
Help me recover from Long COVID
Donation protected
The last 20 months have really shown me what a tenacious and resilient person I am. It's also shown me that I need the kind of community care I've provided to others if I'm ever going to get back to thriving.
I got COVID in December of 2021 and I am still fighting to recover. I spent 2022 focused on healing and working enough to cover the cost of survival. I'm so proud of what I've accomplished and so relieved at my progress to date.
I also documented every helpful strategy I found and made myself available to anyone who had questions about this new and not yet understood disability. For me personally, I was eventually able to get seen by doctors at the USC COVID Recovery Clinic and get three diagnoses: I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and post-exertional malaise. I look on the bright side, stick to my disciplined routine, and try to make the best of it, but please don't misunderstand me. I have been in hell.
Climbing out of hell is possible but it's also expensive. I've incurred so much debt from medications, supplements, expensive doctor visits, and having to pay others to do things I could not do for myself (there's a very expensive meal subscription involved). I also lost tens of thousands of dollars in expected income since my ability to work is so limited. If I meet this goal, you will have helped me cover about half of the expenses this tragedy created for me. You will be giving me space to rest and heal. You will help me get closer to a place where I can use my experience to help the millions of people who suffer from this.
I have done so much for my communities. I donated thousands of hours to build systems that support vulnerable children and families in Central Texas. I have donated thousands of dollars to support trans people, refugees, voting rights, and the arts. In my paid work I have made systems more equitable and effective for hundreds of thousands of children. When I thrive I bring so many people with me. Please help.
Organizer
Desiree Morales
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA