Hi, I’m Katie. I was diagnosed with an unknown form of muscular dystrophy at 22, and I’m now 31. Nearly the last decade of my life has been filled with uncertainty, countless medical tests and surgeries, and a lot of unanswered questions about my body and my future.

After years of searching for answers, I recently decided to take a leap of faith and reach out to a world class research specialist in Boston. To my surprise and immense gratitude, I secured an appointment this June. This opportunity means more to me than I can fully put into words. It feels like my best chance at finally understanding what’s going on and getting some long overdue clarity.

My initial appointment is scheduled for June 8, but I’ve been told testing and evaluations could last anywhere from one to five days, with appointments ranging from one to eight hours per day. Because of my mobility needs, traveling and navigating care isn’t as simple as hopping on a plane and booking a hotel. Accessibility and planning are essential, and they add to the overall cost.

I’ll be traveling with my husband, who is not only my partner but also my caregiver. Funds raised will help cover travel, accessible lodging, transportation, and medical related expenses. Any unused funds will go toward follow up care or accessibility needs as I continue this journey.

I plan to share updates along the way, just like I did during my visit to the Mayo Clinic in 2022, and I hope you’ll come along with me as I search for answers that have been a long time coming.

If we exceed my travel goal, additional funds will go toward a lightweight foldable power chair. This would allow me to safely travel, go out in public, and be more independent since I currently don’t have an accessible vehicle to transport my full-size chair.

Thank you for being here, for supporting me, and for helping make this opportunity possible. I’m hopeful, grateful, and truly believing that 2026 might finally be the year I get answers and can move forward with clarity and peace.

If you’ve followed my journey before, you know how much this means to me.

Whether you donate, share, or just send good thoughts my way, I’m so thankful!