Help Me Heal: Surgery, Recovery, and Business Aid

Hi, I’m Megan—a social work therapist, step-mom, and small business owner living with multiple chronic illnesses. I’ve spent my career supporting others through their hardest moments. Now, I’m facing one of my own—and I need help to get through it.

What’s going on

I chose to work in mental health because I’ve lived it—I’ve struggled with my own mental health since childhood, and that experience shaped my commitment to helping others. In recent years, though, my health journey has become even more complex. Since 2021, I’ve been diagnosed with a series of overlapping chronic conditions: Autism, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) from long COVID, and most recently, rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions have had a profound impact not just on my physical health, but on my ability to work and keep up with everyday life.

After my RA diagnosis in 2023, I began immunosuppressant treatment, which helped manage the pain but also significantly weakened my immune system. Then, in July 2024, an abnormal pap smear led to imaging that revealed a cluster of complex cysts in my pelvis—including a 5.8 cm ovarian cyst, a fluid-filled fallopian tube (hydrosalpinx), and other cystic structures totaling 176cc in volume.

On May 1st—my birthday—I’ll be undergoing a full hysterectomy. There’s a high likelihood that my left ovary will also need to be removed due to the size and complexity of the cysts. Regardless, everything will be sent to pathology, as I’ve already tested positive for precancerous cells during the abnormal pap smear. Because of my autoimmune conditions, I’ll have to pause RA treatment before and after the procedure, which is expected to cause increased pain and a slower-than-average recovery. While many people recover in about 6 weeks, my healing will likely take longer—and for at least the first few weeks, I won’t be allowed to lift, push, pull, or even kick anything over 5 lbs. That includes cooking, cleaning, driving, and other basic daily tasks, and I won’t be able to return to work until I’ve been cleared by my surgeon.

As a self-employed therapist, I don’t have paid sick time. I already used most of my state Paid Family Medical Leave when I was diagnosed with RA. I’ve worked hard to build a small private practice and support my team, but now I need help to stay afloat. I have full confidence in my surgical team, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. Scared of how hard it will be to not do much for weeks. Scared about the pressure this puts on my spouse, who will be picking up the slack at home while still working full-time. Scared about the emotional toll this takes on our family, and the strain of keeping a young business going while I recover. I’m doing my best to prepare, but I can’t do this alone.

How You Can Help

I’m hoping to raise $20,000 to cover:

Any amount truly helps. And if you’re not in a position to give financially, we’d also deeply appreciate:

Why this is hard to ask

I know many people are struggling right now, and I’ve debated whether to even ask for help. But the truth is I can’t do this alone. My husband works full-time in public service, and we rely on two incomes to care for our household, including our 15-year-old daughter. He’ll be helping as much as he can, but we’re stretched thin.

Many people ask if they can help with food, but our family has multiple dietary needs and allergies, so we can’t easily accept pre-made meals or delivery apps. That’s part of why financial support is so critical for us right now.

Thank You!

Thank you for reading this, for caring, and for being part of my support system in whatever way you can. Your generosity, whether it’s a donation, a kind word, or a helping hand, means more than I can say.

With love and gratitude,

The Gillman Family