Help Sandra heal from Trigeminal Neuralgia

Hello community! I am starting this fundraiser for one of my dearest friends, Sandra. I have seen her battle an unbelievably painful disorder for the last 5 years, with so much strength and courage. However, no one should have to face such a struggle on their own and I really hope we can come together and support her. To everyone that reads and donates- thank you from the bottom of my heart. Here is her story…

“Hi Everyone, thank you all for coming to this page. I really appreciate anyone who is here, reading my story.

A little background: I have been suffering from a painful and chronic nerve condition for five years now. For the first 3-4 years, I did the rounds of MRIs, CT scans, ENTs, neurologists, physical therapy, concussion and pain specialists, as well as alternative medicine: craniosacral therapy, acupuncture, bioresonance, and electromagnetic therapy. I have traveled across the world and now across the country seeking practitioners who can help.

What we’ve discovered through a lot of time and money spent, is that my pain is due to Trigeminal Neuralgia, colloquially known as the “suicide disease” for the severity of pain it causes. This includes a 24/7 dull throbbing pain in my Trigeminal Nerve branch, on the right side of my face, in between more severe episodes of electric pain.

As you can imagine, this sort of condition has wholly changed and stalled my life. Among the frustration with the medical system and its inability to properly diagnose me for so long, being in pain all day everyday without pause (for half a decade) has been a masterclass in humility, patience, surrender, and trust. I am grateful that I have people in my life who carry a torch of hope for me when I cannot, but chronic illness is ultimately a personal journey. Isolation and loneliness are big parts of that.

Which brings me to why we’re all here. I have found relief through a treatment called Neural Therapy, that I first tried in Costa Rica. It helps correct nerve malfunction / disturbance by injecting specific nerve branches with a local anesthetic. It requires very expensive injections (upwards of $245) - with treatment that’s done 2-4 times a month. And in all of Canada, only Vancouver offers Neural Therapy.

Undergoing treatment is a hopeful step in the right direction, but I’ve been advised that it can take several years. Not only can I not afford that, but I have also lost my ability to work due to the severity of pain, and other pressing symptoms like: brain fog, debilitating fatigue, and sensitivity to light and sound. In all honesty, it has been incredibly difficult trying to get better, while simultaneously not being able to take care of my basic needs. I need help with not only treatment costs, but with getting the necessities I need to survive, while in treatment.

To close this out I want to give a big, big hug and thank you to anyone who donates, shares this link, or has read thus far. I have been so reluctant in starting this fundraiser, but have taken the advice of friends & family, as they’ve witnessed firsthand what it’s like living with a chronic illness. The desperation, hopelessness, and despair that can accompany you when doctors fail you and the cost of living keeps rising. It looks like a room full of dead ends, ad infinitum. That said, I understand everyone has their own struggles, especially in a difficult economy, and I am not expecting you to sacrifice your own well-being. Anything you give is extremely helpful, because most of all, it gives me a sense of hope. Like there is indeed a door open somewhere.

Grateful, and looking forward to giving back in whatever way I can, after whatever becomes of my healing journey.”