Hi, my name is Kaelynn. I’m 20 years old, a college student, and I work part time while managing multiple serious medical conditions.
Earlier this year, I developed a bloodstream infection that became severe and required hospitalization. After treatment, the infection was brought under control, and I was transferred to have surgery to place my J tube, which I needed in order to continue receiving nutrition and move forward with my care. I was discharged home and spent about a week recovering.
Unfortunately, after being home for a week, I began feeling unwell post op and had to return to the emergency room. During that visit, doctors discovered that the original infection had spread to my lungs, and I am now back in the hospital receiving treatment.
I live with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, severe gastroparesis, and SMA syndrome, which caused a complete blockage of my intestines. My digestive system does not move food properly, and earlier this year I became severely malnourished and developed metabolic acidosis on multiple occasions. Because of this, I am now dependent on TPN, meaning I receive all of my nutrition through an IV. I also receive some nutrition to my small intestines via a J tube. This treatment is lifesaving, but it is also expensive and ongoing. I still have additional medical care and procedures ahead that are necessary for continuing treatment and improving my quality of life. Unfortunately, I cannot afford the medical costs on my own. Between repeated hospital stays, surgeries, procedures, medications, supplies, and frequent appointments, the financial burden has become overwhelming. I am doing everything I can to keep going. I remain in college and work part time when my health allows, but balancing school, work, and constant medical care is extremely difficult. In March of 2025, I lost my mom to stage 4 cancer, and I don’t have much family support to rely on. I’ve been trying to manage everything independently, but I’ve reached a point where I can’t do this alone anymore. I started this fundraiser to help cover medical bills, surgical costs, and the ongoing expenses related to TPN and tube feeding. Any donation, share, or kind word truly means more than I can explain.
I live with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, severe gastroparesis, and SMA syndrome, which caused a complete blockage of my intestines. My digestive system does not move food properly, and earlier this year I became severely malnourished and developed metabolic acidosis on multiple occasions. Because of this, I am now dependent on TPN, meaning I receive all of my nutrition through an IV. I also receive some nutrition to my small intestines via a J tube. This treatment is lifesaving, but it is also expensive and ongoing. I still have additional medical care and procedures ahead that are necessary for continuing treatment and improving my quality of life. Unfortunately, I cannot afford the medical costs on my own. Between repeated hospital stays, surgeries, procedures, medications, supplies, and frequent appointments, the financial burden has become overwhelming. I am doing everything I can to keep going. I remain in college and work part time when my health allows, but balancing school, work, and constant medical care is extremely difficult. In March of 2025, I lost my mom to stage 4 cancer, and I don’t have much family support to rely on. I’ve been trying to manage everything independently, but I’ve reached a point where I can’t do this alone anymore. I started this fundraiser to help cover medical bills, surgical costs, and the ongoing expenses related to TPN and tube feeding. Any donation, share, or kind word truly means more than I can explain.
Organizer
