My name is Katie and I am a paramedic. On 11/4, I had a procedure that resulted in a cerebral spinal fluid leak. I have been flat in bed since and unable to work. I get up and feel like I am going to pass out, suffering from daily severe headaches and vomiting.

In addition, I am out of remission and have to go back to Duke University on 11/12-13 for treatment. I won’t be able to afford to go since I am not working. It requires flight tickets, a hotel stay, food while I am there, and Ubers to the hospital and back to the hotel, as well as Ubers from the airport to the hotel and back.

We also found out that the vascular surgeon I need is one of only a handful in the United States, with the nearest one being in Houston, Texas. This surgery is needed to prevent pressure on varices caused by my occluded vascular system. The occlusions are extensive, according to the surgeon at Duke. It has caused the varices (dangerous for me since I am on two blood thinners, so if it ruptures, then I will most likely bleed out) as well as a swollen liver and spleen. I need to be able to visit this surgeon as this is a potential life-saving procedure for me.

As a single mom, not being able to work right now is putting a lot of stress and worry on me to make rent, buy groceries, pay bills, and make it to my next treatment, as well as visiting the surgeon mentioned. I have no PTO due to having a new job, and my savings were depleted after my accident and subsequent hospitalization in July.

All money raised will go to daily living expenses as well as the two healthcare-related trips.