Donate to Help Me Restore My Health and Mobility

Thank you for taking the time to come here and learn about me and my health journey.

Over a decade ago, I started to experience severe and debilitating mental and physical issues that progressed over time. A search for answers left me with nothing - no diagnosis and no medical support. Because the standard medical system couldn't figure out my complex case, I was left on my own to manage and make the best of the life I had in spite of my limitations.

I climbed a 14-er in Colorado using my wheelchair ; I've crossed the country in a Winnebago ; I've hiked and backpacked with crutches and rock climbed ; I returned to my former passions of performing live theater and skiing (though I do so adaptively, sitting down) . . . however, I continued to slowly worsen while I fought for my health as best I could on my own.

In April 2023 I finally received my first real answer - I was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. A multi-system, multi-symptom illness. The promise was a simple treatment protocol that would end in full symptom resolution within 12-18 months. Unfortunately, with how long I was left ill without treatment, my case was more complex and my body more damaged than what was previously anticipated. I would need to move beyond the standard treatment protocol if I was to find complete healing.

Other diagnoses have surfaced including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Craniocervial Instability, Chiari Malformation, Long Covid, Bartonella, Chronic Sympathetic Nervous System Activation, and oral-facial challenges including narrow airway and ankyloglossia.

The treatment modalities that ACTUALLY can work to heal my myriad of issues are outside the standard medical system. This means that they are not covered by most insurance and are expensive. We have paid out of pocket for probably 90% of my treatment and appointments the last 2 years. Although prior to my diagnosis my husband and I had gotten out of debt, had the ability to help others in need, and accrued a good amount of savings, the last two years have completed depleted our cushion. With more treatments on the horizon, I'm forced to humble myself and do the thing I hate doing the most - ask for help.

After having addressed my severe spinal curvatures, my vertebrae and various other joints aren't holding well due to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (a connective tissue disorder). The next phase of treatment to help my body not feel like it is constantly in a Fight/Flight state is to repair the damaged tissues, beginning with my neck. This will be done using ProloTherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP). Just addressing my neck could cost about $2,000, with the next big issue to follow being my SI Joint and Hip for probably the same amount.

Future oral-facial (dental) work will include airway expansion to help me better regulate my blood oxygen levels, jaw bone and gum grafts, and non-toxic implants to replace the two extractions I had done June 2024 to resolve failed root canal and extensive infection. This work down the line will end up being $25,000 - $35,000 in total depending on how I respond to treatments.

I have made progress over the last 2 years through all the hard work I've put in. My mobility is improved, and I'm even able to ski a little on my own two feet again ! But to reach my healing goals and truly reclaim my life there is still a long way to go, and now I need your help to get there.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and donating. I look forward to updating you as I continue to work towards full healing!

Thank you for reading, sharing, and donating. I look forward to updating you as I continue to work towards full healing.

***Special Thanks to Ben Massie for helping put together this campaign video, and for seeing the value in my journey. Within the next year I look forward to sharing his work of 2.5 years filming a feature documentary about my story when it's completed - please check out the current progress of MOUNTAINS INTERNAL .***