Help Victoria's Journey to Recovery
Here's my story:
It was the beginning of summer in 2013, and my health was in a rapid decline. I knew I didn't have much time left on Earth if one of my doctors didn't figure out what was wrong. My endocrinologist did test after test, leading to a diagnosis of Cushing's Disease. Endogenous Cushing's Disease is a very rare, complicated, and eventually fatal endocrine disorder if not promptly treated. There's approximately only 3 out of every 1,000,000 people that get diagnosed with Cushing's.
Here's a pamphlet giving a medical definition of Cushing's Disease
In a shortened explanation, I had a tumor growing in my pituitary gland located at the base of my brain, which was likely there since my youth. This tiny tumor was producing and releasing high levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The high levels of ACTH triggered my adrenal glands to produce 4x the normal amount of cortisol the average person produces. Cortisol is the human body's natural corticosteroid. My body was producing a toxic amount of steroids, and after years of this "poison", my organs were were not functioning properly. My body had become what they call "Cushingoid"-an excessive amount of facial and torso fat, yet maintaining very small arms and legs. 
There were many signs and symptoms I'd developed, even the less common ones. Just to name several, I gained almost 90 lbs in less than a year, developed muscle atrophy, diabetes, heart problems, glaucoma, fatty liver, memory loss, hair loss, excessive bruising, and osteopenia resulting in 9 bone breaks in both feet/ankles (if not even more the Dr didn't realize!) and two spinal fractures. After being in the hospital for a month already, on Aug. 14th, I got brain surgery to remove the tumor and hopefully get my body back to normal. Unfortunately, I had severe complications days after my surgery with a brain fluid leak leading to a stroke. My body also became incapable of making any cortisol after my surgery, turning me into the complete opposite of Cushing'swith secondary adrenal insufficiency. Since 2013, I have managed to lose almost 60 lbs, my hair is growing back, and my eyesight has improved. With that being said, I've also since had a multitude of hospital visits, several adrenal crises, had to surrender my employment, innumerable doctor appointments, and have to take a large number of medications daily. 
Fevers, seizures, severe nausea, neurological/heart problems, and a thymic tumor found in my chest are several of the health challenges for me today. Even with medical insurance, there has still been a large amount of medical bills I can't pay, along with the other expenses that come along with living, such as gas, phone, student loans, etc. My doctors are sending me to the Mayo Clinic, where some of the world's brightest doctors work. I just found out the Mayo Clinic is having me come sooner than my family or I expected. Along with getting some of the best medical care possible comes the financial price of having to travel and stay there for at least a week and there's no telling how much it will cost for services not covered by my insurance. As you can imagine, traveling for medical care while not being capable of working is quite expensive. I would appreciate anything you are willing to give in order to help offset my medical expenses. Even if you are not in a position to give financially, thoughts and prayers can help work miracles! From the bottom of my heart, Thank You!