Hello, my name is Ilyssa, and this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do — asking for help.

I have lived with Hidradenitis Suppurativa for most of my life, along with MRSA and a low immune system. These conditions have caused constant pain, repeated infections, and countless surgeries/hospital visits to get abbesses lanced . Two years ago, I nearly lost my life after MRSA spread to my bloodstream. After visiting two hospitals that didn’t catch it, I ended up in Houston for two weeks with a PICC line, fighting for my life.

Unfortunately, this battle is far from over.

On July 11th, I had another abscess drained. It was infected with staph, and since then, my health has spiraled downward. I am now facing:

• Severe, constant back pain in the same area where this latest abscess was drained

• Pain in my left arm — the same arm I had surgery on two years ago

• Legs that go numb unexpectedly and often feel too weak to hold me up

• Intense nerve spasms 4–6 times a day

• A constant burning sensation in my legs and sometimes left arm

I already see a dermatologist regularly, but all the other specialists I now need are new to me — a neurologist, rheumatologist, and pain specialist. It’s taking weeks just to get in to see them, while my symptoms worsen. I’m scheduled for nerve testing in my left arm and both legs to try to understand what’s happening. My PCP is considering Multiple Sclerosis and/or Fibromyalgia, but until I can get these evaluations, I’m stuck in limbo.

In the meantime, I am also fighting for disability and unemployment benefits, but those processes take time.

I’ve always worked hard, sometimes two jobs at once, most recently at Rikenjaks, toasted yolk and Nice Guy Ricky’s here in Lumberton. I’ve met so many kind people in our community, but right now I can’t work at all. The medical bills, travel to appointments, and daily living expenses are piling up, and I’m at a breaking point.

It crushes my pride to make this page, but I’m choosing to believe that there is no shame in asking for help when you’ve done all you can on your own. If you are able to donate, no matter the amount, it would mean the world to me. And if you can’t give financially, sharing my story would help more than you know.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for being part of my fight.

With love and gratitude,

Ilyssa

if you don’t want to donate on here I also have Apple Pay 4096739599

zelle: which is my name Ilyssa Cunningham/same number

PayPal: ilyssacunningham97

cashapp: madisonsanders15