Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

It is incredibly humbling to write these words. Asking for help does not come easily to me, especially when it means opening up about deeply personal parts of our lives. Sharing our struggles so publicly feels vulnerable, but in order for others to understand the need, I have to be honest about where we are. We have already received assistance from family, and we are deeply grateful. However, we do not wish to continue burdening them.

December 28th, 2025, was a day that changed my life and my family’s forever. I was at home with my husband when, for the first time in my life, I experienced a seizure. I also felt as though I was having a stroke and asked him to call 911. That call marked the beginning of a 41-day stay between the hospital and a skilled nursing facility. During that time, I underwent countless tests and evaluations by multiple specialists, all searching for answers.

I was ultimately diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This condition is lifelong. While it is not considered life-threatening, it is chronic and debilitating. My symptoms can change within minutes and are often unpredictable. I experience non-epileptic seizures, tics, tremors, shaking, temporary paralysis, temporary incontinence, loss of sensation, memory loss and brain fog, difficulty walking and abnormal gait, loss of speech, difficulty swallowing or breathing, chronic fatigue, and migraines. Some days are manageable. Other days are not.

I am now a 34-year-old woman who wears a medical alert necklace. I cannot safely wheel myself around a grocery store alone because my seizures are so unpredictable. I depend primarily on a wheelchair for mobility. There have been stretches of three to four days at a time when I could not speak at all. Some days I wake up from a nap and have completely lost the ability to walk or even transfer safely into my wheelchair. Other mornings, I wake up repeating everything I say three times in a row, or making involuntary sounds as part of my tics. Due to my seizures, I have lost the ability to drive.

The weekend before this happened, I was hiking in the mountains in the snow. Now, I cannot shower alone, go to the store independently, drive a vehicle, or cook dinner without assistance. The contrast between who I was and who I am learning to be has been both physically and emotionally overwhelming.

During my hospitalization, my husband stayed by my side for 13 days before he had no choice but to return to work. For the following two months, he took one to two days off each week to help care for the children, which cost us approximately $1,500 per month in lost income and caused us to fall behind on essential bills.

Before this diagnosis, I was a stay-at-home mom caring full-time for my two-year-old daughter, who has special needs and requires frequent doctor visits and therapy appointments, along with my other children. I also contributed supplemental income to our household. I am no longer physically able to provide that support. I have lost the ability to drive myself or my daughter to appointments. The sudden loss of income, combined with ongoing medical and travel expenses, has placed an overwhelming strain on our family.

We are currently behind on multiple bills, including a $1,200 propane balance due within 20 days to avoid additional late fees. Our propane supplies our heat, hot water, and cooking fuel. I also have frequent medical appointments, other newly diagnosed health concerns, most of which require traveling across the bridge — resulting in tolls, gas, increased vehicle maintenance, and paid parking several times a week. Beginning this summer, I am scheduled to see a neurologist and begin physical therapy across the bridge at least three days a week, adding to these ongoing costs.

It is difficult to ask for help, especially when the amount needed feels overwhelming. There is a deep sense of guilt that comes with putting a number on your hardship. But the financial stress is compounding the emotional and physical toll of this diagnosis, and we have reached a point where we cannot do this alone.

We are seeking to raise $25,000 to help our family regain stability. These funds would go toward:

• $8,000–$12,000 for necessary handicapped modifications to our home and yard (deck or patio improvements, outdoor stair replacement, safety railings, accessibility updates, and bathroom modifications).

• $5,000 to catch up on overdue household bills, including mortgage, propane, and utilities.

• $4,000–$6,000 to offset lost income from reduced work hours and prevent further financial strain.

• $3,000–$5,000 to cover ongoing medical-related travel expenses, including tolls, gas, parking, and physical therapy costs.

It is our hope to relieve enough financial pressure so my husband does not have to work overnight shifts, weekends, or a second job, which takes him away from our family during a time we need each other most.

These modifications would allow me to safely care for myself and the children while reducing the risk of injury or medical emergency when I am home alone. They would make it easier and safer for me to transfer in and out of our vehicle for appointments, create an accessible outdoor space where I can use my wheelchair securely, and give my children the freedom to play outside on beautiful days without being limited by my condition.

Most importantly, these changes would allow me to be more present and involved in their lives. Instead of watching from the sidelines, I would be able to sit outside with them, move more safely through our home, and participate in the everyday moments that matter most. As a mother, being able to show up for my children in those simple ways means more to me than I can fully put into words. These modifications are not about convenience — they are about safety, dignity, and preserving the role I cherish most: being their mom.

If you are able to donate, share our story, or keep our family in your thoughts and prayers, we are truly grateful. Every contribution — no matter the size — brings us closer to safety, stability, and healing.

Thank you sincerely for taking the time to read our story and for any support you are able to give.

We have had numerous people wanting to give direct donations and we are so grateful. Because of the volume of requests if you would would rather venmo or zelle it we can provide that information to you if you would like to send me a private message. Or if you would like to help make the handicap accessibility adjustments directly please reach out to us. We are grateful for any and all donations, prayers and outreach in all forms.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Amber