Asking people for favors has never been something I liked to do, that being said this is not easy for me to do but something that has to be done. I’m Matt, Rylee’s fiancé and I’m asking anyone reading this for your help. Here’s her story:

Rylee is a strong, witty, creative, and empathetic young woman. Her passion is building up, teaching, and encouraging young people who must overcome mental and physical challenges. She studied special education in high school, and upon graduating, she became an aide for special education at a local high school. She recently gave up that position to take a new job as a student behavioral disorder assistant. She was supposed to start that new job this past Monday. That did not happen.

The last several months, Rylee has struggled with her health. Migraines, nausea, dizziness, vertigo, and severe abdominal pain that often left her incapacitated. She has been to the hospital four times since January. Doctors have been at a loss as to the cause of her pain and other symptoms. Last Saturday night, we were goofing off in our apartment, putting ping pong balls. She told me she wanted to drive to the gas station to get me a surprise for our movie night. She seemed well enough at that moment. Awhile later, she called me. She was not able to stand up. She was not able to see. Her vision was fading to black. She was dizzy. I ran to the gas station and drove her home.

I carried her back into the apartment, lying her on the couch. Her speech was barely audible. Her pulse was slow and difficult to feel because it was so weak. She complained that she could not see well; her vision was fading again. She was having trouble understanding when people spoke to her. It took a few seconds for her to comprehend what was said. She was scared and confused. I called her mother and explained what was happening. She called Rylee’s dad, a police officer, who sent an ambulance right away.

Rylee was transported via ambulance to Clovis Community Hospital. Rylee has been in the Emergency Room since that night. She has been subjected to a battery of tests and exams. Brain MRI, carotid ultrasound, heart ultrasound, chest x-ray, blood tests, EKG, EECG, and a spinal tap, to name a few. Due to Covid restrictions, no visitors are allowed in the Emergency Room. Also, not sure if due to Covid or not, there are no beds available upstairs. That means that Rylee has been consigned to the Emergency Room for over three days. Thus, no visitors. She is alone, upset, and still feeling all the same symptoms that brought her to the ER in the first place. She cannot even stand up without assistance. All the tests have not yet yielded any answers. She remains there still, as I type this story.

Therefore, she was not able to begin her new job. She was so excited to start. I can only guess that the job may not be there when Rylee is finally able to leave. There is no light yet at the end of the tunnel. The doctors are still ordering new tests. The infectious disease specialist is investigating her case. They are looking into autoimmune diseases. While all of this is happening, Rylee can only wait, alone, and try to stay positive. She is desperate, as are all her family and friends, for answers. The longer this ordeal lasts, of course, the more the bills will pile up. Given that she doesn’t currently have an income and may or may not have one when she is discharged, the prospect of several thousands of dollars of pending medical bills just adds to her stress.

I am asking that first and foremost, you send positive thoughts and prayers, above all else. I love her more than anything, and it pains me to see her suffering. If you know Rylee, you know very well that although she can kick some butt and she is very tough, she does not deserve to have to go through this misery that has afflicted her for these last several months. Secondly, if you can and are willing to help us financially, we would certainly be incredibly grateful. Any and every little bit will help tremendously. Thank you in advance.

I will update you on Rylee’s medical status as we receive them.