Hello, as some of you may know, our good friend Sydney Brosseuk has been going through some really tough medical issues for a few years. The last couple years have been especially bad, and after countless trips to the E.R., so many sleepless nights, and endless wait lists for more inconclusive results by dismissive doctors, we’ve finally decided to throw in the towel with the Canadian medical system and get Syd down to Mexico.

Our very good friends have been gracious enough to welcome her into their home in Merida and will help her navigate the Mexican medical system. They’ve done the same for others who were completely let down in Canada, and those friends had great results, and we’re so desperate for Sydney to have the same. This won’t be a cure, but at least she can finally get a diagnosis, and with it, a roadmap and the chance at a normal life again. We genuinely fear that one of these days her symptoms will progress into intestinal rupturing and sepsis, and so we see no alternative but to fast track this process and get her to specialists that will actually help.

So far Sydney has raised a grand on her own, but with the flight, and the expected medical costs, and food expenses, we’re hoping to raise another $4,000. We know times are difficult on everyone right now, and we could all use a little help, but if it’s possible, please consider helping our friend out. It would mean the world to us.

Thank you.

Breakdown

Flights: $600-800 (may have to be 2x one way trips).

Food: $500-1000 (pending 2 or 3 weeks of stay).

Medical: $1500-5000

Here’s the detailed breakdown of medical testing and procedure, as well as the planned itinerary:

The plan starts with an internal medicine doctor for a broad assessment, who can recommend referrals. Include a rheumatologist early for autoimmune, joint, and rash concerns. Consider an endocrinologist for thyroid, weight, and hair issues after initial labs. A neurologist if tremors or brain fog persist. A dermatologist for rashes or hives if they do not resolve.

2-Week Timeline with Integrated Appointment Plan and Prices

Assume arrival on Day 1 Internal medicine doctor at Faro del Mayab, gastroenterologist and procedures at Star Medica, labs and scans at Salud Digna (affordable option; book online). Include rheumatologist early. Others as needed. Appointments have short waits in private care. If complex tests like additional imaging or biopsies are required, unexpected results arise, or procedures need follow-up recovery, you may need to stay an extra week.

Week 1: Initial Consults and Testing (Days 1-7)

Day 1: Arrival and Settle In. Rest, confirm appointments.

Day 2: Internal Medicine Doctor Appointment at Faro del Mayab. Broad review, exam, order labs. Cost: 91 CAD (initial).

Day 3: Gastroenterologist Appointment at Star Medica + Rheumatologist Appointment (for example, at Faro or Star). Gastroenterologist for digestive issues; rheumatologist for autoimmune and joint concerns. Costs: Gastroenterologist 76 CAD (initial); rheumatologist 61-91 CAD (initial).

Day 4: Comprehensive Lab Work at Salud Digna. Blood tests (complete blood count, CRP and ESR for inflammation, liver and kidney function, celiac and thyroid panel [TSH, T3, T4], autoimmune markers [ANA, RF, anti-CCP], vitamins [D, B12, ferritin]); stool tests (calprotectin, elastase, parasites, occult blood); urine tests. Costs: Blood panels including autoimmune, thyroid, and vitamins 114-229 CAD total; stool 61-114 CAD; urine 23-38 CAD. Total labs: 198-381 CAD.

Days 5-7: Buffer for Results and Add-Ons. Review partial results. Add ultrasound for bloating or joints, or breath test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (fits trapped gas). If thyroid issues show, book endocrinologist. Costs: Abdominal ultrasound 61-114 CAD; breath test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth 76-152 CAD. Total potential: 0-267 CAD.

Week 2: Follow-Ups, Procedures, and Planning (Days 8-14)

Day 8: Follow-Up with Internal Medicine Doctor at Faro. Systemic review, referrals (for example, to neurologist if needed). Cost: 61-76 CAD.

Day 9: Follow-Up with Gastroenterologist at Star + Rheumatologist Follow-Up. Digestive and procedure planning; autoimmune insights. Costs: Each 61-76 CAD (total 122-152 CAD).

Day 10: Potential Additional Specialists or Procedure. For example, endocrinologist (for thyroid, hair, weight) at Faro or Star 61-91 CAD; neurologist (for tremors, brain fog) 61-91 CAD; dermatologist (for rashes, hives) 61 CAD. Or colonoscopy for digestive issues. Costs: Specialists 61-91 CAD each; colonoscopy 610 CAD.

Days 11-12: Additional Tests or Procedures if Needed. For example, upper endoscopy, CT scan for bloating or pain, skin biopsy (if dermatologist recommends), motility study (for constipation or incontinence). Costs: Upper endoscopy 457-762 CAD; CT abdomen 152-381 CAD; biopsy 76-152 CAD. Total potential: 0-1,296 CAD.

Day 13: Final Follow-Ups and Treatment Plan. All specialists; get reports. Costs: Follow-ups 61-76 CAD each (1-3 total); medications 38-152 CAD.

A La Carte Budget Breakdown

In CAD. Excludes travel.

Consultations:

Internal medicine doctor initial (Faro): 91 CAD

Gastroenterologist initial (Star): 76 CAD

Rheumatologist initial: 61-91 CAD

Follow-ups (3-6 total): 61-76 CAD each

Additional specialists (endocrinologist, neurologist, dermatologist): 61-91 CAD each

Lab Work and Tests (Salud Digna):

Blood panels (including autoimmune, thyroid, vitamins, inflammation): 114-229 CAD

Stool analysis (calprotectin, elastase, parasites): 61-114 CAD

Urine tests: 23-38 CAD

Breath test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: 76-152 CAD

Procedures and Imaging:

Colonoscopy (Star): 610 CAD

Upper endoscopy (Star): 457-762 CAD

Abdominal ultrasound (Salud Digna): 61-114 CAD

CT abdomen (Salud Digna or hospital): 152-381 CAD

Skin biopsy (if dermatologist): 76-152 CAD

Miscellaneous:

Medications or prescriptions: 38-152 CAD

Buffer for unexpected: 152-381 CAD

Price Summary

Minimal (basics: core consultations + labs + 2-3 follow-ups): 762-1,143 CAD

Moderate (with rheumatologist + colonoscopy + extras): 1,525-2,287 CAD

Comprehensive (all specialists, tests, procedures): 2,668-4,193 CAD