I am raising funds for my friend, Laura Cummings, Laura is a disability access coordinator, and in her career has helped thousands gain access. Laura is a dog mom of 4 dogs currently, with 6 previous fosters. She has a giant heart and she is in trouble because of her own disabilities and needs financial assistance immediately. When Laura reached out and asked me to help her raise money, I asked her for a brag sheet of sorts to help frame why she is asking for such an amount of money. The following are in Laura's words:

Disabilities

I have a fairly rare genetic condition called cavernous malformations. These are essentially malformed blood vessels found in the brain and spinal cord. The malformations mean that they have very weak walls. Sometimes they ooze blood into the surrounding tissue and sometimes they fully burst. As brains are Not supposed to bleed even small events (or the simple presence of one of these malformations) can cause a range of problems of varying intensity. The exact location is also key. Thus far mine have led to secondary diagnoses of epilepsy, migraine, and even hydrocephalus. Every time a specific malformation bleeds It has a higher chance of bleeding again. In October 2023 I experienced a new bleed (second for this particular malformation). While the associated symptoms have improved, I am left with likely permanent deficits this time - deficits that impact day to day functioning to the point that I may never work full time again. The only treatment that exists is surgical removal which is not always an option. Due to the location in the brainstem and the involvement of visual nerves, any surgical attempt is likely to leave me with worse deficits than I am currently experiencing. We are also out of medication options for managing symptoms.

I also have severe asthma and a medication I need to keep my breathing managed is equivalent to about 3 months worth of my mortgage so I have been forced to skip that medication for many months now.

Dogs

I currently have 4 rescue dogs in my home. Two are my own and 2 are fosters - though one is considered a forever foster.

Prince was adopted and returned 3 times before I found him - likely because no one would take the time to address his GI issues or anxiety. Even his treats are prescription!

Contessa was rescued from a hoarding situation and had never even been outside before.

Peluche (forever foster) was neglected by his former owners to the point that one eye was so full of maggots that it ruptured - he actually needs that eye removed. He came into rescue when they tried to have him euthanized.

Monte (foster) was dumped and while we know nothing for certain his behaviors suggest he was previously abused.

I have previously fostered 5 other dogs and provided essentially hospice care for one cat.

Bills

Incoming bills for recent MRI and eye exam are of unknown amounts. I also need other appts and lab work done. If I was able to actually pay for all of my medications under “low cost” healthcare they would run $3,515-4,689 per month. Unfortunately I've had to go without some of the more expensive medications and attempt to manage as best as I can.

Dogs need vet visits: $363 for bare minimum. Prince would benefit from starting regular acupuncture again to increase his pain management. My dogs also have their own medication needs as well as the prescription food and treats that they eat.

Regular monthly bills come out to a minimum of $4,000 a month. Note this does not cover food, gas, or household items.

I have been on various levels of reduced income since the bleed occurred in October 2023 and have recently lost my long term disability payments due to a misrepresentation from my doctor’s office. I have appealed that decision and apply for everything I can find to help my current situation. The reality is if LTD is reinstated that leaves me about 1k short each month on basic bills and I would lose the food benefits I recently gained. If denied, I might have a chance at state level cash benefits while keeping food, however cash benefits are $450 maximum. My most recent state medical application was denied because I had just received my “final” LTD payment so I have to essentially empty my bank account before I can start that process again.

Professional Life

I worked in colleges and universities for about 12 years supporting thousands of students with disabilities to ensure access, fight discrimination, and advocate for systemic change. As a working professional faced with chronic illness, especially in education, I have never had much opportunity to build up savings. Now it seems likely that I will never work full time again.

I am currently looking for part time work that will fit my new limitations however it is a tough market and the positions that may be reasonable for me are few and far between.