Help Bri Heal From TSW (CAP Therapy) & Housing Crowdfund

Dear friends and supporters,

My name is Bri and I desperately need your help to survive, get treatment, and get my life back.

Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) is a debilitating chronic condition that has taken a substantial toll on both my physical and mental health. TSW is unrecognized as a legitimate condition in the United States which is why in 2021, a UCSB student health provider negligently prescribed me steroids for eczema treatment. Upon stopping the steroids, I experienced many physical conditions. My skin became extremely dry causing bleeding, weeping, and spreading. The tightness of my skin got so excruciatingly painful that I could no longer move around by myself. I needed bathroom and clothing assistance, was unable to sleep on most surfaces or wear most clothes, unable to eat most foods due to inflammation or heat and would unknowingly be ripping through my skin in my sleep due to the intense itch and irritation. I was unable to shower – only bathe – because the water felt like a chemical burn and I could not stand it without screaming.

I eventually sought out a dermatologist who prescribed me Cibinqo – a medication I have now been taking daily for about 2 years now. While effective against TSW symptoms, Cibinqo is a very strong immunosuppresant and does not treat the TSW itself. Taking this medication has prevented me from participating in daily life. Being immunocompromised means your immune system is weakened and cannot fight off infections and diseases as well as it should. This also means I am much more vulnerable to experiencing more severe symptoms if I were to get sick.

However, it is still necessary that I take Cibinqo in order to not revert back to my debilitating TSW condition. The insurance I get through my school is currently the only way I can afford the medication. Without it, the cost for Cibinqo would be $5,830 (with GoodRx applied) for just one month. I will only be covered by my school insurance for another few months since I will be graduating this Spring. I definitely will not be able to afford this and would have to go cold turkey after my medication runs out. Unfortunately this is the furthest extent that Western medicine goes regarding TSW.

To truly heal my condition, I am pursuing CAP treatment, which promotes skin and tissue regeneration in Thailand and would gladly appreciate any donation that could be made to cure my condition. Many people with my condition, TSW, pursue this treatment and come out of it in a better condition and TSW free. This gofundme aims to cover the CAP therapy, my partner and I’s expenses, and to ensure I am comfortable so I can heal properly. Please help me heal so I can return to my regular life and properly support myself. I cannot seek work if I am too disabled to move.

Here is a breakdown for expected expenses for my CAP Therapy Fund:

$2500 Travel costs (plane tickets and daily transport) x 2

$7500 CAP Treatment

$2000 Accommodation

$3000 Food/Medication x2 (of course not including medication)

I am currently houseless and have been saving what I can to live somewhere next year. Though I will not be able to secure an in-person job, I am still looking for remote or hybrid work. This gofundme will also go towards my savings for housing while I am waiting for CAP therapy. Anything would be appreciated, thank you so much for reading.

This was posted on behalf of my partner, Bri and I am immensely grateful for any donations to help my partner heal.

Thank you,

Rin and Bri