Alicia's Fight: A Race Against Sepsis

Dear Friends, Family and Community,

Imagine your body betraying you, losing control and mobility. Alicia fought to be heard. Doctors dismissed her pain — until she nearly died of sepsis.

In the early hours of March 17th, Alicia went to the ER with agonizing flank (kidney) pain. She knew her body, and her intuition told her that something was gravely wrong. But even after requesting a CT scan, revealing both kidneys full of stones, she was sent home.

The nightmare escalated. A 103-degree fever. Confusion. Shortness of breath. Dizziness. Nausea. This all thought to be caused by an allergic reaction to Dramamine; the medicine prescribed to help her pass the kidney stones.

Another ER visit, another dismissal.

Within 6 hours, she was having a sudden, terrifying stroke-like episode, her face paralyzed, and shortness of breath. In fear, she called for her own ambulance.

The truth was horrifying. The medical term being Obstructive Pyelonephritis — A dangerous kidney infection, toxic urine blocked by three stubborn kidney stones, threatening sepsis.

30 minutes after this news, and a panic attack later, Alicia was rushed into emergency surgery — her life hanging in the balance. The doctors put a painful stent in her right kidney to her bladder to pass the infection.

She survived her first surgery, but her battle is far from over.

Alicia is a small business owner, loving auntie, adoptee, dog-mom, ADHDer, and partner. She is also a Human Rights Commissioner for her city, youth mentor, and pillar of the community.

She is our vibrant, fiercely independent friend, and needs our help.

This isn't just about kidney stones; it's about a relentless fight against a system that nearly failed her. It is also about advocating for yourself, especially when it comes to your health.

Her second surgery will hopefully shed light on what caused this. She will have another stent put in and they will take a stone for analysis.

All of this happened just days after Alicia had 3 surgeries on her leg, due to Varicose Vein Disease.

We're not just asking for donations; we're asking you to be a lifeline. Please, donate what you can. Share this story. Every act of kindness matters.

This money will be used for medical bills, housing costs, and food. This will allow her to keep her small business afloat while she navigates the healing process.

$5 $10, $20, $50, or more – every contribution brings us closer to helping Alicia reclaim her life.

Alicia always shows up for the community.

Now, it's our turn to be there for her.

With hope and gratitude,

Freesia, friend of Alicia