Hi friends, my name is Josie

I’ve spent the last few years fighting for my health - countless hospital stays, surgeries,feeding tubes, IV nutrition, and a body that just keeps throwing one battle after another at me. I’m now trying to raise money for a custom ambulatory wheelchair and to help cover ongoing medical and travel expenses as I continue going back and forth to Houston for treatment and testing.

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My Story

I never thought I’d be in this position, but after years of trying to stay alive and functional, I’ve hit a point where I need help.

I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), a connective tissue disorder that’s caused my body to literally fall apart from the inside out. Because of it, I’ve developed multiple serious complications including vascular compression syndromes (SMAS, MALS, Nutcracker, and May-Thurner) and adrenal insufficiency.

In September, I had a major open surgery at Baylor St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston to repair one of these compressions. While that pain has improved, I’m still struggling with severe pain dailyand can barely eat. My body depends on TPN (IV nutrition) to survive, and my doctors now need me to travel back to Houston for more testing and possible further treatment.

Between the hospital stays, procedures, and constant medical travel, the costs have become impossible to keep up with and my health keeps declining faster than I can recover.

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♿️ Why I Need a Wheelchair

Walking or standing for too long leaves me in intense pain, dizzy, and weak. My joints are unstable, my blood pressure drops without warning, and my body just can’t handle much anymore.

I need a custom ambulatory wheelchair that’s built for my specific medical needs. It would give me back a little independence , and help me safely leave the house, make it to appointments, and live without constantly collapsing from exhaustion or pain.

The chair alone costs thousands, but to me it’s not just equipment , it’s a piece of my freedom.

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How the Funds Will Be Used

Every dollar donated will go toward:

• Buying my custom ambulatory wheelchair

• Covering travel and lodging for my upcoming medical trips back and forthto Houston

• Paying ongoing medical costs related to IV nutrition, medications, and follow-up care

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From My Heart

I’ve fought for years through surgeries, tubes, infusions, and pain I can’t even put into words and I’m still fighting but I’m just so so tired.

I want to get some independence back. I want to go outside with my family, to bake again, to create again… to live again instead of just surviving.

If you can donate, even a dollar , it would mean more to me than I could ever explain. And if you can’t, please just share this. You never know who it might reach.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for caring, and for helping me keep going.

— Josie