Five years ago, my life changed in ways I never could have imagined. Since being diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder, autonomic dysfunction, autoimmune illness, and trauma-related neurological conditions, my world has gradually narrowed — not from a lack of effort or will, but from a body that no longer functions the way it once did.

Some days are about managing pain, mobility, and neurological symptoms. Other days are simply about getting through. For several years now, my life has revolved around medical care, treatments, and adapting to physical limitations I never expected to face at this stage of life.

Donations will go toward:

• basic living support (groceries, gas, pet care, essentials)

• specialized dietary needs

• uncovered medical expenses and ongoing care

• mobility and quality-of-life aids not covered by insurance

What’s been happening

Since 2019, I’ve been under the care of more than a dozen physicians and specialists and have undergone multiple surgeries and procedures. I live with chronic pain, mobility instability, debilitating migraines, and unpredictable neurological symptoms. I rely on mobility aids such as a wheelchair, canes, braces, and adaptive equipment to get through daily life.

I also have extreme dietary restrictions due to celiac disease and multiple food allergies, which significantly increase basic living costs. These are medical necessities, not preferences.

As my health declined, I was forced to stop working, withdraw from school, and give up many everyday activities — including walking my dog, exercising, socializing, and spending time in places I once loved. The isolation has been profound and unchosen.

Disability limbo

Despite extensive medical documentation, I’ve been denied Social Security Disability benefits multiple times. My case remains unresolved after years of delays, leaving me without the support disability benefits are meant to provide — even while I’m clearly unable to work.

The financial reality

Before illness, I worked from a young age, served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, and was studying business administration. That independence has been replaced with financial instability and a constant lack of security.

We’ve exhausted all available options: savings, credit, early retirement withdrawals, selling our vehicle, and moving into base housing to reduce expenses. We have now reached the point where there are no remaining cost-cutting options.

Why we’re asking for help now

My husband is currently active duty, but his ETS is less than a year away. We have no savings left, no family safety net, and no clear path forward while my disability case remains unresolved and my health prevents me from working.

Every donation or share helps relieve a piece of the weight we’ve been carrying for a long time.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for helping us keep on keeping on.