best chance at stability.

Your donation doesn't just help me move. It directly prevents long-term worsening of my condition.

​Thank you for your support and for helping me get back to my family.