I'm a registered nurse of 15 years, who has been dealing with several complex chronic illnesses since I first got COVID in May of 2022. In spite of multiple attempts to return to work, and having spent tens of thousands of dollars and countless hours seeking treatment and supportive care for my numerous, debilitating health issues, I have been totally disabled for over three years now, and my claim for social security disability (SSDI), submitted well over a year ago, was recently denied. Unfortunately this is quite common for folks under 50, and the appeal process, which I’ve already started, can take years.

I've had no income since November 2024, I’ve exhausted all other available disability benefits, and my employment was terminated just prior to that, due to my lengthy medical leave and inability to find an alternate position that fit my restrictions. I've been living off of my savings and credit cards, relying on government assistance programs and some family support to get by, but with my SSDI claim denied, SNAP benefits now halted, and the threat of potentially losing my health coverage if Medicaid is affected as well, I find myself needing to make a public plea for help, as uncomfortable as it is to do so.

Among other things, in the last few years I've been diagnosed with long COVID, late-stage Lyme disease (likely contracted over a decade prior to testing), post-viral chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. I have cartilage tears in my wrists, multiple points of nerve compression in both of my arms and hands, and a rare form of autoimmune colitis. This is on top of my preexisting physical and mental health issues, all of which have significantly worsened. I am in constant pain, deeply fatigued no matter how much I sleep or rest, and I battle brain fog, significant memory impairment, confusion & mood issues daily. I’m unable to keep up with the simplest of household tasks & struggle with even the most basic aspects of self care.

I know so many are struggling right now and it feels weird and embarrassing to ask for help when others need it even more desperately, but I have no idea when, if ever, I’ll be well enough to work again, even just a tiny bit. If I could go back to work tomorrow, I would, trust me!! I fought extremely hard to get to where I was in my career, overcoming work injuries, a shoulder surgery & other various health concerns to reach my goal of becoming an L&D nurse, certified in my specialty and also as a lactation consultant. Unfortunately, my physical & cognitive impairments make it impossible (& honestly unsafe) for me to return to my prior work, or even to train for a new, less intense position, due to my extensive limitations. 10 months of daily IV antibiotics for Lyme & a surgery to release some of my nerve compression, along with extensive PT, OT & other bodywork, have improved some of my symptoms, but I’m still not even close to fully functional, and I’ll need to have another surgery at some point. I've been accepted into two long COVID clinics but haven't been able to be seen at either of them due to insurance issues, and the wait to see related specialists is very long. Although my SSDI appeal has been filed, it could be another year or several until I get approved, and I’ll most likely need to hire a disability attorney, which means giving up at least 25% of any back pay.

I need help to pay off debt and stay on top of my bills so that my pets and I are not at risk of losing our home, and so I can continue to fight to get better. Although Medi-Cal covers a lot and I’m so grateful to have it, I still have quite a lot of out-of-pocket costs for my health care and treatment that really add up every month, even though I’ve cut back on my expenses as much as possible (to my detriment). Pain management is probably what I spend the most on, so the majority of funds raised will go towards that.

Any amount, no matter how small, would be so appreciated, and if you're not in a position to donate, I absolutely get it! Simply sharing this fundraiser would be a HUGE help too. In addition to pain management (bodywork, medication, etc), all funds raised will go directly towards eliminating the debt I’ve accrued, as well as towards helping to pay for the medical care, compounded medication, supplements & other health related expenses not covered by my insurance. If possible, it will also go toward food & supplies for my dog & three cats, utilities, groceries & maybe even some occasional help around the house. If you’re willing and able to help out a different way, please reach out! I could use help with paperwork, phone calls or even just a body double to keep me company while trying to do chores. Thank you so much!!!