Hi, my name is Angelica Villarreal. A few months ago, I began experiencing pain in my foot. What started as a mild discomfort quickly became unbearable. I visited a doctor and was told it was heel spurs. As the pain worsened, I went to the ER, only to receive the same diagnosis.

Desperate for answers, I traveled to Mexicali, where I was treated for what doctors believed was Foot Drop—my foot had started to curve, resembling a club foot. Unfortunately, the treatment brought no relief and instead made the pain worse.

When I returned home, I saw my primary care physician, who also suspected Foot Drop. But by this point, the pain had spread up my entire leg, and I was no longer able to walk—I became wheelchair-bound.

I was referred to several specialists, but the appointments were spread weeks apart. I was warned that if I didn’t get proper treatment soon, the damage could become permanent.

With time running out, I made the decision to go to Stanford, where I spent over a week undergoing extensive tests. I was finally diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)—a rare and incredibly painful condition also known as “the suicide disease” due to the severity of the pain and the lack of effective treatments.

There is hope. I’ve found two promising treatment centers—one in Arkansas and another in Mexico—that specialize in CRPS. Unfortunately, my insurance won’t cover the costs. The starting cost for treatment is $25,000, and that doesn’t include travel or lodging.

This is why I’m reaching out and humbly asking for help. I want the chance to walk again, to live without constant pain, and to regain the life I had before CRPS took it away.

Anything you can give—no matter how small—means the world to me. If you’re unable to donate, sharing my story is just as valuable.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading and supporting me on this journey.

With love and gratitude,

Angelica Villarreal