Dear family, friends, and colleagues,

I’m writing to share the journey of my daughter, Kelsey Shields.

Kelsey, 38, has devoted her entire career to caring for others. As a former emergency department RN, EMT, and forensic nurse examiner, she spent years rushing to the aid of patients and standing beside families in their hardest moments. Today, she needs our help to reclaim her own health and rebuild the life she loves.

When Kelsey contracted COVID-19, we thought her illness would be temporary. Instead, it developed into Long COVID—a debilitating condition that has turned her world upside down. She now battles a range of complex, life-altering symptoms, including:

    •    Dysautonomia

    •    POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)

    •    Orthostatic intolerance

    •    Cognitive dysfunction

    •    Chronic fatigue syndrome

These symptoms leave her unable to work—or even complete daily tasks without support. Most days, the only relief comes when she is lying flat.

Because of the severity of her illness, Kelsey now has a surgically placed central line that allows her to receive daily IV infusions of fluids and medications. These treatments are essential just to keep her stable enough to function, but they bring new risks, ongoing expenses, and require specialized supplies and monitoring.

Despite her determination and resilience, Kelsey faces overwhelming physical and financial challenges. Insurance does not cover many of the things she urgently needs, including:

    •    In-home care and daily assistance

    •    Transportation to medical appointments

    •    Help with meals and household tasks

    •    Mobility aids and medical equipment

    •    Specialized medications, infusions, and treatments

Everyday life has become a struggle—emotionally, physically, and financially. As a family, we never imagined being in this position. We’ve always been the helpers, but now we must reach out for help ourselves.

Kelsey has spent her life fighting for her patients, her friends, and her family. Now, she is fighting for her own health and future. With your support, she can focus on healing—and one day return to the nursing work that is so much a part of who she is.

If you are able, please consider donating, sharing this campaign, or spreading the word. Every act of kindness brings Kelsey one step closer to regaining her independence.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

With gratitude,

Wendy Gibson

(Kelsey’s Mother)