Help TC Regain Mobility, Independence, and Hope

I’m reaching out with a heavy heart and an unshakable determination to help my beloved friend of nearly 20 years, Toyonnia Portlock—known to me as TC. At 61 years young, TC’s radiant spirit and love for life shine just as brightly as they did when we first met. She’s a fighter, a chef with a heart of gold, and a woman whose life has been turned upside down by a devastating health crisis.

The Journey That Changed Everything

In the summer of 2019, TC was living her best life—working full-time, running her catering business “A Lil Something T,” and pursuing her weight loss goals. Then, migraines and extreme fatigue began to plague her, but true to her resilient nature, she pushed through.

Everything changed when she fell on a treadmill while working out. What seemed like a minor concussion at the time became a life-altering event. On September 5, 2022, TC woke up unable to move her arms, legs, fingers, or feet. She was rushed to the ER, where doctors discovered she’d suffered a mini-stroke—but that didn’t explain her complete loss of motor function.

Months of misdiagnoses, hospital stays, painful rehab sessions, mounting medical bills, and endless tests followed. Finally, she was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)—a rare autoimmune disease that attacks the nerves, stripping away their protective coating and leaving her with severely impaired mobility, speech difficulties, and cognitive fog.

The Reality She Faces

Though infusions and intense physical therapy have helped TC regain her speech and some limited arm movement, she remains wheelchair-bound. The harsh reality of her condition is compounded by medications that have affected her heart and lungs, making every day a fight for survival.

TC hasn’t seen her kitchen, dining room, or bedroom since 2022. She’s confined to a hospital bed in her living room, relying on her husband, home aides, and friends like me for help. Her home, built long before accessibility needs, is now a maze of obstacles. Even the smallest tasks—like going to a doctor’s appointment—are a logistical and financial nightmare for those on limited disability income. Her wheelchair-accessible transport can cost between $150 to $170 for a 15-minute trip if not going to a covered doctor appointment, and without it, she’s trapped at home. A recent power outage left her lying on metal rails for hours when her special air mattress deflated, causing immense pain and a new level of vulnerability.

How You Can Contribute

We humbly ask for your support to help TC regain a sense of normalcy, independence, and dignity. Donations will go toward:

1. A Wheelchair-Accessible Minivan:

2. Medical Equipment & Supplies:

3. Home Modifications:

We’ve explored every avenue—local and state agencies, health benefits programs—but the assistance offered is limited and heartbreaking.

Make a Difference

Your donation, no matter the size, will have a life-changing impact on TC’s quality of life. If you can’t give financially, please share this story far and wide. If you know anyone who can donate a wheelchair-accessible van or assist with home modifications, please send us a message.

TC has spent her life serving others with her warm smile, her delicious cooking, and her generous spirit. Now, she needs our help. Let’s show her she’s not alone—that compassion, kindness, and hope still light the way forward.

Thank you from the depths of our hearts.

With gratitude and hope,

The Portlocks and Sophia.