Carlos's Fight: Battling MS and Vision Loss

My name is Carlos F. Benitez, a 36-year-old man in a body ravaged by a merciless disease. In June of 2023, days before my 34th birthday, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an incurable autoimmune disease. The onset of MS was a waking nightmare. Within days of my diagnosis, I was completely paralyzed on the left side of my body, unable to walk. My symptoms shifted from one side of my body to the other and by July, I developed a third lesion on my brain. With that lesion came the most devastating blow: my vision was stolen. Since then, I now live with permanent double vision and nystagmus, which means my pupils are constantly bouncing up and down without rest. I also suffer from chronic pain and neuropathy through my hands, feet, arms, and throughout my body daily. Aside from the tingling and pain, I can’t feel or distinguish textures or temperatures due to my numbed sense of touch.

MS has obliterated every corner of my existence. Paralysis, weakness, blindness, and pain have stripped me of work, erasing my financial stability. The heat sensitivity caused by MS forces me to constantly be indoors and limits the activities I can do.

For nearly two years, I clung to my savings, which have been depleted due to costs of medications, doctors’ visits, approaches to pain relief, etc. I was fortunate enough to be able to move back with my family, but these additional expenses have taken a toll and they can no longer afford to support me. After filing two applications for Social Security disability and being denied, I am now trapped in an appeal process that could drag on for an additional 6 to 18 months, with no Medicare or Medicaid. I am out of options and this GoFundMe is a desperate plea for survival, independence, and hope.

My expenses are a crushing weight and my goal is to cover critical needs: transportation to doctor’s offices, physical therapy to regain strength, and doctor visits to manage my condition. The funds will also support medications that ease my pain, reduce stress, and help me sleep, as well as cover costs while I participate in trials for new medications to combat my autoimmune disease. Additionally, the funds will help with living expenses, as I can no longer work and have no income. This support will bridge the gap until I hopefully secure disability benefits, allowing me to focus on healing without weighing on my family.

I dream of brighter days enjoying simple pleasures, such as dancing, swimming, reading, driving, etc. I long to live without pain, to laugh without fear of what tomorrow brings.

Your support—whether a donation or sharing my story—means everything. Every contribution brings me closer to a life where I can stand on my own again, unburdened by MS and financial strain.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading my story and for considering being part of my fight.