Hi friends,

If you’re reading this, you may have already seen on my social media that I had to unexpectedly spend 15 painful days in three different hospital stays.

I had a very rare, severe reaction to an aggressive infusion treatment called Rituximab that was prescribed to treat my Lupus. This is a huge setback for me—and another mystery in my very long battle with my chronic illnesses. Although most days I barely sleep due to the debilitating pain and I struggle to do even simple everyday tasks, I have still managed to work part-time for the past 8 years to keep up with my nonstop medical bills.

But these latest hospital visits have been a huge additional financial burden that I am unable to manage with just my part-time work. I do not take it lightly to ask for help <3 and I’d be so grateful for any support you might be able to offer to help me cover my emergency medical bills while I try to recover from this latest setback.

Raising these funds would not only help me recover right now, but it would also help me in the future. As I have lifelong chronic illnesses with no cure, and given my current setback with one of the most aggressive treatments available, my options now will have to be experimental. This means I must rely on my own financial resources—such treatments tend to have minimal or no insurance coverage. One trip to the Mayo Clinic, a cutting-edge medical facility, for example, can cost upwards of $50,000.

I am determined to find a treatment that returns a semblance of normal functioning and independence to my daily life. For the past 8 years my life has revolved around my diseases. They have impacted every part of my life: taking away my career ambitions, ability to have a family, travel, and to make the choices most people have day-to-day and for their future. I want to improve my daily quality of life, but I also want the ability to live a life. Right now, I am just existing and getting through each day. I’d be grateful for any support that will help me get through this latest setback and back on a path towards other potential treatments.

The funds raised here will cover:

$10,000 – Unexpected Hospital Costs

• Ambulance, ER services & hospital stay from May 29-June 6
• Ambulance, ER services at hospital June 25
• Ambulance, ER services & hospital stay from July 2-July 6

$2,000 – Ordered Diagnostics/Imaging

• Laboratory/pathology, CT scans, bone scans, MRIs, X-Rays

$3,000 – Medically Necessary Items Not Covered by Insurance

• Medical Assistive Devices (ex: walkers, wheelchair, shower chair)
• Medical Supplies (ed: blood pressure cuffs, O2 readers, specialized heating pads)
• Medications & Supplements
• Adaptive Clothing (ex: clothes to access central lines & for wheelchair/walker use)

Many of these costs are increasing as my medical needs are constantly changing during my recovery as we still search for the right treatments/answers. This includes more testing/diagnostics ordered as my team of doctors on my case continues to expand.

Anything raised above this fundraising goal will help me access new treatments and go towards costs not covered by insurance.

I would be so appreciative of any support during this difficult time. I am very hopeful I will get back on track with my health and can soon return to a more stable, enjoyable daily life.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I would be grateful if you could also share this with your friends and network.

Olivia