My name is Rebecca Brown, and I have known Pita for over 15 years. I am the organizer and Pita is the beneficiary.

Pita was diagnosed over a year ago with a sudden, rare, severe, and debilitating nerve disease called Causalgia/ Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, otherwise known as CRPS Type 2 (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, often called “the suicide disease”). It is little understood, and is considered one of the most painful conditions in the world. The nerves cause constant pain and it spreads all over the body, even attacking the internal organs. It causes severe spinal and neck pain, locked joints, extreme swelling in feet, ankles, and wrists, inability to walk, vision disturbances, difficulty speaking and focusing, migraines, high blood pressure leading to stroke-like symptoms, neck tremors, and more. Pita has experienced all of this over the last year, and has almost completely lost the ability to use her hands. Her condition has landed her in the E. R. numerous times.

Due to this disease, Pita is completely disabled, and has no one to aid her. She has tried in vain to get government assistance. She has had no income for over a year and lives without heat for most of the winter. The financial stress is more than she can bear. We would like to help her get caught up on her bills, fix her house, and see a specialist for her condition.

Any funds raised will go first toward her medical bills, mortgage ($2000/mo.), insurance, utilities, transportation to medical appointments, and living expenses. Any other funds will be used to address the needed repairs in her house, including her leaking roof, plumbing repairs, window and door replacements, dry rot and debris removal.

Pita’s kindness and generosity have been well known her community. She was a solo volunteer caregiver for an elderly couple until they passed away. (Her caregiving duties resulted in injuries requiring surgery, which led to her contracting CRPS.) A professional hairdresser, Pita often gave free haircuts and food to the homeless; she provided free services to any client who had cancer; while working full time, she was a volunteer tutor for disabled children and teens and an elementary school tutor through a local non-profit (Community Action Partnership). An animal lover, she visited and cared for seniors and their pets in nursing homes; and organized fundraisers for the Humane Society and Locks of Love.

Pita is a humble, honest, and deeply pious person who wants nothing more than to go back to work and help others. Will you help us spread the word by sharing this? To each person who responds to this plea, she promises the only thing she can give: her daily prayers for you.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and may God bless you for your generosity.

UPDATE from Pita (dictated to Rebecca):

With all of my heart I want to thank you for your donations which mean so much to me during this very difficult time. ❤️ My symptoms are getting worse so my doctor prescribed an additional non-opioid medication which is not covered by insurance and costs about $800/mo. My primary doctor wants me to see additional neurology specialists in San Francisco, which may require a caregiver and accommodations. I’ve also been experiencing more frequent seizure-type symptoms which cause me to pass out. Recently I couldn’t walk or get up for three full days because my joints get so stiff and locked. I’m hoping the new medication and/ or specialists can help. I’m trying to stay hopeful that with your donations and prayers I will be able to one day be in remission and help others. Please pray also that my ssdi gets approved as it can take over a year. Thank you all so much. I am praying for each and every one of you every day.