Help Restore Quality of Life: Support for Medical Program

Dear Friends & Family,

As you may or may not know, I have been sick on and off for the past decade. In the last few years, we have started to finally be able to diagnose some of the ailments that have affected my everyday life. Among these have been Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, back and side pain, nerve issues in my hands and feet, and most recently, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, POTS, and Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia has no cure. It is a lifelong ailment for which the only "cure" is pain management. So far, I have been doing my best to mask my pain with medicines, rest, and physical therapy. However, there are more things that I can do, and one of those things is a special program run by the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, called the Mayo Clinic's Pain Rehabilitation Center (PRC).

The PRC is a three-week program designed to help individuals with chronic pain manage their condition and return to a more active lifestyle. It utilizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining behavioral, physical, and occupational therapies to help patients restore physical activities, improve their quality of life, and potentially reduce or eliminate their reliance on pain medications.

Thankfully, since we met our deductible and out-of-pocket max, my insurance is covering this program in full. However, while Jacksonville is close, it is not close enough to drive back and forth each day, or even really each week. Three weeks away from home comes with other added expenses, including gas, hotel stays, food, and more.

I try to support myself as best I can. This is not easy to ask, but I am asking my family and friends for help. My hope is that after this program, I can get back to some normalcy, including possibly working part-time again. My pain makes working a struggle, and I have not been employed since I was at Disney in 2019. I would love to get back there.

I know this ask may come as a surprise to some, as we all have our own personal and financial struggles, but every dollar helps bring me closer to my goal of returning to normalcy. If you are not able to contribute financially, I understand, but could you please share this with your network? I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you so much,

Mandie <3

NOTE: If you prefer to donate via cash, check or other online methods, please message me privately and I can reflect your donation in the totals!