Hi, I’m Olivia "OJ" Slaughter, and for the past 15 years, I’ve poured my heart and soul into building a career as a photographer, fine artist, and creative director. But six months ago, my world was turned upside down. I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, a rare and life-altering condition affecting only 2 out of every 100,000 people annually.

Also known as pseudo-tumor cerebri, my brain is behaving as if there’s a tumor when there isn’t one, causing a dangerous buildup of pressure. This pressure has led to severe symptoms like blindness, excruciating migraines, chronic fatigue, memory loss, and vertigo—making it impossible for me to work these past months.

Doctors have advised me to pivot my career, which is incredibly difficult but necessary. My immediate goal is to finish my degree before January and apply for my Master’s, all while working towards remission and finding my path forward.

This goal will help me cover my rent and back expenses so I can keep my apartment, as well as maintain my phone, Wi-Fi, email, and website—all crucial tools for my work. It will also help pay for overdue utilities and, most importantly, allow me to travel to NYC’s Langone Health once a month to receive specialized care from top doctors who are experts in my condition.

I’m fighting to preserve my vision, and with it, my ability to create art that fuels both myself and my community. I want to continue telling stories that immortalize the experiences of those who need their voices heard. Every contribution brings me closer to reclaiming my health, my art, and my future.