Hi, I'm Rebekah—a 23-year-old originally from Pennsylvania, now living in the Outer Banks.

About four years ago, I began experiencing relentless migraines, blackouts, numbness, restless nights, intense brain fog and so much more. Initially, I attributed it all to stress, lack of sleep, and needing my morning coffee. I visited countless doctors—orthodontists, eye doctors, ENTs and even psychiatrists—only to be told I just needed hydration, rest, change in diet, updated prescription glasses ect. But the symptoms persisted and worsened making even going to work or leaving the house feel impossible. I find myself often exhausted, moody and never excited to go do things with friends and family anymore because the pain just makes me want to rest all the time.

It wasn't until I found a family doctor 10 months ago who listened and referred me to a neurologist that everything started to change. When other doctors refused, he ordered an MRI—and it revealed the cause: swelling in my brain, white matter, a lesion (benign), and a Chiari malformation blocking spinal fluid flow and causing pressure buildup. Finally, I found someone that really listened and had validation. I wasn’t imagining my pain; there was a reason.

Over the past eight months, I’ve undergone multiple tests and scans. Thankfully, the lesion isn’t growing and isn’t a concern—but the Chiari malformation needs surgical intervention to alleviate the pressure and stop these debilitating symptoms.

While I hate to ever ask for help, it’s true ask my family haha, today i am asking for help from you. I live alone hundreds of miles away from family and can’t afford to take time off work to recover. I’m given a few PTO days per year and saving those for this surgery and or doctors appointments.

So far, medical bills have already added up to thousands. Comprehensive care—including surgeon fees, hospital stays, follow-up imaging, and living expenses during recovery—will be overwhelming on my own.

Your generosity will help contribute to the cost of Surgery, hospital visits, Post-op scans and follow-up care,medications, Safe recovery time off from work and the other life basics.

I’m deeply grateful for any assistance—whether through a donation or simply by sharing my story.

-Bekah