Hi Everyone,

Most of you who live in Nova Scotia and Canada in general already know that the last few years have been an absolute nightmare for the Healthcare system. Our system is over-burdened and under-funded with many people struggling to get the services they need. Health care workers are stressed and stretched far beyond what is acceptable.

What started as fatigue, pain, and swollen lymph nodes a few months ago has now progressed into severe, crushing chest pain, swelling in my throat that makes it hard to swallow, and painful inflammation throughout my body. I suffer from night sweats and I often feel too weak or exhausted to get through the day, stopping to nap.

I’ve been to the ER several times and had endless tests - ECGs, bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. The doctors have ruled out a lot of things, but we still are left without answers. After 9 visits to the ER, and countless visits to primary care, I've been told they've done all they can do. This is unacceptable to me, I'm terrified.

I’ve been referred for an MRI and a mammogram through the public system here in Halifax, but the wait times could be months, even years.

Meanwhile, my symptoms continue to worsen. The pain flares for hours at a time and can leave me barely able to function. Because of this, I’ve had to stop working, which has been devastating for us financially. We’re already a low-income family, and losing my income has put an enormous strain on my fiance and loved ones, who are doing everything they can to keep us afloat while I try to get help.

I can't help but suspect something deeper could be going on, but without an MRI, we simply don’t know what’s happening.

That’s why I’m reaching out for help.

I’ve found a private clinic that can perform the MRI. This scan could finally give us some answers, or at least rule out serious conditions that are being missed while we wait. Unfortunately, the cost of a private MRI is not covered by our insurance and its more than we can manage right now.

So, I’m swallowing my pride and asking for help to raise $5,000 to cover:

• A private MRI scan

• Basic living costs while I’m unable to work

This hasn’t been easy to write. I’ve always tried to handle things, but I’m at a point where I can’t anymore. Every day without answers is another day of pain, fear, and uncertainty not just for me, but for my whole family.

Anything you can contribute, no matter how small, would mean the world. Even sharing this post helps more than you know.

Thank you so much for reading, sharing, and supporting me through this.

Love,

Kate