Hi everyone — I’m creating a GoFundMe to help me get through a major health issue right now.

Over the past 16 months, I’ve been working on rebuilding after an extremely difficult period, which many of you know about.

I’m also pursuing an ongoing civil-rights lawsuit related to what happened. The case recently survived an early attempt to dismiss it and is now entering discovery.

But my body recently hit an unexpected medical wall. I have a rapidly growing goiter, and my doctor is concerned it may be serious - it currently hurts when I eat, swallow and talk, and I'm struggling with basic energy at the moment. He thinks it may be connected to more than a year of accumulated stress tripping up my health.

(See the second set of pictures: they were taken less than a month apart, in April and May.

And please ignore the look on my face in the second picture — I was frustrated I wasn’t feeling well and didn’t know why yet.)

At the same time, I have been offered and accepted a public-service job opportunity in Washington, DC that would allow me to do important democracy work at a critical time — something I care deeply about and am proud to take on.

But relocating across the country while dealing with unresolved medical concerns is a lot to carry at once.

If my health situation allows, this fundraiser will help me make the move with enough stability to land safely. If my health situation turns out to be more serious, this fundraiser will help me create a careful Plan B instead of being forced into another crisis decision with no runway left.

I’m asking for help because I’m genuinely out of fuel. I’ve worked incredibly hard to rebuild and keep moving, and I’m hoping to create enough stability to make the next decision carefully, instead of from panic or exhaustion.

Where the funds will go (if plan A plans out)

Immediate Medical Care: Copays and out-of-pocket costs for my upcoming ultrasound, blood panels, and specialist visits.

Accessible Moving Logistics: Hiring professional packing or lifting help so I don't compromise my physical health and severe fatigue during the cross-country relocation.

Transition Runway: A temporary safety net to cover basic living expenses during the gap between my current insurance and when my new public-service benefits begin.

If it's plan B, I'll update a more concrete plan.

I have a blood tests, an ultrasound and a biopsy scheduled for this upcoming week. I'm supposed to start my new job on the 15th.

Any amount helps, and sharing is so appreciate too. Thank you for helping me get through this transition.