Help Iris Fight for Her Health and Inspire Future Scientists

Hi, my name is Searose, and I’m fundraising for my sister, Iris—a brilliant, kind, and courageous science teacher whose life has been turned upside down by a rare genetic connective tissue disorder. This condition landed her in the Neurocritical ICU for nearly a month, and although she survived, her battle is far from over.

Despite having health insurance and working full-time as a high school science teacher, Iris is now facing overwhelming medical debt. Her extended ICU stay and ongoing treatment have led to a financial crisis, and she is now struggling just to pay for basic living expenses—let alone the specialists and treatments that are keeping her alive.

A Year Later, and Still in Daily, Debilitating Pain:

More than a year has passed since Iris's hospitalization, but she continues to live with excruciating chronic pain—her doctors say is likely permanent. Still, Iris shows up for her students every day, teaching with strength and optimism. She also volunteers in her spare time with a local animal rescue group, helping save abandoned and injured cats. That’s just who she is—compassionate, selfless, and committed to making the world better, no matter how hard things get.

Why We Need Your Help

The cost of survival has become overwhelming. Iris urgently needs help to:

She is doing everything she can to stay afloat—but right now, she cannot do it alone.

How You Can Help

Your support—in any amount—will make a real difference in Iris’s life. All donations will go directly toward her medical costs and survival expenses. If you’re unable to give financially, please consider sharing this with your community.

If you’d prefer to donate directly to Iris, you can donate via Venmo @Iris-Hood-1

Thank you for reading Iris’s story and for standing with us in this fight. Your kindness means more than words can express.

With deep gratitude,

Searose