My name is Mary K. Spears, and this will be one of the most challenging things I have done: asking for support for myself. Over the last twenty years, I have worked as a caregiver in various settings and roles, and developed plans to help people access services and supports, enabling them to live as independently as possible in the community. In 2015, I founded a nonprofit organization to provide community recreation and educational activities for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. My Places Community Events now hosts 2-4 events per week, partnering with hundreds of businesses and serving over a thousand participants annually. I love serving my community.

In November of 2023, I started noticing how my ears would feel like I was underwater after karate practice. Over the next three months, the symptoms escalated from feeling deaf to every time I moved, I would feel dizzy. I monitored my blood pressure, reviewed my medications, and there were no changes that would cause my symptoms. I saw an ENT, and there was no hearing loss or issues with my vestibular system. By July 2024, the vertigo would occur 15-20 times per day. I would be exhausted and barely able to keep up with taking care of my client, let alone volunteer for two or more activities per week. After seeing the ENT and vestibular PT, I had an MRI and was given a referral to neurology. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and my vertigo was actually migraines being routed through my vestibular system. The next hurdle was finding a medication that could help with my symptoms. I had to go through multiple medications until I found one that I could function with.

Between the specialist appointments, medications, and work missed, I have incurred a significant amount of medical debt over the last 2 years. I am asking for help paying off the debt. A lot of it has been charged to our credit card, which incurs interest fees for each month it is not paid off.

For those in our community who have been asking me how to help, please pass this on. If you can spare $20, that would be wonderful. It's challenging to ask for support when you are the one who is always giving it.

Thank you for supporting me.