JULY 2026 UPDATE: Hi all! I'm reopening the fundraiser I started in May 2025. My original story is below in bold, but here's a bit more about how things are today!

I've been able to schedule and have nine ketamine infusions so far since people generously donated for the first round of infusions last year. I have learned a lot over that time. The benefits of each treatment tend to really shine for about six weeks after each round, and after that the cliff is pretty steep. So my hope is to raise enough to cover 9 additional treatments—every six weeks for the next year and two weeks or so.

One thing that has changed in the past year is that, in part thanks to the increased mental wellbeing I experienced via ketamine, I made the choice and was able to self-publish my first novel. That was huge, a real milestone for me! It's meant a lot to put my work into the world in that way. And someday soon, I hope it'll pay for these treatments, too. In the meantime, I would love anything you have to give—whether that's money, a share to your friends, or encouragement in any other form <3.

Thanks! Below in bold you can read my original story!

Hello all! My name is Karis Rogerson, and I'm a writer and reader based in Brooklyn who has Major Depressive Disorder. I've lived with depression since middle school — going on 20 years of fighting to survive when my mind is always telling me it'd be better if I didn't. Without diving into too much gory detail, my depression comes with self-harm & suicidal ideation. I have been hospitalized six times to save my life.

After over a decade of trying out different medications, my psychiatrist has recommended a potentially life-saving option: IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy. This is a treatment that works with the neurotransmitters in the brain.

The issue is that my insurance won't cover the treatment, so I'll have to pay for it out of pocket. The initial treatment invovles six infusions over three weeks; each infusion costs $500. There is also the potential for additional infusions, once per month, after the first three weeks.

I don't have this money upfront. My financial margins lately have been exceedingly tight. So I'm coming to you, wondering if you have an extra $5, $10, $25 (or more lol) to help me pay for this treatment.

For the past few years, I've felt like I was trapped in a dark tunnel. I couldn't see a way out; I couldn't even see a light pointing me toward the exit. I thought I was going to die in the tunnel, probably sooner rather than later. I felt so hopeless, so scared, so alone. I've been fighting my depression almost as long as I can remember, and I began to believe it was going to win.

Finally, with the possibility of this treatment, I see a light. I really want to walk toward it. Thank you for reading, for thinking about helping, for maybe donating. Thank you.