I have a rare autoimmune disease called Sarcoidosis. In a nutshell, my immune system is in overdrive and clumps of white blood cells, called granulomas, stop at any part or system of my body and attack it. The nickname for sarcoidosis is "The Great Mimicker". Sarcoidosis attacks, called flare-ups, can happen anywhere in the body. Some flare-ups come and go in a short amount of time. Some last for months and leave permanent damage in its wake.

Since being diagnosed in 2021, I've had a pulmonary embolism, been paralyzed twice (neurosarcoidosis), sarcoid uveitis that left me with a cataract in my right eye, a heart attack in 2023, kidney disease, anemia, healthy teeth falling out overnight (oral sarcoidosis), and at least 10 other flare-ups. Last month, I had a procedure done placing stents on the left and right side of my heart. During the procedure, doctors found multiple blood clots in my lungs again. So many that now I need them surgically removed. Which brings me to why I'm here.

I have an emergency PTE (Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy) surgery on Monday, June 8th at Houston Methodist Hospital in downtown Houston. I live right outside New Orleans and need money for a ride there and back, plus money for accommodations during recovery and food. Any and all help prolonging my life is beyond appreciated. In this world, sometimes the healers need healing.