Help Ivy through Chiari Malformation living costs

Hi,

For the last few months I've been very heavily struggling with a Chiari 1 Malformation. Essentially too much pressure being put on my brain from the base of my skull. The spot where my spine and skull connect is pushed too far open - so where someone else's might be a 3mm opening, mine was at 8mm as a teenager and is now at 11mm. My cerebrallar tonsils, in the base of the brain, are too low out of my skull and causing pain in addition to a whole multitude of other symptoms. I haven't been able to work at all or do most basic tasks, and have been predominantly bed bound since September.

I was diagnosed at 16 when they initially found it due to concussion symptoms that hadn't improved. I hit my head again last summer and briefly lost consciousness and my symptoms have been gradually worsening. I've been frequently seeking medical care over the last few months, doing MRIs, speaking with neurologists and neurosurgeons, and trying to plan the best course of action. Most likely it will require a decompression surgery to remove a piece of my skull to create more space for my brain without the pressure. It's been a lengthy process because not all neurosurgeons know about the condition and I've been trying to get in to see a Chiari specialist who can help me. I have appointments to see a few different ones starting later this month, but seeking multiple opinions to get the best care for it. It's a delicate operation and has risk of complications.

I can't stand for more than 5 minutes because I get too dizzy or my balance will just completely fail and I fall. My vision has been going blurry for up to a few hours at a time, I get confused where I am sometimes and my memory has been foggy. My knees go numb with pain and they hurt while I sleep, and my neck and head hurts so bad I can't even think. I feel very weak and have had a few near ER visits, but I'm not really sure what they would be able to do. It feels like it's being crushed in a vice and even laying down makes my whole head hurt - I had to ask to be taken out of my second MRI last month because it felt like my head was being ripped off. I feel silly and embarrassed to admit to needing help but it has been debilitating and my whole life has been derailed. My mother has been helping me and I've had a wonderful group of friends supporting me but I think it's time to ask for some help financially as I try to deal with the process.

I'm asking to raise money to help me cover my basic living costs for now. I'm hoping to get assistance to afford my rent, bills, and groceries. I've applied for paid leave from the state but haven't heard back yet and don't have any money left in savings to try to manage for this month and next month. I've been waiting to ask for help because I thought I would have been able to fix it sooner but there's a lot of waiting for appointments and just being stuck in bed in the meantime.

Anything you can give is beyond appreciated. I've been trying to keep an optimistic outlook on it all but it's been a struggle. Thank you so so much for any help and support you can offer ❤️