Help Stiles Fight Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Hi, my name is Stiles, and in January of 2025, I was diagnosed with a life-changing chronic condition called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. It is a complex condition that, unfortunately, is under-researched and without any real kind of treatment. I've had it undiagnosed for years, but recently a major life-threatening infection progressed it to the point where I can barely walk on my own. I need a wheelchair or a rollator outside the house. I have to use a shower chair. Bad weather leaves me a bedridden mess with full-body pain and severe nausea. I ache like I've got the flu more days than not. And worst of all, I can barely hold my focus long enough to type this out (I've been at this for about an hour, jumping between paragraphs to try and make this all make sense). I can't read a book anymore because the brain fog is unrelenting.

I lost my job of 12 years the day before I received my diagnosis, and I am too sick to find gainful employment elsewhere. I have applied for disability but need to attend multiple appointments and testing all over the state before the inevitable denial (I have already been denied once, and this is my first appeal. Only 10% of cases are granted disability on this appeal level, so I will likely be denied and have to appeal again at the hearing level, where I am far more likely to be approved) that will have me waiting another several months before I get to try the tests and appointments all over again.

I have no savings, and my extended family all have very busy lives and are mostly unable to assist me with things like rides to appointments.

Any funds donated here will go to three things.

1. Transportation costs to medical appointments.

2. Prescription and OTC medication costs.

3. Medical equipment for symptom management.

It's going to be months before I am possibly granted disability, and even then, you have to wait 5 months after the approval before benefits start. So I am asking for help to keep me going until then. I am so close to a solution that will allow me to take care of myself and my needs. I just need a little help holding on until that day. Even if that help is just sharing my story so more people become aware of it.

Thank you.