My name is Crystal and over the past several months, my health has changed dramatically.

I am living with a complex medical condition involving post-concussion syndrome, vestibular dysfunction, recurrent vertigo, chronic migraines, and suspected autonomic dysfunction, including possible POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). What began as occasional symptoms has progressed into severe positional dizziness, rapid heart rate, heat intolerance, cognitive fog, debilitating fatigue, and significant swelling in my neck whenever I am upright or physically active.

Despite multiple emergency room visits, extensive imaging, vascular testing, blood work, and consultations with specialists, there are still no clear answers. While these tests have thankfully ruled out many serious conditions, they have not identified the cause of my symptoms or how to treat them effectively.

Before all of this, I lived a very active life. I hiked daily with my dogs, attended Pilates twice a week, and worked tirelessly caring for dogs through nail trimming services while producing raw dog food. Today, even simple daily activities can leave me exhausted, dizzy, and struggling to function. I now spend more time in bed than out of it.

My healthcare team has referred me to a specialist in Calgary who focuses on autonomic disorders. This referral offers hope for answers and a treatment plan that could help me regain my independence and quality of life.

Unfortunately, accessing this care comes at a significant financial cost. Treatment starts at approximately $5,000 per week, and the number of weeks required will depend on how I respond to treatment. Accommodation in Calgary is expected to cost $1,500–$2,000, in addition to fuel, meals, and transportation. Because my condition has greatly limited my ability to work, I also face lost income while I am away receiving care.

As many of you know, this isn't the first health battle I've faced. Over the past several years, I've undergone thyroid surgery, cancer treatment for follicular lymphoma, recovered from multiple concussions, and managed other ongoing health challenges. Through each obstacle, I've continued working whenever I could and remained hopeful. This current journey has been the most difficult because it has taken away so much of my independence and my ability to do the work and activities I love.

Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward helping me access the specialized care I need. If you're unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with your family, friends, and community would mean the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your kindness, generosity, encouragement, and support give me hope that I can finally find answers, begin healing, and reclaim the life I've worked so hard to build.