My name is Amber Long-Jackson, I am hoping to raise funds for medical expenses for my sister Cassie Todd, who means the world to me.

Cassie is 38 years old and has a 4 year old son, she is a great mother, a wife, a loving sister and Aunt and is very dedicated to her nursing career. We spend a large majority of our time making memories as a family of which she has had to miss because of these episodes.

Cassie lost her vision in her left eye in December of 2022 and was diagnosed with Optic Neuritis. In July of 2023 she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Treatment consists of monthly injections to help suppress her immune system to help prevent progression of the disease. MS is a chronic disease that is known as a butterfly disease because symptoms can be very different for each person. She was also diagnosed with vestibular migraines several years ago of which have been manageable up until her MS diagnosis.

In April of 2025 she had her first long term neurological episode that consisted of dizziness, fatigue, weakness, head pressure, nausea, and extreme brain fog. She did seek treatment at the hospital due to losing feeling in her entire body including her face. She was diagnosed with status migrainosus, which is a fancy term for a severe and debilitating migraine attack lasting longer than 72 hours. This episode in April lasted 24 days with no relief from medications or home treatment. She was given several migraine cocktails, shots in her neck, and several doses of steroids. Every attempt at treatment during this episode resulted in worsening rebound symptoms causing her to miss several days of work.

She is now on day 59 of this current neurological episode that started the first week of August 2025. Her doctors have tried aggressive and conservative treatments with no success. She has had 5 MRIs this year and Neurologist is saying that the MS is stable, but unsure of what is causing these prolonged "migraines".

After several failed treatment plans, she has decided to get a second opinion and Mayo Clinic is the best in the nation. She was accepted immediately, but scheduling was set for December. After time and work from her PCP sending records and a letter of urgency, they have now moved her in person appointment to October 24th 2025. Due to her insurance and the need to meet out of network deductible, the cost will be significant. Out of network deductible is $7400 of which she has met more than half, but deductible has to be paid. The initial consult alone will be nearly $900. After deductible is met, insurance will only pay 20% due to this being an out of network facility, therefore she will be billed 80% of cost of further testing. Mayo Clinic in Minnesota has been very highly recommended, and we are confident that they will be able to diagnose and form an appropriate treatment plan. We are hopeful for financial assistance but that is not guaranteed, and initial cost will have to be paid upfront. Her initial consult will also come with a minimum 3 day stay, at the Mayo Clinic campus in Minnesota. Expenses will also include for travel, room and board, and time off work.

Having this opportunity for Mayo Clinic testing could possibly be life changing and give her a better quality of life. I feel getting this second opinion is absolutely necessary for her and her family. She wears a smile, and works through the pain, but she is suffering and miserable most of the day. This is so heartbreaking for me and all of her family to watch her suffer through all this and not understand why. We are asking for help and prayers. Thank you in advance for being a part of her journey.