Hello,

I am writing to ask for help. Seven years ago, my father was diagnosed with cancer. He lived in a remote area of Idaho, and after living the life of an adventurer at heart and a true mountain man, I chose to do whatever was needed to help him stay in his home during his illness. My dad passed in his home two and a half years ago. Although the time I spent with my dad while he was sick were some of the best years of my life, my decision to commit my life to being my father's caregiver left me with a huge financial burden.

After my father's passing, I poured myself into my purpose of helping others. I worked with at-risk youth, in residential care facilities for adults with developmental disabilities, and finally found my true calling working for hospice. I also volunteered for hospice, and I found joy in life after some difficult years. I was also beginning to recover from the financial hole that I had found myself in while caring for my dad.

Just over a year ago, I became ill. I had been having unexplained symptoms for a couple of years. I had sinus surgery in November of 2024. Unfortunately, my symptoms worsened after the surgery, and doctors were unable to find the cause. In June of 2025, my illness progressed, and it was decided that I should move away from my small town in Montana to be seen at the Mayo Clinic for more complex care. I moved to the Midwest, where housing is cheaper and the Mayo Clinic was within driving distance. I moved with four months of savings, believing this would be sufficient to carry me through receiving medical treatment until I could begin working again. This was not the case. After another surgery and many more doctor's appointments, I ran out of money. I was not able to afford to finish my treatment at the Mayo Clinic simply because I couldn't afford to continue making the drive there.

I have had a lifelong struggle with my mental health. And the cumulative events of the past years led me to a dark place. I had defined my purpose in life, but my physical and mental illness overcame my ability to work and to care for myself on a fundamental level, and I felt that I had lost my purpose in life. With this, my past traumas resurfaced, and I found myself losing the desire to live.

A miracle occurred, and a friend from the past offered an unexpected gift. They offered to pay for me to seek help for 30 days at an inpatient mental health facility. I was overwhelmed with shock and gratitude for the offer and surprised by the support, and I graciously accepted.

I completed 30 days of inpatient mental health treatment. For the first time in my life, I received quality mental health treatment. I received a variety of specialized treatments, EMDR, and most importantly, my therapist, who helped me to begin forming my identity that was lost through my trauma. Before coming to treatment, I did not know that my life experiences mattered. I didn't know that I mattered. And I allowed myself to be treated like I didn't matter right up to the day that I walked through the door into treatment. I have learned that I have PTSD from a life of prolonged trauma. I am also learning and accepting that I have lived a unique experience. I am learning to name my trauma: kidnapping, sex trafficking, hostage, rape, Stockholm Syndrome. At 38 years old, I was given words for what I have experienced, and I realized that my mental health is something that I have the power to improve. I can begin healing.

My care team acknowledged my unique situation of being in the beginning steps of therapy late in life, the limited mental health care available in my physical location, and my financial situation. They advocated for the organization to extend my time in treatment, but it was not possible. I do not have the proper insurance to enter another treatment facility, and I do not have a large support system.

I am home now, and I am unable to pay my bills. I am at risk of losing my home. My physical health is not improving, and my mental health feels like a wound that has been reopened.

I recognize that my pain is no different than anyone else's. But I also recognize that my experience is a bit unique. I am seeking help to alleviate some of the financial burdens I face and to help me to seek and continue quality mental health treatment.

30 days of treatment gave me a new perspective on life, and it gave me hope that I can learn new patterns and tools to live a fulfilling life and regain the overall health to live my purpose of helping others.

I found myself nervous about the idea that, with help, I will have what it takes to change my life. It is a lot of responsibility, but I am determined, and I will put in the work. I believe that with quality support, my story can be a success story which has ripple effects that will change lives.

Please consider sponsoring me to have the resources to alleviate the financial barriers I face and to seek quality treatment that will give me the opportunity to heal.

Thank you.

Erin Gee