Hi, my name is Katelyn Vizcarra, and asking for help like this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Since I was just 12 years old, I’ve been living with SLE (Lupus) and Rheumatoid Arthritis. For years, my life has revolved around doctors, medications, and treatments, all in hopes of feeling better. Sadly, nothing has worked, and many of the medications meant to help me have instead damaged my body. I now suffer from severe stomach issues and vomit every single day. Recently, I was also diagnosed with , Osteochondrosis and the pain has become unbearable. Most nights, I cry myself to sleep because my body simply won’t let me rest. Even so, I choose to show the world a smile. My life may look like rainbows and sunshine, but that’s because I fight every day to be seen as strong—not broken. I don’t want to be known as the sick girl; I want to be known as the strong girl who refuses to give up.

I am humbly asking for help to reach my goal so I can pursue an expensive treatment that I truly believe could give me my life back. More than anything, I want to live without constant pain and be a healthy, present mom for my daughter. She is my reason for holding on and continuing to fight. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, sharing, donating, and supporting me in any way. Every bit of help means more than I could ever express.