On August 18th, my partner and best friend, Mia C. Thomas Robinson (they/them/theirs) was diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (also known as IIH).
IIH is a condition in which high and severe pressure can occur within the spaces that surround both the brain and spinal cord without a detectable cause. Symptoms of IIH include chronic headaches, visual loss (including blind spots, poor side vision, double vision, and temporary episodes of blindness or longterm eyesight loss), neck, back and arm stiffness and pain, memory loss, fatigue, tiredness and overall sickness. Though IIH itself is not life threatening ,the effects of the condition and the treatment for IIH can be.
While Mia has undergone the treatment process (scans, exams, a spinal tap and two daily medications), the road to recovery has not been easy. This condition has been emotionally exhausting and physically strenuous on their body and has prevented their ability to work.
Mia has applied for short term disability (up until December 20th) to adjust to the new treatment, side effects and an upcoming spinal tap. Unfortunately, Mia has been in an ongoing battle with their insurance company and we are unsure of if they be able to get the support that they need. Due to persistent medical expenses and the regular financial obligations, Mia has exhausted their savings, used up all of their PTO and is currently not receiving any monthly income.
Throughout this process, I have witnessed how emotionally, physically and financially taxing this condition has been on Mia and our family. We have exhausted all options at this point and are reaching out to our beloved community for support and as the last result. This money would help Mia with their monthly expenses and medical bills as they work to recover from their next procedure and the enduring effects of IIH.
Despite Mia's chronic illness, they have managed to be a constant source of love and support for me and others. Mia has given a lot to Black, Brown, Indigenous, POC, Queer and Trans communities both on and offline. I am asking that if you have any financial capacity, please consider supporting this angel as they learn to live with IIH.
IIH is a condition in which high and severe pressure can occur within the spaces that surround both the brain and spinal cord without a detectable cause. Symptoms of IIH include chronic headaches, visual loss (including blind spots, poor side vision, double vision, and temporary episodes of blindness or longterm eyesight loss), neck, back and arm stiffness and pain, memory loss, fatigue, tiredness and overall sickness. Though IIH itself is not life threatening ,the effects of the condition and the treatment for IIH can be.
While Mia has undergone the treatment process (scans, exams, a spinal tap and two daily medications), the road to recovery has not been easy. This condition has been emotionally exhausting and physically strenuous on their body and has prevented their ability to work.
Mia has applied for short term disability (up until December 20th) to adjust to the new treatment, side effects and an upcoming spinal tap. Unfortunately, Mia has been in an ongoing battle with their insurance company and we are unsure of if they be able to get the support that they need. Due to persistent medical expenses and the regular financial obligations, Mia has exhausted their savings, used up all of their PTO and is currently not receiving any monthly income.
Throughout this process, I have witnessed how emotionally, physically and financially taxing this condition has been on Mia and our family. We have exhausted all options at this point and are reaching out to our beloved community for support and as the last result. This money would help Mia with their monthly expenses and medical bills as they work to recover from their next procedure and the enduring effects of IIH.
Despite Mia's chronic illness, they have managed to be a constant source of love and support for me and others. Mia has given a lot to Black, Brown, Indigenous, POC, Queer and Trans communities both on and offline. I am asking that if you have any financial capacity, please consider supporting this angel as they learn to live with IIH.