Ten months ago, I created a GoFundMe for my good friend Mei Ling Moore, a longtime Lake Shrine devotee who had actively volunteered at Lake Shrine and at Convocation for years. She was 77 and had been largely confined to her couch the past six months while waiting to have hip replacement surgery.

After having the surgery, she was sent home to her apartment the very next day, where she was all alone with no one to help her. That night, she fell and fractured her other hip and crawled for an hour to reach her phone to call 911. She wound up in the hospital where she had surgery on her other hip.

The response to the GoFundMe was robust, and was a lifeline for Mei Ling. She used the money wisely and was ready to return to her quiet daily life. Alas, her medical challenges were just getting started.

What Mei Ling is going through could happen to any of us. She’s on a limited income and has been cautious with her finances, but one serious medical issue after another can send anyone’s life spiraling out of control. I’m hoping she can get the help and support she needs.

Here is Mei Ling’s story in her own words.

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In March, I had surgery for a 13mm kidney stone. In July, I saw my primary care doctor because I was having excruciating leg cramps in both calves at the same time. The next morning, the doctor called me at 8:00am and said “Get to the ER. I’ll tell them to expect you.” I had Rhabdomyolysis, which was very serious because the muscle tissue breaks down into the bloodstream and can lead to kidney damage or failure. The normal number range for the test is around 245; mine was just under 6,000. I ended up in the hospital for four days. I am now taking Repatha, which is expensive.

The rest of July through September, I had numerous tests, saw a kidney doctor, a urologist, and an endocrinologist, and had a colonoscopy/endoscopy, injections for the left hip, physical therapy, and more bloodwork. I spent a fortune on Lyft rides as I do not drive and couldn’t always get a caregiver because it costs $320 a day.

Then on October 3, I went to the ER and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Had to get more meds. In mid-October, I went back to the ER because I had trouble breathing. After more tests and X-rays and an MRI, I was diagnosed with blood clots in my lungs and was admitted for four days.

At the end of October, I saw my dentist and had to have a new crown, which is $2,800. I couldn’t afford that but the dentist fronted the costs for me because he didn’t want to see me in pain (I’d put it off for a year) and now I owe him monthly payments. On November 3, I had a two-part stress test and now have to see my cardiologist as well because I have coronary artery disease.

On November 16, I had a radiology test for my kidneys/bladder and the next day, an ultrasound for my legs to check for clots again. On the 25th, I saw a pulmonologist. I had to use my rent money for Lyfts and caregivers so now I’m behind on my rent and I risk getting evicted if I can’t take care of that.

I am so grateful for the help I received last year. Without it I would not have survived. I’m still using a walker and I hardly ever leave home unless it’s for a medical appointment, so I’ve pretty much been restricted in my activities. I could easily get depressed but I’m trying to stay positive and strong but I’m physically and mentally exhausted from all of this. I know it could be worse, and that there are other people with more extreme challenges. But I'm worried about keeping up with my appointments and meds and not losing my apartment. I’ve been here 27 years and I don’t want to end up homeless.