Looking for light at the end of the tunnel

My name is Tammy. I have made a career as a teacher - specifically working with young children and their families to help give children the best start in school. Working with children ages 3-5 years has been my life.

In October 2021, I began experiencing weakness in my legs and went to the emergency room multiple times for what was thought to be a pinched nerve. After the 5th ER visit and more tests, I was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) in December 2021. By this time, I was experiencing the loss of the ability to walk and overall weakness. CIDP is a rare autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own tissues, the myelin sheaths. The myelin sheaths are the fatty coverings on the fibers that insulate and protect the nerves. We were hopeful this would be an acute form as I began responding to treatments.

By early February 2022, my mobility began declining again. CIDP was no longer acute. It is now a chronic condition. I was readmitted to the hospital for a week, followed by 3 weeks in rehab. Eventually, I returned to school in a wheelchair, with very limited stamina and mobility. It was during this time I began noticing some blurred vision. After more tests, I was diagnosed with pseudotumor celebri. This is pressure in the brain on my optic nerves. The CIDP is a peripheral nerve condition - attacking nerves in the legs and arms. Neurologists found only one other case where it attacked a central nervous system such as the optic nerve. My case is only the second ever. Doctors acted quickly, inserting a shunt into my brain to alleviate some of the pressure on the optic nerves in hopes of preserving what vision remained.

The CIDP has continued to progress, and I am now legally blind. At this point, the optic nerves have not recovered, and I am not able to return to my teaching job. Without being able to work, I have no income. My health insurance was part of my teaching contract, so I now have to pay the medical premium.

It is very difficult for me to ask for help. I don’t want to be a burden to my family. This go fund me will help with living and medical expenses while I continue working toward recovery. Thank you for considering.