Help Kristen take medical leave that she desperately needs

Hi everyone, this is Jacob. I’m starting this fundraiser on behalf of one of the strongest people I know—my best friend and the mother of my daughter, Kristen.

Kristen has been fighting for her health ever since a tick bite in 2020 turned her life upside down. That bite triggered a cascade of complex, rare, and debilitating conditions, including mastocytosis, alpha-gal syndrome, and POTS/dysautonomia—each of which is life-altering on its own, but together have made her daily reality one of survival, not living.

Mastocytosis is a rare, systemic disease where the body produces too many mast cells—cells that normally help with allergic responses, but in Kristen’s case, they overreact to everything: heat, food, medications, stress, even her own hormones. These reactions can be severe and unpredictable, often mimicking anaphylaxis. The World Health Organization classifies some forms of mastocytosis as a blood cancer, and while Kristen doesn’t like to throw that word around lightly, it gives you an idea of the seriousness of what she’s up against.

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), triggered by that tick bite, means she’s now allergic to most mammal-based products, including meat, dairy, gelatin, and medications derived from animal sources. It’s not just food—medical care itself has become a minefield. IV fluids, medications, even adhesive bandages can trigger full-body allergic reactions.

Over the years, Kristen has done what she always does: show up for everyone else. She’s been working full-time in a demanding job, caring for her daughter, showing up for her friends, her community, and her dogs—all while dealing with frequent ER visits, specialist appointments, and daily symptoms like flushing, pain, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and cognitive dysfunction. She never asks for help. But now, her body is screaming for rest. And it’s time we answer that call.

Despite pushing through for years, Kristen is now being forced to take a medical leave of absence so she can begin intensive treatment and testing that simply cannot wait. Unfortunately, the system isn’t designed to support people like her. She’s been advised that Social Security Disability could take 3–4 years, and working—even part time—can disqualify her. But she still has bills to pay, a home to keep, and a daughter to provide for.

This GoFundMe is our way of saying: You’ve carried enough, Kristen. Let us carry you now.

If you know Kristen, you know she is a force—kind, hilarious, smart as hell, and fiercely resilient. She’s poured her energy into helping others, even when she was barely hanging on. It’s time for the people who love her (and even those who don’t know her yet) to show up with that same kind of love and support.

Your donation will help cover:

    •    Rent and utilities while she’s out on leave

    •    Out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance

    •    Travel to see specialists and undergo further testing

    •    Groceries and daily necessities for her and her daughter

    •    Care support during flare-ups when she physically cannot function

Even if you can’t donate, sharing this helps more than you know. Kristen deserves the chance to focus on healing, not just surviving.

Thank you for showing up for her the way she has shown up for so many others. ❤️

— Jacob