Donativo protegido
My name is Lauren Reiss and I’m 23 years old.
From early childhood I've been battling constant severe headaches, ringing in my ears, nausea, fogginess, vertigo, extreme fatigue, numerous vision problems, head pressure, neck & back pain, and many cognitive issues such as poor concentration and memory.
Due to these symptoms I was unable to attend school regularly, or take part in regular activities growing up. Over the years I was in and out of medical centers and doctor's offices with my parents looking for answers and trying different treatments.
At age 13 I had my first formally diagnosed concussion, and that’s when I was also diagnosed by a Neurologist with Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). The doctor also found severe scoliosis, most likely from previous concussions going back to early childhood.
My Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS) has not only limited me physically, but also has impacted me emotionally. Being in pain everyday of my life is a struggle, and missing out on so much of life has taken a toll.
In a way the PCS diagnosis was devastating, but it also gave me new hope for eventual relief and a normal life.
Since then I've continued my efforts to get better, and focused on the things I can do without comparing myself to those without PCS. My goal for treatment has been to decrease my symptoms enough for a full life without limitations from my PCS.
My parents have sacrificed so much, including much of their retirement savings, to pay for my doctors, medical care and therapies. In addition they’ve put my brother and sister through college, and are putting me through college while paying for special help so I can continue my studies.
I’m now a full-time college student studying public health at UMASS Amherst, which has a special program so that students like me can work remotely. I’ll have enough credits at the end of this semester, in December, to graduate!
It would be amazing to start the new year doing the things I’ve always dreamt of including launching a full-time public health career helping others with PCS and all its related conditions.
The BEST news is that I’ve finally found a treatment that’s working!
A clinic in Guelph, Ontario provides a unique kind of cranial therapy. It requires daily intensive physical therapy at the clinic plus hours of daily “homework” by me including progressive mental and physical exercises, stretching and strengthening that’s enabling my body and brain to get stronger and heal themselves. The clinic has recognized me for being one of their hardest workers, and most importantly, I’ve been getting better!
Over the last year I’ve come to Guelph multiple times for about 2 weeks, and I’ve been able to pay for the travel, treatments and a room in a private home with money I’ve saved from teaching yoga, acting, on-screen hosting, house sitting and dog walking. Unfortunately that savings is now gone.
My goal is to find a way to continue with my treatments and therapy through the end of the year and be strong and healthy enough so that my PCS no longer limits me. I'm willing to do whatever I need to do in order to make this happen, and that includes asking for help.
Please let me know if there's any more information I can provide, and thank you for considering this request. :) Lauren
P.S. Any leftover funds not used for my treatments in Guelph will be donated to charities that support PCS research and those suffering from PCS.
From early childhood I've been battling constant severe headaches, ringing in my ears, nausea, fogginess, vertigo, extreme fatigue, numerous vision problems, head pressure, neck & back pain, and many cognitive issues such as poor concentration and memory.
Due to these symptoms I was unable to attend school regularly, or take part in regular activities growing up. Over the years I was in and out of medical centers and doctor's offices with my parents looking for answers and trying different treatments.
At age 13 I had my first formally diagnosed concussion, and that’s when I was also diagnosed by a Neurologist with Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). The doctor also found severe scoliosis, most likely from previous concussions going back to early childhood.
My Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS) has not only limited me physically, but also has impacted me emotionally. Being in pain everyday of my life is a struggle, and missing out on so much of life has taken a toll.
In a way the PCS diagnosis was devastating, but it also gave me new hope for eventual relief and a normal life.
Since then I've continued my efforts to get better, and focused on the things I can do without comparing myself to those without PCS. My goal for treatment has been to decrease my symptoms enough for a full life without limitations from my PCS.
My parents have sacrificed so much, including much of their retirement savings, to pay for my doctors, medical care and therapies. In addition they’ve put my brother and sister through college, and are putting me through college while paying for special help so I can continue my studies.
I’m now a full-time college student studying public health at UMASS Amherst, which has a special program so that students like me can work remotely. I’ll have enough credits at the end of this semester, in December, to graduate!
It would be amazing to start the new year doing the things I’ve always dreamt of including launching a full-time public health career helping others with PCS and all its related conditions.
The BEST news is that I’ve finally found a treatment that’s working!
A clinic in Guelph, Ontario provides a unique kind of cranial therapy. It requires daily intensive physical therapy at the clinic plus hours of daily “homework” by me including progressive mental and physical exercises, stretching and strengthening that’s enabling my body and brain to get stronger and heal themselves. The clinic has recognized me for being one of their hardest workers, and most importantly, I’ve been getting better!
Over the last year I’ve come to Guelph multiple times for about 2 weeks, and I’ve been able to pay for the travel, treatments and a room in a private home with money I’ve saved from teaching yoga, acting, on-screen hosting, house sitting and dog walking. Unfortunately that savings is now gone.
My goal is to find a way to continue with my treatments and therapy through the end of the year and be strong and healthy enough so that my PCS no longer limits me. I'm willing to do whatever I need to do in order to make this happen, and that includes asking for help.
Please let me know if there's any more information I can provide, and thank you for considering this request. :) Lauren
P.S. Any leftover funds not used for my treatments in Guelph will be donated to charities that support PCS research and those suffering from PCS.
Organizador
Lauren R
Organizador
Los Angeles, CA