Hi, I’m Kaycia and I have been living with an autoimmune disorder called Rheumatoid Arthritis for the past 4 years. This is a lifelong chronic illness in which my overactive immune system has begun attacking my joints, causing pain, swelling, and permanent damage. I went from being an active mother of 2, working full-time, to a person who can hardly walk unassisted and care for herself. Some days are better than others, but I am living in constant pain and recently have lost most of the strength and ability to use my hands. I struggle to grip things and hold them for long periods of time, with opening doors and packages, holding a pencil and writing, driving, dressing myself, and simple day-to-day things most people take for granted. I’ve always loved making arts and crafts, but I’m heartbroken to say I have lost most of my ability to do them as well. I have always been very independent, so this has been hard on me, having to rely on others to help me day-to-day, and I get extremely frustrated with myself when I can’t do the things I need to. I try to push through the pain and still do as much as I can, but in the past year, it has gotten progressively worse. The chronic pain, fatigue, and loss of abilities have also caused me to become majorly depressed and lose interest in life. I had a small house cleaning business up till now, but I can no longer keep up with it due to the pain in my hands.

I am looking at having surgery in my right hand because the nerves have become so compressed and to try to repair some of the damage my RA has caused. I have applied for disability and am going through that process now, but unfortunately, life doesn’t pause for anything, and I still have to pay my bills in the meantime. I don’t have a lot of support, and I’m living in a new town away from my family where I don’t know a single person, so it has been a really difficult time for me. I hate asking for help, but I don’t know what else to do to get by until I am approved for disability. I appreciate so, so much if you can donate, and if not, that’s ok too! This money will all go towards paying my bills and possibly hiring someone to help care for me. I am still hopeful that someday my RA will go back into remission and I will live a somewhat normal life again. Thank you for listening, and I appreciate all your thoughts, prayers, and donations so much! Love, Kaycia