Help Carter get the medical diagnoses they need

For those who do not know me, my name is Carter. In late 2020, I was let go from my food service job due to then-undiagnosed chronic illness & mental health issues. Since then, I have been unable to work.

I have seen a variety of doctors, physical and emotional health alike, to better understand the issues I am facing. I currently have a formal diagnosis of fibromyalgia, along with other “smaller” physical issues that have yet to be attributed to another condition.

On a low-level pain day, my mobility is still limited- I can stand upright for 10-15 minutes until I begin to overwork myself and experience more intense pain. When it comes to walking, i.e., a grocery trip, a good day may allow for me to walk and push a cart for about 20 minutes at most. The aftermath of this physical strain often requires me to lie down for the rest of the day.

Having this onset of chronic illness coupled with my mental health struggles, I was- and am- unable to find employment that I would be able to consistently do. With my unemployment, I could no longer help pay my share of rent, leading myself and my partner Lucien to have to move back home with my parents.

Because of this, I have been in the process of applying and appealing to Social Security to receive help in the form of Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI). I have been denied twice in the two years I have waited. At present, I have filed another appeal with assistance of an attorney who is representing me in my eventual hearing. While I would hope that my current amount of evidence to my disabilities would be recognized by the law judge as enough to grant me SSI, I know having more evidence to the fact would bolster my case.

I have created this gofundme in order to help pay for the medical expenses involved in getting a neuropsychological evaluation, to aid me in proving to Social Security that I am unable and unfit to work.

Where one job would alleviate one aspect of my issues, it undoubtedly puts pressure on another. I cannot hold any position that would pay enough to provide for myself or live independently.

Based on the handful of providers I’ve spoken with, an evaluation of this sort is between $1000-3000, depending on what exactly the provider is testing. My partner, Lucien, helps pay for our living expenses through their part-time job, but does not make enough money to cover this cost in its entirety, especially in the time I need it (as soon as possible).

I have made the goal of this gofundme $1000. Even if the evaluation ends up costing more, one thousand would definitely help us with the primary payment required by most providers. Any and all donations will be taken care of by my partner, Lucien, to ensure that I won't be improperly denied any benefits because of a large balance in my bank account.

Having this evaluation and subsequent diagnostic evidence to provide the government would be life-changing for me. I have been waiting for years to receive the financial help I need.

I am yearning to be able to live independently again, without the fear of losing my home and the stress of being unable to provide for myself. This stress is hard on my body and mind, and I would be immensely grateful to be able to relieve myself and my partner of it.

I know this is a hefty sum, and I don’t expect everyone who sees this to give what they can’t. Even if you can share, it helps so much! Thank you for reading this, if you did. Any other questions are welcome- as this is a personal medical-related subject, however, I’d like to be able to answer them in private, so please feel free to reach out if you have any.

Thank you. Much love to you.