If you can, lend a hand! The “Healing Hannah” Journey.

Hello there! First off, thank you for clicking this link even to read more about my story and what it all entails! However, I want to prepare you… she’s a long one. So sit tight for a lengthy story about my journey struggling with Autoimmune. Don’t mind some of my dark humour, it keeps me going-haha!

Alright so, my name is Hannah Steenburg. I am a 26 year old girl who has grown up and lived in the little loving town, Brighton, Ontario. Everyone knows each other here, always waving and saying hello, it truly is the coziest feeling for a hometown! I live with some pretty amazing family members too! Mom(Nadine) and Stepdad (Kevin), little sister, Grandma and Grandpa, our dog Lewis and my beloved kitty companion… Carl (a shelter rescue)♥️

As you can probably tell, I have quite the support system on my hands! Including my partner Bradley of 8 years and his family… who are actually my lovely neighbours! As well as my amazing Grandparents, Cathy and Randy who forever go above and beyond as well.

I am surrounded by so much love and support, near and far and I am very grateful.

Now for the nitty gritty.

In 2018, I was first experiencing symptoms and diagnosed with Autoimmune connective tissue disease. At the time, testing was being done and the exact diagnosis was unknown. However, symptoms were arising and becoming concerning. (Secondary Raynauds, skin tightening and discolouration was also present. Think of skin turning to leather… very similar! But hey, I get a complimentary tan so that’s a bonus!)

Now come 2019-2020 things started to escalate and a diagnosis had come to surface with additional blood testing and seeing a specialist in Toronto who helps with autoimmune disorders, known as a Rheumatolgist.

What was determined out of this?

That I was now diagnosed with Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis. Also known as “Scleroderma”.

At the time, I had zero idea the impact and intensity this condition would put my body through. Little did I know …

Things began to escalate slowly with additional symptoms over the years:

•Gut failure which leaves me with a picc line in my left arm and getting ALL my nutrients from an infusion right through my heart!

•As well as DAILY chronic body pain

•Necrosis/gangrene of my fingers due to terrible oxygen/blood levels to my extremities.

•And now new on the list… heart failure. Where both sides of my heart are now permanently affected.

Now because everything was happening so rapidly and medication changes and treatment options were becoming extremely limited, my case got passed along to a Scleroderma Specialist of Canada who is also located in the same hospital, Toronto Western.

Within the last 6 months - a year, I’ve never experienced such a whirlwind of things happening so fast to my body. Physically, mentally… it’s been a damn doozy if you will!

I’m trucking through the best I can. “Just keep swimming!”

Being grateful for the small things, incorporating self care when I can and just being patient with myself has helped keep me sane. (As sane as I can be at this point-haha!)

One thing that has been an immense struggle for NOT only myself, but my family and support system is …finances. Why is this world so expensive? *Sigh*

Not only our time, effort and love put into my care for this complex rare condition, but I can definitely say negative financial impact sneaks right up and can make things that much more difficult.

As I mentioned prior in this story, my fingers suffer from necrosis/ gangrene and have developed extremely tender, painful and large wounds on my hands and fingers. In more simple terms, my tissue dies without proper blood flow and oxygen. Which is causing me such a struggle with everyday simple tasks, and trying to cope with my pain.

My lovely specialist finally sent an urgent referral to a clinic in Scarborough that specializes in what’s called, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. (Definitely worth a google search, this is a very beneficial, healing therapy!)

This requires me to do treatments Monday through Friday for two hours a day. For 6-8 weeks in a row.

I was initially going to make the drive to Scarborough from Brighton through the week for the two hours per day.

However, my amazing family support (grandparents) are now covering the costs for me to temporarily be staying in an airbnb to keep me off the 401 come the cold weather.

Sadly other things are adding up so quickly.

My support system and family have already put in so much time, love and money into making sure I get the care I need, to the appointments I need to, even medication costs and SO much more.

On top of this I do not work. I have been put off work by my doctors since March of 2023. My funds I receive only cover so much. Which requires me to constantly lean on others.

Bills, personal expenses, a needed car repair and extra funds while being on my own for 6-8 weeks will most likely continue to be a struggle.

At the end of the day, this is for me AND my loved ones.

Well here it goes…

I’m doing it. (Bare with me, this is the last thing I wanted to do, my paralyzed stomach is just doing flips as we speak …LOL)

I’m creating this platform in search of some financial assistance.

Truthfully, any teeny little bit helps. To be fair…coming on here and reading my story is already the cherry on top for me! Having open ears means the world already.

But if you feel you are able to contribute to me and my family… thank you.

From the bottom of my heart, to the ends of my finger tips and toes (well if they don’t fall off, haha!) I want to express the biggest thank you.

This has been such a huge, soul sucking challenge in not only my life but to my support system as well. But we are thriving where we can! Staying positive is key! Although I wish I could live a normal life of a 26 year old girl, sometimes you gotta go with the flow and power on.

I think it’s time to finally end this “book” you so graciously read up until this point!

Please feel free to share this link with whoever you wish. I will ensure settings are public on my platforms to help with this.

Again, from my heart and soul… thank you for listening, thank you for your time and thank you for any contribution made.

Also, if you want to learn more have questions or can relate to my situation and feel the need to reach out, my direct messages are always open!♥️