Hello everyone,

The short story is that I had Covid in early January 2022 and have since had ongoing post/long covid issues that have prevented me from working for most of this year and have seriously impacted my finances. I initially thought my symptoms were getting better in May 2022, but they immediately worsened when I took a summer job and have not improved again despite months of rest, doctor visits, and medications.

I started this GoFundMe in 2022, when it was becoming apparent I would not be able to work much longer and might end up needing to sign up for Social Security Disability (which I did in March of 2023). I will be using any funds I receive to pay my monthly expenses (food, gas, meds, etc.) while waiting on disability to be approved.

What are your monthly expenses?

Long story:

In January 2022 I, like many other people, caught Covid. Initially, my symptoms were like a cold, but after my fever broke I developed a severe case of laryngitis which lasted until around April. During those months, I experienced heavy coughing, vomiting, insomnia, and laryngitis. At the time, I was employed in a winter seasonal position and only managed to work the equivalent of 2 work weeks in 2022 from January to April, most being in March when I would work a few hours a day to try to get some money.

That seasonal job ended halfway through April. After leaving I focused on resting and recovering until May when I started a summer seasonal position as an interpretation park ranger with the National Park Service. After I started working again, my condition quickly deteriorated.

By June I could no longer perform the majority of my job duties. My symptoms continued to worsen despite using my voice much less and not leading any guided hikes. My doctor eventually stated to try 100% vocal rest for 6 weeks. My supervisor had moved me to admin work for the interpretation ranger team at the park.

Even so, for much of the summer I would frequently call out of work. I had multiple bouts of violent coughing, extremely low energy, horrible sleep, and a throat so painful that I couldn’t concentrate on anything, etc. The decline in working hours, plus barely working from January 2022 through April 2022, and not working from October 2021 through halfway through December 2021, led to a serious financial strain. My summer job ended in October 2022 and I have not worked since.

My goal is to raise money to help me pay for my basic needs, such as gas for my car, vehicle insurance, supplements not paid for through medicaid, soap/toothpaste, mobility aids, and so forth. I am working with my doctors to improve my symptoms and quality of life, along with waiting for Social Security Disability.

I hope that you can provide me with some help, or know someone who might, thank you for any assistance you can give!

What is it like living with Long/Post Covid symptoms?

Thank you for reading, and thank you for your support!