Fighting pain with Viviana.

Familia Jimenezmerchan is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Lady Viviana Jimenez Merchan.

Donation protected

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,

I hope this message reaches you in good health and spirits.

In early 2021, Viviana was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), one of the most painful, incurable, and mysterious diseases known to man.

Imagine a life where even the simplest movements become agonizing, being overwhelmed by unbearable pain from one moment to the next, tortured by it day and night. Even water from the shower can hurt you. Pain is a constant companion that others may not fully comprehend. (More info on CRPS at the end).

We are launching a GoFundMe campaign to rally support:

for her ongoing recovery, and treatment in Australia
and to ensure she can meet her basic needs during this difficult time, furthermore,
due to the rarity of the condition, there are only few treatment options worldwide.
In Colombia, there are no treatments available for this condition.
As an international student in Melbourne, Australia, Viviana is currently without secure housing and can't afford basic necessities.

Lawyers are currently handling her case against the Traffic Accident Commission.

The Story:

CRPS is a debilitating condition characterized by relentless, excruciating pain. The weight of a t-shirt hurts her. Vibrations from being in a car hurt her. Sometimes she can't wear shoes and pants because they hurt her. Even hugs hurt her. What makes it particularly difficult is that this pain is often invisible to others. Viviana faces this reality daily, and her courage in navigating this invisible battle is truly inspiring.

The journey began in May of 2021, at the peak of the pandemic. when she was involved in a life-altering accident : a car ran a stop sign and collided with her. The collision left her unconscious and struggling with memory issues for months. Following the accident, she experienced a life-threatening Deep Vein Thrombosis, which mercifully resolved itself by the end of 2021.

The subsequent CRPS diagnosis has brought additional challenges, including depression, eating disorders, PTSD, and panic attacks. Due to the pain and physical bruises, she spent the majority of her time in bed for several months, and afterward, she bravely began walking, with the assistance of a cane, despite the persistent pain. Despite these hardships, Viviana has been resilient, determined to push forward with her recovery.

Initially, the Traffic Accident Commission (TAC) recognized the severity of her situation and provided a monthly budget to cover her basic needs. However, in February 2023, this help was abruptly cut off. TAC also scaled back coverage for crucial medical treatments, creating an even more precarious situation for Viviana.

In her unwavering determination, Viviana attempted to return to work after experiencing a loss of earnings due to her condition and TAC decisions. Moved by her compassionate nature, she sought employment in the care of elders and pet sitting. Unfortunately, the pain proved to be too overwhelming. Recognizing the toll it took on her health, her doctors advised against working for the time being, allowing her to focus on her extensive medical, legal appointments, mental health and migration status.

As a migrant student, Viviana has also taken on the formidable challenge of resuming her studies, with the support of her school. The financial and psychological burdens are immense, but her determination to complete her diploma remains unwavering.

Her treatments, including psychology, psychiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychologist and pain management, have been instrumental in her healing process. However, the CRPS makes it extremely painful for her to move from one place to another, and TAC's withdrawal of transportation assistance has left her in a challenging position.

Currently, Viviana finds herself without financial support for essential living expenses such as rent and food. Since Christmas, she is temporarily staying with a friend who graciously opened her home to her during this time of need.

This is why we are reaching out to you today. We have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for Viviana's CRPS recovery, medical treatments, and basic living expenses. Your support, regardless of the amount, will play a crucial role in helping her rebuild her life.

Please consider contributing to the GoFundMe campaign for Viviana. Your kindness will not only provide much-needed financial assistance but will also serve as a beacon of hope for her future. Together, we can make a significant difference in her life.

Thank you for taking the time to read Viviana's story, and for any support you can provide. Your generosity and compassion mean the world to our family.

For those who are interested: What is CRPS?

CRPS presents as a constellation of severe neuropathic pain, inflammatory symptoms, significant mobility restrictions, weakness, as well as disturbances in sensitivity and body perception, along with spasms. Additionally, due to the intense pain, patients suffer from pronounced sleep disorders and subsequent states of exhaustion. Furthermore, even gentle external influences, such as a breeze or physical touch, are extremely painful. The pain experienced is stronger than amputation or childbirth pain.