Hello, my name is Holly Hamilton, I'm a 19-year-old college student, and I live in Salem, Oregon. Over the past few years, I have been experiencing struggles with my health. I'm writing this today to ask for support with the ongoing treatment of my ME/CFS.

ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) is a complex neuroimmune disease characterized by profound fatigue that can't be restored with rest, post-exertional malaise, orthostatic intolerance (POTS in most cases), cognitive dysfunction, and chronic pain. This is just to name a few. This disease can be caused by infections, severe stress, and/or severe immune dysfunction. As of today, researchers have concluded that this disease is incurable and can only be managed with specific treatment.

At the beginning of 2020, my family and I contracted COVID, and a few of us fell severely ill. In the following years, my cousin passed away from gastrointestinal complications, my aunt experienced end-stage kidney failure. I was considered a medical mystery for a while, as it is rare to find a doctor with experience in the rare infectious diseases specialty. After being diagnosed with severe depression and panic disorder in early 2022, I put severe strain on my heart, to the point my symptoms became more apparent, and I had to leave behind many opportunities to focus on healing.

Here in Oregon, the only specialty clinic that focuses on the management and treatment of ME/CFS currently has a 2-year-long waitlist and is no longer accepting new patients. This leaves me with few options in searching for help with this condition before it inevitably gets worse. As of right now, I am mostly homebound, with the inability to work and study. I wear a heart monitor and take medication to help with pacing. It gets more difficult as the days go by to participate in essential daily activities, like cooking, showering, and driving.

The Stanford Medical Clinic in California offers a program for patients like me, focused on offering management and treatment plans to improve the quality of life in moderate/severe cases of ME/CFS. They don't accept my insurance out of state, so it requires payment out of pocket. It's a huge lead on being able to find a way to alleviate the symptoms I experience every day.

I ask for financial help solely because I am currently drowning in student loan debt and medical expenses. My boyfriend and I live off of one income, which is able to cover basic bills and care for our pets. Any funds donated will go towards travel to the Stanford Clinic and treatment while there.

Any amount helps, truly. If you are not able to donate, prayers are greatly appreciated. All credit to the Lord for the strength I have today.

Thank you, all the love :)