<div>For over two decades, he's battled a relentless chronic illness that’s taken away his ability to work, drive, and now nearly all my ability to walk. We're fighting to slow its progression, but need your help to afford life-changing treatments insurance won’t cover.
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<div>My Story: At 22, I could only manage 28 hours a week, working four 7-hour shifts and needing three days to recover. By 23, I couldn’t work at all. Until things got severe enough that people could no longer dismiss the chronic fatigue syndrome and chemical sensitivity disorder as psychological, finding doctors even appropriate for the symptoms was difficult (still is). At 24, I could no longer drive without stimulant medication, and by 25, driving was impossible. Over the next two years, my ability to walk long distances faded. In the past three, I’ve become increasingly bedridden, from even a few bus rides to the store each week to none at present. What started as cognitive symptoms has progressed into severe physical limitations, worsened by my body’s below-average ability to detox and heal. The better doctors have been able to find symptoms, like spinal degeneration and neurological dysfunction, but not the root cause of the constitutional frailty.
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<div>Like so many with chronic illnesses, I’ve had to become my own advocate, seeking out rare experts who are often inaccessible or prohibitively expensive. After years of searching, I’ve finally found several peptides that slow the muscle wasting that accelerated when I lost mobility, along with other debilitating symptoms. These supplements protect my nerves, support my metabolism, and fight degeneration—but even at the best prices, are unaffordable on disability income.
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<div>Goal: <strong>I’m raising $5,000 to cover a year + of these essential, non-negotiable supplements that insurance refuses to cover.</strong> With only disability income, I can’t afford them alone. These treatments are my lifeline to slow the progression of this illness and preserve what independence I have left.
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<div>Your support will directly fund both off-label medications &amp; supplements that are slowing my muscle wasting and easing the most dangerous symptoms (like strain on my heart), giving me a chance to stay out of full-time care and regain substantial quality of life. <strong>Every donation, no matter how small, brings me closer to stability and hope.</strong>
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<div>Please help me reach my $5,000 goal to afford these critical treatments. If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign with your network would still help. Such a collective effort can fight this illness and give me a chance to live more independently.
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<div>Thank you for your time reading this and for your consideration. I will keep you updated on my progress and how your generosity is making a difference.
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John Stegeman

Anonymous

Mark Skudlarek

Thomas Smith

Ben Fisher

Krysta Myers

Mitchell Dupre

Travis Andrews

Rachael Andrews

Help My Son Retain Independence Against Chronic Illness

Help My Son Retain Independence Against Chronic Illness

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