I’m Katherine and I’m raising money to help pay for medications that I am struggling to afford. My goal is to raise enough money to cover 4 months of medication. My stretch goal is enough money to cover medications until my FSA is renewed next year. My monthly medications cost approximately $640.

Why do I need your help? Before I got COVID-19 in October 2022, I already had high medical costs because I have several autoimmune disorders and fibromyalgia. In 2021 and 2022, I maxed out my FSA and still the cost of medications, appointments, labs, and other medical expenses I paid out of pocket added up to $8,000 - $10,000. Unfortunately, we spent almost all our savings on healthcare in those years, leaving us with very little cushion to help with these expenses.

Additionally, I got COVID in October 2022 and developed Long COVID. I have been a patient at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital’s COVID Recovery Program since January. After going through a long diagnostic process, I have 5 new specialists to see and pay for, and, currently, about $500 per month in new medication costs. Like fibromyalgia, there are treatments but no cures. I may need these additional medications for years to come.

It is hard to ask for help because I “shouldn’t” need it. I have a job to go back to when my medical leave is over. But I probably won’t return to full-time work until near the end of 2023. And in a few months, Samantha and I will need to earmark $950/month for our student loan payments.

I deeply appreciate your support, whether that is a donation, a share, or healing vibes sent my way. Thank you.