Help Riley Fight Treatment-Resistant Scabies

Riley is a disabled trans person living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and multiple consequential conditions like Interstitial Cystitis. Riley is a treasured member of his communities, where he works to create spaces with disabled queer people and show up for others however he can. He enjoys making people laugh, baking cakes for his friends and sharing his love for Coney Island history.

Unfortunately, Riley was recently diagnosed with treatment-resistant scabies. Current medical research shows that conventional therapies (such as permethrin) are increasingly ineffective, especially in large cities. The financial burden of an ongoing, treatment-resistant infestation would be difficult for anyone to bear, but Riley is especially vulnerable because of his financial precarity. Riley is currently in the long process of fighting to secure SSDI, (which many of us know takes 3-5 years on average).

Riley went through the first 2 rounds of treatment with his allotted home healthcare hours, but trying to keep up with the physical labor still landed him in the ER with a severe flare of Interstitial Cystitis. Riley depends on his home health aide to remain in community. In order to help Riley successfully pursue third-line scabies treatment while keeping him out of the ER, he needs additional home healthcare hours to keep up with the strict regimen of constant laundry and cleaning. He has requested for his insurance to cover more home healthcare hours, but review and approval is expected to take about 2 months. Riley’s allotted hours make it impossible to complete the required tasks, and successfully fighting this illness really requires additional labor.

Without family support, Riley is asking for help from friends, community and allies as he navigates this condition. We are hoping to raise $1,300 as soon as we can due to medical urgency. The faster he is able to start treatment without disruption, the more effective it will be.

With things as tough as they are and the reality of current events, Riley knows it is not feasible for everyone to contribute financially. If you are unable to make a donation, he is also seeking people to help him with errand and tasks he's unable to do. If you’re able to contribute in this way, please reach out to @_rileycoyote_ on Instagram or shoot him a text.

Cost Breakdown

Home Health Aide Hours: $920

Out-of-Pocket Medication: $150

Supplies: $250

Laundry: $45

GoFundMe Transaction Fees: $35 (3% of total)