update as of January 2024–

unfortunately, I am still at the same place that I have been with regards to my CareCredit debt because the interest is so high and the donations have been so sporadic that it pretty much just keeps me where I’m at. On top of that, I am now dealing with the Illinois Department of Health Services telling me telling me I need to pay back nine months worth of SNAP benefits, even though it’s agency error that I received them. I’m appealing it but my appeals officer said that because I’ve spent the SNAP benefits it becomes my responsibility even when it is agency error. The repayment amount is looking to be around $2500, on top of my $3000 CareCredit balance. Any help is much appreciated.

update as of August 2023--

I'm still getting back on my feet after my unemployment last year, which left me and some debt as I previously mentioned. At this point, I'm focusing on trying to pay off my CareCredit because the interest is so high, and that is about $3000. Anything helps, and I appreciate all the help and assistance. I use the CareCredit for my dental as well as medical treatments, and its been necessary since I transitioned from private insurance to Medicaid.

update as of February 2023--

Shortly after making this fundraiser last year, I got fired from my job due to my endometriosis flare-ups, after sending an email to my manager about getting accommodations for an excision surgery. I was fired unexpectedly over Thanksgiving and had to cancel my surgery, and the money I raised from this fundraiser I had to use for rent and other medical. expenses while I was getting on my feet. While I am now employed, I was unemployed for six months and, the upkeep of my ketamine treatments during that time have left me in a bit of medical debt, along with appointments for specialists for my endometriosis. Though I am now employed again, I still haven't been able to catch up from the deficit being unemployed left me in. Like I mentioned below, I have severe complex PTSD from abusive relationships, and it's very important that I stay on schedule with my treatments. These treatments have been incredibly beneficial in my mental health journey, and in healing for my sexual abuse. I am asking for community assistance to help maintain these treatments.

TW: mentions or violence and SA

 

Hi, my name is Sarah Hamburger! I am 29 years old currently living in Chicago. I created this fundraiser to ask for support to access a treatment that I think will be life-changing for my mental health! I recently qualified for partial financial aid to get ketamine infusion therapy for my c-PTSD and treatment resistant depression. Due to COVID, the financial aid they are offering is only able to cover half of the cost of my treatments. Unfortunately, my health insurance company has denied any coverage to offset the remaining cost. The remaining total I am responsible for paying is $1800, plus what the cost of maintenance medication will be after the treatment. 

 

I am seeking this treatment specifically to target my c-PTSD from both sexual and physical violence at the hands of various partners. Without going into too much detail, I was in a violent and abusive relationship for over a year. Getting myself out of that situation was incredibly difficult and has left me with a lot of lasting trauma. I feel like I have lost years trying to process this situation, and I still find myself struggling to heal from it. I have been in regular talk therapy with weekly sessions for six years, and while I am grateful to be able to access that through my insurance it has proved to be insufficient in addressing the severity of my trauma.

 

In addition to talk therapy, I’ve taken all kinds of anti-depressants and mood stabilizers, to varying results. The side effects have ranged from seizures, to insomnia, night terrors , having debilitating periods every two weeks, brain fog, and fatigue etc.

 

On top of my mental health struggles I am also currently dealing with various endometriosis treatments, doctor visits for that, as well as weekly physical therapy for my comorbid pelvic floor dysfunction. Even with insurance the endo treatments, medication, and PT are incredibly expensive, and I currently have to spend ~200 a month on medication and physical therapy. This is honestly where the bulk of my money is going. I work full time in customer service and have been struggling to stay afloat throughout the pandemic.

I know we are all struggling right now, and there are many campaigns that deserve donations. But if you are able to spare even a bit to help me afford this therapy I would be so grateful, qualifying for the financial aid has made accessing this treatment nearly in grasp after being out of the question to even attempt for years due to the price. Thank you so much for reading.