Hi folks, Giuliana Funkhouser here, and today I'm requesting support in raising $3,500 in medical funds for myself. Whether you can pitch in by donating money or spreading the word it would mean a lot to me right now.

The great news is I am in the lucky position of being able to work with a doctor whose care and medical advice I trust - indeed she helped me get a diagnosis for debilitating condition after decades of searching for answers. It's being debated right now whether PMDD could be categorized as a disability, and let me tell you - living with it can be quite debilitating! My quality of life has improved immensely from working with her in the past, and in this new moment of uncertainty I'm glad she can take me back as a patient.

Further good news is that my current work contract just got extended, and with it comes health insurance! Unfortunately after calling about six local doctor's offices nobody can see me until Fall next year, and I have specific health matters I want to follow up on right now. Although my former exceptional doctor will accept me back at the new medical center she is based at, my health insurance will not cover the specialty fees for working with her.

The peace of mind working with a doctor I trust to care for me with respect is worth humbling myself to create a GoFundMe, so I am asking you all for support in helping me take care of myself in the best way possible. Gorier details if you need them for context are in the following paragraphs, but just know that I appreciate every one of you who has even read this far. I'm grateful for this moment of your time, the money you can spare if possible, and for helping me spread the word!

Background info as to why your contributions would have extra meaningful impact in this moment - please skip if you wish to pass on mentions of sexual misconduct directed towards me or other personal details about my life:

In 2022 I had a serious cancer scare that I wish to follow up on yearly to ensure everything is alright. That came up right in the thick of being underemployed in Massachusetts while spending most of my time working on settling my mother's estate in Puerto Rico after she passed away suddenly in 2021. Those excruciating circumstances made it impossible to get on a regular marketplace plan for several years, and in an effort to stay on top of my health I tried to get on a low income plan through a hospital in Puerto Rico (where most of the mandatory in-person estate resolution errands took place).

Unfortunately, the pelvic exam I endured during the hospital low-income plan intake testing somehow involved getting my insides literally tickled while the doctor laughed to the horror of the nurse/intern observing. When I asked him to stop he persisted while mocking me for being insubordinate. That experience was absolutely disgusting - I've been manhandled and had my concerns waved away by doctors before, but having molestation added to the mix was dehumanizing. (Yes, I have put in a report/complaint already).

In the end the hospital denied me their low income health plan. The Catch-22 is that their denial letter said I had an "ambiguous issue" with my gynecological tests which disqualified me from their health plan, and urged me to see a doctor immediately to get a professional assessment. Unsure of what else to do I got help a few months later at a Planned Parenthood in Boston, where the doctors eventually ruled out cancer after two painful biopsies.

To say this has been stressful to navigate is an understatement, and I hope this sheds light on why working with a compassionate and dedicated doctor is worth the expense. Again, if you have read this far I appreciate you and hope any medical journeys you find yourself on to be smooth sailing with exceptional care. Thank you.