Whitney is such a bright light in this world and her indomitable spirit is a rare find. In the 18 years that I've known her, I've watched her overcome so many obstacles and through them she has found her way- accomplishing multiple degrees, advancing her career and most importantly, loving those around her with such care and kindness both as a nurse, sister and friend.

The past 2 years have been especially difficult for Whitney with numerous health challenges, accidents and unexplained symptoms which have affected her ability to work and her day to day life.

Please read a little more of her story below and if you can support her in any way, I know Whitney will take that gift and return it to this world many times over.

Danielle Gelsick

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I’m so grateful to my dear friend Danielle for kindly offering to bring others on board to support me as I am on a challenging journey to healing. The past two years have brought more medical challenges than I ever imagined, and over the last few months my health has declined to the point that I can no longer work consistently or function completely independently. It has been overwhelming, and life-altering to say the least.

In December, I will be traveling out of the country for a series of treatments that offer the most hope I’ve had in a long time. These include targeted cervical, lumbar, and sacroiliac joint procedures for herniated, bulging, and degenerated discs; an intrathecal spinal infusion for my neurological symptoms; and intravenous infusions. These treatments are risky and will require several days in the hospital, but they represent the only meaningful path forward since my neurologist here has reached the end of what she can offer. Her concern is that this is a serious, progressive neurological disease, possibly autoimmune or genetic, but without a diagnosis she cannot treat it. These treatments abroad give me my best chance at recovering function and regaining stability.

My goal is to return to work as a nurse, to be part of life again, and to no longer need help with simple things like walking safely, driving, or managing basic tasks outside my home. Nursing is more than a job to me—it’s my purpose, and I miss it deeply. I also miss being able to fully participate in life independently! I honestly never could’ve imagined these health issues happening at such a young age.

My health challenges began in January 2024 when I was in a traumatic accident at the Denver Airport. A man’s suitcase fell down an escalator and struck me from behind, throwing me ten feet off the escalator. I sustained significant injuries to my spine, foot, and hip, which forced me to leave my job as an RN in the emergency department. I moved in with generous friends for 14 months as I recovered and tried to manage the financial impact, and even now I continue to deal with lasting spine issues and new disc problems that require treatment.

Last Thanksgiving, while visiting my sister in Europe, I became severely ill and developed pneumonia in Amsterdam. After returning home, I caught the flu from a patient, which caused everything to worsen. On January 1st, I was hospitalized with complicated pneumonia affecting my lungs, liver (shock liver), and kidneys. I spent five days in the hospital and nearly a month bedridden afterward. I still have decreased respiratory function due to lung scarring.

In March, after finally regaining enough strength to live on my own again, I suddenly developed supraventricular tachycardia. EMS had to chemically restart my heart in my apartment which was one of the most terrifying moments of my life. I underwent extensive cardiac testing and experienced additional episodes that made me extremely sick, and I still require cardiac medications as needed.

Then in September, I began experiencing a sudden onset of neurological symptoms that have continued daily. These include foot drop, extremity weakness, dropping objects, lack of coordination, difficulty with balance and walking, vision changes, and cognitive symptoms affecting memory, speech recall, and processing. Some days are better, some are worse, but none are symptom-free. These symptoms have made working, driving, and basic daily tasks increasingly difficult.

I have undergone extensive testing with multiple specialists ncluding a neurologist who previously practiced at Mayo Clinic. I’ve had five MRIs, many specialty labs, and a lumbar puncture. We started by testing for the most serious possibilities, including glioblastoma and rapidly progressive ALS along with all the typical neurological disease that mimic my symptoms like MS, encephalitis, and other similar diseases. I had to come to terms and be at peace with my own mortality if I did have one of the terminal illnesses we were testing for. I am a hospice nurse and have had the privilege of being present during many deaths, but it is quite the mind shift to be facing my own mortality in my 30s. While I am grateful those were ruled out, it has been overwhelming to go through months of testing without answers. Two weeks ago, my neurologist told me that we have reached the end of available testing here. She believes something significant and serious is happening, but without a diagnosis, she cannot offer treatment. My medical expenses over the past few months have been between $10,000 and $15,000. I have moved on to more alternative testing and other specialists at this time so I am still on the search for a diagnosis.

The treatment I need in Mexico is $15,000, plus travel, lodging, and several weeks off work for recovery. I am hopeful, truly hopeful, that this will give me the chance to get better, regain function, and return to the life I love.

I’m only 34, and I believe I still have so much life left to live and so much care left to give to others. I truly believe there is help for me and that I can regain complete function again!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. More than anything, I appreciate the love and support that’s been given to me during these experiences!