Help Kara Stay Afloat While Awaiting Disability

Hi everyone, my name is Kara. I’m reaching out for help as I navigate a very difficult time in my life. I’m currently waiting for my disability to be approved and am in urgent need of support to help cover rent, medical bills, medical needs , and daily living costs in the meantime.

I’ve lived with joint pain and fatigue for as long as I can remember — never a day without swelling, stiffness, or exhaustion. In 2019, I found my birth mother and learned she had lupus. That discovery helped me start connecting the dots about my own lifelong struggles.

My first rheumatologist quickly diagnosed me with psoriatic arthritis, which was confirmed through testing. Unfortunately, the medications caused awful side effects: severe fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. I switched doctors and found someone much more experienced with autoimmune diseases.

After more testing, I was also diagnosed with:

• Psoriatic arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Osteoarthritis

• Lupus

• Sjogren’s syndrome

• Hypermobility syndrome

• Neuropathy

• Degenerative disc disease

• Chronic low back pain

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Osteoarthritis of the CMC

joints in both thumbs

• Myofascial pain

• And more…

On top of that, years of physical labor have taken a major toll. I owned and ran a successful cleaning business for over 20 years — most of the time by myself. I also juggled multiple part-time jobs because I was a single parent rasing my beautiful daughter and I loved working. But now, after all that effort, I’ve been left with damage to my spine, neck, and hands — especially my thumbs, which are so damaged I can no longer grip or even open a water bottle.

In total, I now take 9 medications daily, 4 supplements, and administer a weekly injection, yet I still struggle with intense joint pain, memory issues, brain fog, and crushing fatigue. My doctors have told me I am no longer able to work, and I’ve been out of work for the past 3 years.

I’ve used all of my savings, and my amazing support system — my “village” — has helped as much as they can. But right now, I’m facing expenses that go beyond what I or my loved ones can manage.

How You Can Help

I’m humbly asking for help to cover a few more months of living and medical costs until my disability is (hopefully) approved. Anything you can give — even just sharing this link — would mean the world to me.

Thank you so much for reading my story and for any help you can give. Your kindness gives me hope.

With love and gratitude,

Kara