Freedom Through Healing: Support Brittney’s Journey

Hi, my name is Brittney, and I’m reaching out for help during one of the hardest times of my life. I’ve always been independent and prided myself on being able to handle things on my own, but after a series of overwhelming health challenges and life setbacks, I find myself in a place where I need support.

A couple years ago, I made the hardest decision of my life to leave home and make the move to Florida, to restart my life, navigating the challenges of the end of a long marriage and divorce. Though I’m working through the legal challenges, I’ve been focused on rebuilding my life, where I got the greatest opportunity to further my career and become a Chef for the Most Magical Place On Earth and was beginning to feel hopeful again, with the help, support and guidance of some great friends that I've met and worked with along the way. But just as I was getting back on my feet, my health took a sudden and unexpected turn. After years of managing health issues on my own, my back completely went out, forcing me to stop working in January. As a result, I lost my home in Florida. Leaving me with no choice but to return to Louisiana to stay with my family until I recover. While I’m grateful to have their support, they are also facing their own medical and financial challenges, making it a difficult situation for everyone involved. It’s been hard for me to adjust and with my year-long grace period from medical leave quickly coming to an end, I’m afraid I won’t be recovered in time to return to work or secure my job.

In addition to this, just before I left to come back home, I was involved in a car accident that left me without the one thing I had left: my car of 13 years. That car wasn’t just a vehicle; it had been my home at times while I struggled to make it in Florida. Losing it was devastating.

I’m also at risk of losing my storage unit, still located in Florida, which holds nearly everything I’ve accumulated over a lifetime—baby pictures, graduation photos, family heirlooms like my grandmother's crystal, furniture, paintings and sentimental pieces. Losing it would mean losing irreplaceable pieces of my past and future.

Now that I’m back home, I’ve learned the full extent of my back injury, which requires two surgeries—the first to release pressure off my spinal cord and other nerves that is severely affecting my mobility. The second would be an insertion of rods and screws to stabalize the spine and also to correct my first spine surgery I had in my teens. Up until now, I have exhausted all other non-surgical alternative rountes, such as Physical therapy, nerve blocks, and four different types of epidurals, depleating my savings, and leaving me mentally and physically exhausted at each failed attempt.

As I wait for surgery, I’ve also had to face a worsening health condition that I’ve quietly dealt with since childhood. This has caused me to black out several times in one day, at times, or have seizures. After a scary episode I decided to be seen by a cardiologist, who has recently found that I have bradycardia, causing my heart to drop to 17-23 BPM holding for minutes at any given time, which will require a pacemaker. The doctors wanted to put it in so my heart could withstand spinal surgery/anesthesia but they are doing their best to avoid putting my body through two major surgeries in a short time span, so for now, I’m under careful monitoring. They’ll revisit the pacemaker decision after my spinal surgery.

In addition to this, I’m undergoing further testing to explore possible Dysautonomia to explain some of my symptoms that have worsened significantly, and I’m working closely with my doctors to get answers.

I’m facing insurance complications that have delayed my surgery, and while I’m waiting and the more things are prolonged, I’m struggling to make ends meet. The funds I raise will help cover and be used for medical expenses, prescriptions that insurance doesn’t cover, and recovery costs. If enough is raised, I would also use the funds to replace my car, which I lost in the accident, and to save my storage unit. Having reliable transportation and holding onto my belongings are critical for my recovery and ability to start over.

For as long as I can remember, my dream was to open my own business—a place where I could channel my passion, creativity, and hard work into something meaningful. As a chef, I envisioned a space that wasn’t just about food but about creating experiences, building community, and leaving my mark on the world. I’ve spent years honing my craft, working long hours, and making sacrifices to bring that vision closer to reality.

But life doesn’t always go as planned. Over the past year, my health has unraveled in ways I never imagined. The diagnosis of heart issues, debilitating back pain, and other complications has forced me to put my dreams on hold. I’ve gone from striving for independence to relying on family for basic needs. And as my medical findings continue to pile up, I’m left with the harsh reality that I may no longer be able to pursue the career path I worked so hard to build.

This isn’t just about losing a job—it’s about losing a part of my identity, the future I had envisioned, and the sense of purpose that kept me going. I’m now faced with the daunting challenge of reimagining my life while navigating complex medical treatments and recovery.

Your support isn’t just helping with medical bills or living expenses—it’s giving me the chance to find a new path, to heal both physically and emotionally, and to eventually rebuild a life that I can be proud of. I may not know what the future holds, but I refuse to let these challenges define me. With your help, I can take the first steps toward a new beginning.

This situation has made me feel incredibly vulnerable, and asking for help and sharing my story is something that doesn’t come easy to me. I’ve always prided myself on my independence, being naturally reserved & helping others, but right now, I’m doing everything I can to stay strong through this difficult chapter. I understand it's the holidays and times are hard on everyone right now, but if you’re able to support me, whether it’s through a donation, simply sharing my story, or any other form of help, it would mean the world to me. I’m deeply grateful for any kindness you can offer, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to read my story.

You can also support me directly via Cash App, Zelle, or Venmo. Here are the details:

Cash App: $BrittLea222

Zelle: upon request

Venmo:@Britt_Lea222

Even if you can’t donate financially, your support in spreading the word or offering other resources could make a huge difference.

Update – January 31, 2025

I just received my second denial for my first spine surgery, and the ongoing delays are making everything even more difficult. My electrophysiologist and cardiologist are growing increasingly concerned, as these setbacks are also postponing my heart surgery for a pacemaker. Given how hard it has been to get approval for my spine surgery, I worry about facing similar challenges when the time comes for my heart procedure.

After a year of medical leave, my job officially let me go, as there was nothing more they could do on their end. While this adds another challenge, I’m staying positive and focusing on what I can control. I’ve picked up art as a way to cope and find some peace through all of this.

To those who continue to support me, check in, and help in any way—you have no idea how much it means to me. Thank you for being here on this journey with me, I'll never forget it.