Cindy Garza's Lupus Fight Fund
Donation protected
Who I am: My name is Cynthia aka Cindy. I have SLE Lupus and I'm fighting to beat it.
What is Lupus: Lupus is an autoimmune disease caused by an over active immune system. My body is constantly attacking it's self because my immune system mistakes healthy tissues and cells as foreign invaders. Lupus can attack everything; kidney's, lungs, heart, brain, bones & joints, tissue, vascular system, and skin. There is no cure for Lupus. I am sick EVERY day. Some days are better than others and some days are worse.
Before Lupus: I was extremely active. I worked-very hard long hours. I was active in my community. I served on campaigns for candidates running for office. I created social change in my community by creating programs or opportunities for the disadvantaged by collaborating with other agencies . I served as a Gardian Ad Lidem representing abused children in court through means of Child Advocates. I volunteered as an Americorp Vista. I entertained and hosted fundraiser parties in my home to donate 100% of the proceeds to a school in a developing country.
I used to run 1/2 marathons, surf, hike, bike, and ski . I used to work out, take spin class, etc. I used to be an avid traveler.
How my Lupus journey began:
In June 2015 I woke up stiff, unable to move and my joints were swollen and disfigured after I had spent the day before out in the sun fishing. I was initially diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and referred to a rhuemetologist. By the time I had my appoitment with a specialist I was suffering with an insurmountable amount of other symptoms. The doctor suspected I had Lupus and sent me for testing. But before I was able to find out my results I started having back to back seizures, stopped breathing on my own, became paralyzed, and ended up in a long term rehabilitation hospital.
I was finallaly diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematous. But Lupus did not come alone. It came with other autoimmune friends.
Functional Neurological Disorder: causes confusion, disorientation, memory loss, seizures, off-&-on paralyzation, muteness, stuttering, dystonia, Parkinson like tremors, gait, and urinary inconsistencies. My longest episode lasting 6.5 months. Attacks occur during physical illness or mental stress. https://youtu.be/HJF-hOJGktU
Sjogren's Syndrome: causes excessive issues due to dryness to body parts and organs. Dryness has caused g.i. issues, damage to my eyes and to my mouth. I had to have $3,000 in dental care because we need saliva to move bacteria out of our teeth and mouth.
Raynaud's: causes an interruption of blood flow and circulation to extremities. Spasms attacks are caused by exposure to cold or emotional stress. Typically, the affected area turns white, blue, or red during an attack. Attacks cause tingling, swelling, or painful throbbing. Can lead to amputation.
Vasculitis: inflammation of the blood vessels. I usually get a type called Livedo reticularis.
Fybromalgia: affects the muscles and soft tissue. Symptoms include extreme chronic muscle pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and painful tender points or trigger points.
Life since Lupus: Its been a journey. I no longer have the ability to work, travel, or do all the things I used to enjoy. But the desire is stilll there.
The reason I seek help: I have not been physically able to work since June 2015, have exhausted all my funds, have sold my belongings, have no income stream, and being ill is very expensive. I have to pay co-pays to doctor visits, prescription, many outstanding doctor and hospital bills, constant lab work, Uber rides to my appointments, chemotherapy, and insurance hardly covers a fraction of my medical expenses. The current amount of my outstanding medical cost are ennourmous.
How your help would help me.
Your help will help me in my fight against Lupus by being able to help me afford my treatment including chemotherapy
Your help may help me get well enough to regain normal functions where I can work again one day and become an advocate and help others attacked by this terrible disease Lupus.
Thank You So Much in Advance,
-Cindy
What is Lupus: Lupus is an autoimmune disease caused by an over active immune system. My body is constantly attacking it's self because my immune system mistakes healthy tissues and cells as foreign invaders. Lupus can attack everything; kidney's, lungs, heart, brain, bones & joints, tissue, vascular system, and skin. There is no cure for Lupus. I am sick EVERY day. Some days are better than others and some days are worse.
Before Lupus: I was extremely active. I worked-very hard long hours. I was active in my community. I served on campaigns for candidates running for office. I created social change in my community by creating programs or opportunities for the disadvantaged by collaborating with other agencies . I served as a Gardian Ad Lidem representing abused children in court through means of Child Advocates. I volunteered as an Americorp Vista. I entertained and hosted fundraiser parties in my home to donate 100% of the proceeds to a school in a developing country.
I used to run 1/2 marathons, surf, hike, bike, and ski . I used to work out, take spin class, etc. I used to be an avid traveler.
How my Lupus journey began:
In June 2015 I woke up stiff, unable to move and my joints were swollen and disfigured after I had spent the day before out in the sun fishing. I was initially diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and referred to a rhuemetologist. By the time I had my appoitment with a specialist I was suffering with an insurmountable amount of other symptoms. The doctor suspected I had Lupus and sent me for testing. But before I was able to find out my results I started having back to back seizures, stopped breathing on my own, became paralyzed, and ended up in a long term rehabilitation hospital.
I was finallaly diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematous. But Lupus did not come alone. It came with other autoimmune friends.
Functional Neurological Disorder: causes confusion, disorientation, memory loss, seizures, off-&-on paralyzation, muteness, stuttering, dystonia, Parkinson like tremors, gait, and urinary inconsistencies. My longest episode lasting 6.5 months. Attacks occur during physical illness or mental stress. https://youtu.be/HJF-hOJGktU
Sjogren's Syndrome: causes excessive issues due to dryness to body parts and organs. Dryness has caused g.i. issues, damage to my eyes and to my mouth. I had to have $3,000 in dental care because we need saliva to move bacteria out of our teeth and mouth.
Raynaud's: causes an interruption of blood flow and circulation to extremities. Spasms attacks are caused by exposure to cold or emotional stress. Typically, the affected area turns white, blue, or red during an attack. Attacks cause tingling, swelling, or painful throbbing. Can lead to amputation.
Vasculitis: inflammation of the blood vessels. I usually get a type called Livedo reticularis.
Fybromalgia: affects the muscles and soft tissue. Symptoms include extreme chronic muscle pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and painful tender points or trigger points.
Life since Lupus: Its been a journey. I no longer have the ability to work, travel, or do all the things I used to enjoy. But the desire is stilll there.
The reason I seek help: I have not been physically able to work since June 2015, have exhausted all my funds, have sold my belongings, have no income stream, and being ill is very expensive. I have to pay co-pays to doctor visits, prescription, many outstanding doctor and hospital bills, constant lab work, Uber rides to my appointments, chemotherapy, and insurance hardly covers a fraction of my medical expenses. The current amount of my outstanding medical cost are ennourmous.
How your help would help me.
Your help will help me in my fight against Lupus by being able to help me afford my treatment including chemotherapy
Your help may help me get well enough to regain normal functions where I can work again one day and become an advocate and help others attacked by this terrible disease Lupus.
Thank You So Much in Advance,
-Cindy
Organizer
Cynthia Garza
Organizer
Houston, TX