Hi, I am Rayna.

Asking for help has never come easily to me. Anyone who knows me knows I'd much rather struggle on my own than ask for support, especially financial support. But after a lot of thought, I've realized I can't do this alone anymore.

I'm only 24 years old, but my world has become limited by illnesses I never expected to face.

About two years ago, after years of being told my symptoms were "just anxiety," I was finally diagnosed with dysautonomia, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST). I also live with trigeminal headaches and other genetic health conditions that continue to affect my daily life. Finally having answers was a relief, but it also marked the beginning of a very difficult journey.

Before I became ill, I was an outgoing and active person. I loved going for walks, swimming whenever I had the chance, travelling, playing music, and expressing myself through art. I had so many dreams and plans for my future.

Living with these conditions has taken so much from me. I missed out on many of the experiences that make up your teenage years, including graduating from high school. Earlier this year, my health took a significant turn for the worse after a severe flare-up that left me feeling like I was back at square one, having to retrain my body to do things that once came naturally.

Since becoming ill, I've had to make countless trips to the hospital because of my condition. Each visit has been physically and emotionally exhausting, and they have become an unfortunate part of my life while searching for answers and trying to manage my symptoms.

Today, I can't stand for more than 10 to 15 minutes without feeling like I'm going to pass out or actually fainting. I struggle to shower because of my mobility limitations, and I can no longer go for walks. Losing my independence has been one of the hardest parts of this illness. The physical limitations have also taken a serious toll on my mental health, leaving me feeling exhausted, isolated, and deeply depressed.

As my condition worsened, I reached a point where I could no longer care for myself and had to move back in with my parents. This illness has placed an enormous emotional, physical, and financial strain on both my family and my friendships. It has been heartbreaking to watch my life become smaller while those around me continue moving forward.

Recently, I found a brain rehabilitation centre that specializes in treating people with dysautonomia. Their approach has given me hope for the first time in a long time, and I truly believe these treatments could help me regain some of my independence and improve my quality of life.

Unfortunately, these treatments are expensive, require frequent travel out of town, and come with additional costs such as fuel, accommodations when needed, and medical equipment. I'm also trying to purchase items that will help me manage my condition at home, including:

• A walker to help with mobility and prevent falls.

• A shower chair so I can safely bathe without risking fainting.

• Nerve stimulation devices and other therapeutic equipment recommended to support my recovery.

• Naturopathic appointments and supportive therapies that are not covered by insurance.

• Travel expenses, including gas and accommodation when needed, to attend specialist appointments and treatment sessions.

Asking for help is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I never imagined I would be in a position where I needed to rely on the kindness of others, but right now I'm doing everything I can to give myself the best chance at getting my life back.

My biggest wish isn't anything extravagant. I just want to function again. I want to be able to walk, travel, spend time with friends, create art, play music, and experience the things most 24-year-olds get to enjoy. I want the opportunity to build a future instead of simply trying to make it through each day.

If you're able to donate, no matter the amount, it would mean more to me than I could ever express. If donating isn't possible, simply sharing my fundraiser would help more than you know.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for believing in me, and for helping me fight for a chance to regain my independence and my life.